Has anyone ever made a livewell out of a cooler? Im thinking of using the extra bilge pump I have and rig something up for my skiff using a cooler. It wont be used that much, but would be nice to have to every now and then. I could also use just the cooler if I wanted. I was thinking around 100-120 quarts? I figured it wont be much more than half full of water. Anyone ever tried this or know someone who has?
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
People do it all the time! But there will be a lot of wash in a cooler that big! Just set the pump in the bottom and let it spray along the top in a piece of pvc with holes drilled in it.
Made one out of round 10 gal. igloo. used a bilge pump on a drop over
flex hose w/spray head piped into top side. Over flo also piped into side controls water depth about 2/3 full. Sits in rear and drains out
thru another flex host at motor mount. Be sure to seal pipe fittings well with a good marine sealant. Original water outlet lets you drain it manually. Just put in boat when needed!!! WORKS GREAT!!!
GW
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When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown
I made mine out of a 30 gal. plastic barrel. Do a Bing or Google search and you’ll get all kinds of ideas.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I have searched it and am just trying to decide which method I want to use. I was thinking the cooler for the insulation in it and I could use it just as a cooler if I wanted to. Thanks for the input so far
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
I used a 1/2" thick foam campers sleeping mat to insulate mine. Just wrapped it with white heat shrink tape. I can post a couple of pics if you want. Whatever you choose, get something round or oval. That way your bait won’t get red nose from swimming into the corners.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Good stuff Bob
Pictures would be great Bob. Thanks!
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
I’ll post some tomorrow.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I wrap my un-insulated tanks in this stuff I pick up at Lowes. It’s easy to work with and you don’t have to worry about it getting waterlogged like you do with foam padding should it get exposed . Works well on those hot sunny days.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Check out You Tube. There are 100’s of how to Vid’s.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Here are some photos Of mine. It’s been a work in progress over the past 3-4 yrs. I think I’ve got about $70 into it. If I filled it to the very top, it would hold 22 gal., but I usually fill it about 2/3-3/4. It’s kept 4 doz. or more bluebacks lively on a hot summer’s day.
I just added the Power Bubbles last year.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Thanks for all of the pictures. That helped my decision.
17 Carolina Skiff
60 Johnson
I would go with Happy BOB I have basically the same set up. The 12 volt power bubbles simply can not be beat. My homemade tank like his with the power bubbles holds bait just as good as my Creek Bank tank that I paid $600 for.