So i've just purchased a newer boat and it has a livewell. I don't quite understand the fill/drain situation. It's got a pump to fill it, and a drain in the bottom. I don't see any type of valve or anything to keep the water from coming out. it's pretty basic, there is a fill pump located below the water level and there is a drain. I'm assuming there should be some kind of valve or something on the drain? if not all the water would empty out while moving or going over waves right? also there is no overflow. it would be pretty easy for me to install one, but would it be necessary as long as i keep an eye on the water level when it's filling?

thanks for the help

steve

There should be a way to close it so it don't drain while your moving. I'd really suggest an overflow just in case but I'm one of those that would need it eventually lol. My grandpa forgot to close the livewell on his boat one day and lost all the fish before he realized it. Not good when tournament fishing  So is the drain always open on yours now? Should be a way of turning it off either on the pipe itself or somewhere easier to get to like the console area.

It sounds like you may be missing a part.  The pump will put water in and the drain will let it out.  This is fine while you are still in the water and the pump is running, but turn the pump off and the water will seek it's own level meaning the water line on the boat.  You should is tall an overflow tube onto the drain hole.  This tube needs to reach almost to the top of the live well but not quite there.  The idea is that the water will only flow out of the tube when it is over the top of the tube.  This will allow you to run the pump to fill the well but allow the well to hold enough water for fish.  You will need to watch the pump so it does not fill the boat with water.  If not using the overflow tube you will want to plug the drain so that it does not fill until you need it water is heavy and gas is not cheap so save some weight and plug the well when not in use.

Good Luck,

Tom D.

There is a plug that goes in the drain in the bottom of the livewell.   You can pick one up at walmart or any fishing store.  It's similar to the plug that goes in the back of your boat only smaller and usually just made of plastic.

aaahhh that makes a lot more since. so far everything that i've looked at on the boat has been in good shape so i'm probably missing something or overlooked something. it started getting dark so i couldn't really mess with it too much.  if anything i'll either get some kind of stopper for the bottom of the livewell.  if i wanted to make some kind of electronic drain, could i just 'flip; the fill valve and wire a switch to it on the console?

are there specific electronic valves to buy?

thanks again

steve