Transom mounted livewell pump

[boatnamesue]

1976 Aquasport 170

Hey guys.  It's getting near summer time, which means its time for me to install my above deck baitwell.  Anyone have experience with these transom mounted pumps?  I've only owned boats with through hole pump.  I'm kinda a stickler for aesthetics, so a pump, wire, and hose mounted on my transom bothers me a bit.  Though I'm most concerned with how good the pump picks up water when running the boat.  Let's assume I will mount the pump at the correct height on the transom....hows the high speed pick up on these pumps?   Thanks.

[Capt. Bob]

I used a 450 Rule on my CCP for a number of years to supply my aftermarket well. At 17 gals. it didn't require a huge amount of turnover so...

It filled pretty quick once underway and circulated the water well when running. I would guess most turn the pump(s) on and leave them run continuous regardless of the type pickup. It provided enough flow to keep what little live bait I used alive (pin fish, pilchards, shrimp). I have reused on my WAC and have a thru hull pickup. Seems to fill just a little faster but not a huge change. What pump are you looking at?

As far as aesthetics go, my well was mounted on the full bracket I ran on the CCP so it was outside of the cockpit.

The mounting bracket was the weak link. I replaced it once due to cracking (still held the pump but I didn't want to chance it). They lose flexibility with age and UV rays.

Good luck.

EDIT: I did some searching. Doesn't seem to be this style out there anymore (didn't look real hard). This is the type I had.
http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?190923-KeepAlive-recirculating-system&s=6dcd8d4b691fb25227e5c9198d30c0b9&p=2395833&viewfull=1#post2395833

It appears he added the pickup tube. My Rule came with it.

[boatnamesue]

Thanks Capt. Bob!