Portable baitwell

[daniel123]

The built-in baitwell under the seat on the front side of my 1999 200 Osprey's center console is small, sloshes water all over the place when underway and is rectangular, which is not good for some baitfish. So I want to buy/build a portable baitwell that I can use on my annual trips to SW FLA where live whitebait is the ticket to catching fish but are tough to keep alive during the course of a day. I think I need at least 15 gallon capacity and I'd like to power the pump using my 12 volt receptacle so it is portable and can easily be removed when I don't need it. Question: Do I need to plumb it to use raw water or can I recirculate/aerate water using a closed system? I'm curious about what other CAS members with similar portable baitwell needs may have rigged, and look forward to any replies.   

[RickK]

We hyave a member that had a 170 and he installed a swim platform (or maybe it was there where he bought it) starboard of the engine. He installed a small livewell (maybe 5-7 gals) on top of the swim platform and I think used a bilge pump that extended down the aft side of the transom into the water to supply fresh water. He used it for years.

[boatnamesue]

You'll definitely need to circulate fresh water using a 12v pump.  Bait won't last in a closed system in the hot FL waters.  I've got a 13g above deck well...fashioned a pump holder onto the transom...works great.

[FL.flatback]

I just installed this removable pump bracket I made. 500gph for a removable 30 gal well. Installed a plug in the rear controlled by a switch to operate it. Haven't got a chance to try it out yet.

[RickK]

Good idea 
Let us know if it affects the effectiveness of the tabs.

[FL.flatback]

 Well my initial design didn't work quite right.
The bracket caused a lot of spray if you lowered trim tab. Plus the strainer/ scoop actually caused to tank to drain while running without pump on.

So here's the new setup. Flipped the bracket to get it out of the water while running. And added the pvc elbow. Now it picks up water while running and the 1 1/2" overflow  keeps up fine.

[RickK]

Revision B 

[daniel123]

That is all great info, guys! I do have an after-market port side swim platform and could go that route, but I like the oval inboard one as well. What's the minimum size you recommend for keeping a couple dozen white baits alive for a (winter;60-75 degree) day?

[TooLoose]

Daniel123 - In my opinion if you are planning to keep any threadfin alive a minimum of 15 gallons and a direct water pickup (800 GPH pump) would be needed. You could get away with less than ten gallons (heck a five gallon bucket and bubble box would work) if you primarily fish pinfish or crabs.

Whitebait is a bit different. If you only want the amount needed to put on a hook the 10-15 gallons will work, but many times you would be live-chumming. Obviously if you planning to live-chum the bigger well the better. I have a 35 gallon well that I fill up about half way (~15 gallons) and never have an issue, unless I plan to chum of course.

[alandry100]

I too am interested in this - I have just gotten a Todd 20 gallon and would like to plumb to be removable. I think I want to keep it along the centerline but am not sure how the best way to go about it is. Any other ideas would be welcome.

[daniel123]

Yes, I would like to have enough available to chum, so I'll look at a minimum 20 gallon tank. Any more ideas for us on how to plumb one portably?

[FL.flatback]

  Not sure if this is what your looking for.
Here is how I use my baitwell. If you look at the bottom you can see the hole for the inlet fitting. It's a 3/4 hose barb thru hull. It wasn't installed when I took the pic. And it has a 1 1/2 (thru hull)overflow. I made the lid out of some clear acrylic material I had around. Hope this gives you some ideas. I'll post a pic of the whole setup when I get home.