Hard to even guess without seeing your boat. But you said “under your seat in the back” this makes me think you have a tiller flatbottom? 60 gal is a LOT of weight, it will take a big boat to handle an extra 500lbs safely.
General thoughts would say somewhat centered in the boat. Because of the weight, you would not want it too far forward or toward the rear. For that reason, Wade's comment about taking a similar weight out and see where it works best is a good idea. Maybe some storage tubs that you can fill with water would work for testing. I would guess if you boat is loaded about right, try to keep the boat setting at the same angle, setting on the water. That should make it plane out about the same. I would think it would need to set crosswaysThe wave action in the container could be substantial.
I was looking for a general idea. My buddies boat cant plane out unless I ride on the front. I would imagine in any scenario where I am riding in the back with passenger (most boats) that its a better idea to have the livewell in front of me to balance the weight. Which is what Tom said. Sadly most boats with large livewells have them in the back. Sea Ark. Lowe. Etc etc.
We really need details on what boats you're talking about to help. For example Lowe's catfish (18 and 20') boats have a bow livewell.
You also need to take into consideration how the weight is distributed when rigging... batteries, trolling motor, bait tank (or cooler for cut bait), plus gear.
I wanted a smaller boat than I bought but once I added everything up it just didn't fit into anything smaller than a 2072.
Sounds like your buddys boat is already underpowered or has bad weight distribution. Adding 500lbs might be a bad idea. You still havent told us what boat we are talking about?
My thoughts are anyone that wants a serious answer o a question like that would has identified the boat right in the beginning. If at this point we still don't know what we need to to give a reasonable answer then I wouldn't worry about giving an answer.
I have about 500 lbs of tackle in my boat. I will be appearing on the show, " Hoarders "
Bill, as you will see in my boat.........He who has the most stuff wins
I was looking in general since I am not sure what I am going to get for myself. 1860 Grizzly, 1860 SeaArk, 1860 anything is just about the same boat.
My buddys 16 footer will be a fun ride with a Tractor Supply Truck box but I think it could handle it for local tournaments (but not Cabela's King Cat, etc). My other friend won a 1648 Grizzly. So if I actually make a portable livewell out of a $100 truck box it would be used for either boat.
If I get an 1860 for myself (I don't like the larger boats!) then I will be breaking out the saw or just getting a very large bait tank to use as a livewell.
Most boats have everything in the back of the boat. I didn't realize the Lowe had their livewell on the front. They even have the Catfish 18 (18 footer). It's about same specs as a 1860 maybe a couple inches more and heavier. Maybe I should just say screw it and get that boat... if Lowe thinks an 18 footer is a good catfish boat...
I have about 500 lbs of tackle in my boat. I will be appearing on the show, " Hoarders "
Bill, as you will see in my boat.........He who has the most stuff wins
Just a thought. Many boats have they live well in the rear. Part of that reason is to protect the fish. A front live well in heavy chop would seem to slammed around some.
I fish out of a 1648 with a 50 on it. I couldnt imagine adding a livewell larger than about 25gal to it. Between the weight and space it would take up it just isn't feasible with room to get around and fish, especially with 2 people.
Another thing to consider is legalities. That plate on your boat that says maximum capacity.... xxx pounds. That includes a tank of water. A standard 1648 is about what, 800-1000lbs capacity? Capacity includes gear, motors, persons, and load. If you are over and an accident happens, your insurance can deny the claim... and most all big tournaments require boats to be insured for at least liability. You have a mechanical failure and hit a $80,000 catfish rig and you may be paying it out of pocket... How about one of those big giant cabin cruisers that are all over the bigger lakes/rivers? Would hate to have an accident and have the claim denied.
1860 grizzly is 1550 persons, motor and gear. So that includes people, trolling motor, batteries, gas motor, and your gear/tank of water. Dunno how much you and your partner weigh, but figure 3 batteries are 150, trolling motor is 50, big motor about 250... that leaves 1100lbs for you two, all of your fishing gear, and your 500lb tank of water.
1860 seaark is 1350lbs persons motor and gear.
Catfish 18 is 1323lbs persons motor and gear.
With that 60+ gallon livewell. I know the 16 footer is a risk (that others with smaller boats have taken around here). I think with a half full 60 gallon tote we will be right at the edge of capacity. I am borrowing a kayak trolling motor setup and we only have a 6 gallon gas tank (or 3 gallon) with a light weight underpowered motor. Wont go fast but should be legal.
The boat I want... needs to be a little better lol...
So livewell in the back if I had a large motor and livewell in front if is a smaller motor I am assuming? The 1860 comes with a 40 stock. That's a little small for the boat. I know where a 90 is sitting not being used.
Most "catfish boats" are built like a barge, to be flat in the water.. For hauling weight and not high speed performance. For this reason, you will see a lot of livewells in the rear for convenience, or midship for stability. Rarely will you see a livewell up front, just because the big heavy catfish boats full of gear and us big boys will have trouble lifting the bow and getting on plane. I would say if you end up with a catfish specific boat and need a bigger livewell, to first ask if that is an option from the dealer and if not then place your replacement livewell at the same location as the factory one. On top, next to it, etc. I'm pretty sure I've seen at least the seaark having the option to have a livewell and a bait tank or two livewells. Won't help holding a 75lber, but you'll be able to split up your fish to keep them healthy... this might be an option on several different new boats.. you'll have to sit down with a dealer and talk.
I have 1860 with 50 Hp and toolbox/livewell mounted up front behind front deck. When loaded I know it.
If you buddy needs you up front to get on plane he needs a bit smaller prop.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Catfish Angler Forum at USCA
2.6M posts
49.9K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more!