Can I make a livewell from this?

[mcateercustom]

For those who I haven't met yet, my name is Lucas. I am rebuilding a 1989 bass tracker, and need a nice big livewell. I think I found something that will work for not a lot of money. I plan on buying this tank at the link below.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/30-GALLON-Fresh-Water-Tank-Cargo-Trailer-Concession-Camper-Gal-FDA-Approved-/300767196924?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item46071f36fc


Then plan on wrapping it in sheet insulation, then building a box around it from maybe plywood or something. Al will be hidden behind the seats under deck and want to build a lid on the deck that actually sills it of so water doesn't splash everywhere. I would like to hear your takes on it. Thanks!


If you would like to check out my build it is in my signature at the bottom of this comment.

 

[dieselfixer]

You could save a lot of work and expense by using a "coleman" cooler they are already insulated and have a water tight hinged lid. In my area you can pick up a large cooler at yard sales for $5.00-$10.00 I have one and it works great. Just another idea.

 

[mcateercustom]

Well I had really thought about that, great idea, but I was looking for something a little more professional looking. I wanted to use the latches from tempress so it would look right(moulded in) on the back deck. A lot of guys use the coolers and they work great from what I hear. If I could mould them in to the deck somehow and make em look good, I'd go with it! I'm all about just spending 5-10 bucks!

 

[vahunter]

I know what you mean, I'm the same way. I like the professional/factory look whenever I do stuff.

I believe some, if not all, tempress hatches are sealed. But I don't know HOW sealed.

 

[theyyounggun]

I dont see why not. I dont remember who but I saw just a few days ago somebody used that exact same tank to make a livewell.

 

[sawmill]

That is what I was going to use but remembered that I had saved the outer tank from our water softener when we got a new one. It was retangle in shape and just needed to be cut done for height. Works great

 

[mcateercustom]

Well I got to thinking about the whole cooler thing. I found two coolers for free so I think I am going to try it and just see how it turns out. They are a little taller then my original deck but I think I can make them work. They will be hooked up just like a regular livewell and not the cooler kit(no offense) lol. I am thinking I can remove the lids and set the decking right down on top of them. I will foam around a little just to add some good support. I am thinking of a good way to put my deck on top of them maybe glas really good the area that would be the top of the live wells. There would be two which I like. And then I could just seal them real good where the fiberglass meets the top of the cooler. Then......Man there's a lot of steps lol :mrgreen: ..... Then cut the wholes for the tempress hatches. I think it will work because it will look good on top and pretty much cover everything underneath with foam anyway. I still can have my professional look but it would cost a lot either. I didnt pay anything for the coolers so if I screw it up all I have lost is a little time. Here's the coolers.

I think if I take the lids off it would be just about the right height. Comments? And thanks diesel for the idea!

 

[theyyounggun]

What size tempress are you wanting to get?

 

[dieselfixer]

Lucas I am glad the coolers worked out for you, free is a hard price to beat. I looked at your build thread you are doing a fantastic job on your boat, it will be really sharp when you are done.

 

[PSG-1]

When I was a kid, the boat I had wasn't equipped with a livewell, so, I used a cooler as a livewell for bait, and it worked pretty good.

 

[mcateercustom]

Thanks Diesel!!
I think i am going with these for my live wells one on each side. If they are not big enough I'll move up one size, but I think these will work. I just don't want to have to have issues chasing fish around lol

https://tempress.com/#ecwid:category=610306&mode=product&product=1527358

I like the dark gray they have but if anyone knows where I can get them cheaper and that color that would be great! I have a feeling that tempress has really good quality though. I also thought about their containers for a livewell pretty cheap from what I've seen so far.

What size is your livewell psg1?

 

[PSG-1]

The livewell in my Triton 1650SC is about 18 x 18", it came from the factory. Kinda small, but at least it is a livewell.

But when I was a kid, I used a 48 qt cooler, with a 350 GPH rule bilge pump, as an aerator, sitting in the cooler, about 1/2 full of water.