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Where should a large livewell be?

6K views 19 replies 8 participants last post by  arky 
#1 ·
If you had a choice of where to put a large livewell where would it be?

Under your seat in the back or up front in/on the bow? Talking 60+ gallons for tournaments.
 
#4 ·
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.

Good luck
 
#5 ·
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.
 
#6 ·
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.
 
#7 ·
I agree with Wade. Tough to answer a question with anything worthwhile when we don't know what we are working with.

I also have a 2070 and love the space. I even got the tiller model just so I had the extra open space. I can truly say I am a free range fisherman.
 
#10 ·
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.
 
#13 ·
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...
 
#17 ·
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.
 
#18 ·
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.
 
#19 ·
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.
 
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