Johnny
What brand of water pump do you use on your system? That system looked like the awnser to all our problems. Your live well was kicking out the water big time. I think I might have to set some thing up like that. And also, what kind of battery do you use?

Rich

I will get the exact info off it and reply to this asap

John and I have the same set up so this is what you want to look for:

A West Marine Bilge pump that pumps 460 GPM and draws 1.2 Amps per hour.
It is important to look at the Amp draw because this will tell you how long your batter will last. (My first pump was a Rule that took 2.4 Amps per hour which is why I changed pumps after my battery went dead half way thru a tourney once.)

The batteries we use are a sealed 12 volt the have a 7 Amp hour rating, they are great and do not take up much space.

Here are the specific specs on mine which is a MK #ES7-12


Nom Voltage(V) 12
Nom Capacity (AH) 20/10/5hr rate 7.2/7.2/6.12
Weight 5.91 (2678kg)
Length (mm) 5.94 (151mm)
Width (mm) 2.56 (65mm)
Height (mm) 3.70 (94mm)
Terminal Height(mm) 4.02 (102mm)
Terminal Type / Position F1 / 5
Max discharge current (A) 5 sec 36
Ambient Temp Charge 32°F - 104°F
Discharge -4°F - 122°F
Storage -4°F - 104°F
Max Charge Current 2.16


I am sure Deacon could help you out getting these items at the store where he works.

Also don’t forget a charger mine is a guest charge that will regulate your battery charge so you do not have to keep track of how long it is plugged in.

Hope this helps,

FIT

I have everything you could need here to build the perfect livewell. The only thing we dont have it the actual rubbermaid container.

If you live in the Santa Rosa area....

West Marine is located @ 2885 Santa Rosa ave(1/2 mile south of Hearn) We are right behind the Northbay Motor Sports. Come on in and I will help you build the the right liveqwell for your needs and Boat!!!!

Daniel:7 :7 :7

I wonder if maybe you had an older Rule pump Paul?

I have a Rule 500 GPH that only draws 1.9 AH. I only mention this because I know that Rule pumps are easy to find and order online.

I'm also running a 10 AH (vise a 7 AH)12v battery by Gruber. It's a high performance sealed deep cycle battery. About $40 including shipping on ebay.

UB12-B
Voltage Style 12 Volts
Cranking Power 180 Cold Cranking Amps
Length 6"
Width 3.5"
Height 5.13"
Weight 7.8 lb
Deep Discharge

I'm thinking of going to a live well system too. I've never lost a fish in my large basket (except last years night tourney) but I'm tired of the drag. DO you need to have a bubbler as well as the bilge pump? How often do you need to cycle the water and for how long? If you use the typical 7 amp cabelas type batterie, will this last for a 2 day tourney runing a fish finder and live well without a charge?

Yes I would get a bubbler along with a pump so you will not have to run your pump as often. I personally have two bubblers on my boat and it keep my fish happy and healthy ask anyone who tries to weight them in they are always lively.

Depending on how often you run your pump will depend on weather and number of fish. During the cooler months I only run my pump maybe a few times a day because I have the bubblers replenishing the oxygen in my well. During the hotter months I will run my pump at least every hour just to make sure my fish are happy.

As for a 7 AMP battery you will have to look at how many Amps your finder and pump will pull to see how long it will last. I have a 7 AMP battery and just to make sure I have no problems I will put it on the charger each night after a tourney.

Hope this helps,

FIT

Thanks for the info. And correct me if Im wrong, but did I hear that that pump and battery combo will last about 16 to 20 hours on one full charge? Also, Johnny, do you have your tub alittle in the water at the bottom or is it completely out of the water? It seems as if a person had 1/2 of the rubbermaid tub in the water than your plontoon wouldn't be handling the total weight.

Rich

thanks for the info.

basserdave,

Check out the Attwood bilge pumps that they sell at Walmart. 500 GPH and only 1.4 amp draw for around eleven bucks. That's the lowest amp draw for a 500GPH bilge pump at 12 volts !!!! :+