Fishbox or just storage

[jahoward1]

Hey everybody,

Does a 1997 Aquasport 200 CC have a fishbox or just storage boxes?


James H :afro:

[Capt. Bob]

According to the 97 catalog you have, starting from the bow and working back:

Anchor storage locker
Under deck storage
Insulated fish box with pump-out
Insulated, lighted live well

This is from the 97 catalog

[jahoward1]

Perfect! I was told that it was just a storage locker. Now I'll see if the pump out actually works. However, I've never seen a fishbox shaped like mine on any boat, pictures, video, etc...

[jahoward1]

A while ago, Capt Bob confirmed that the compartment that I was describing in a post was actually a fishbox on my Aquasport 200.  I've read at least a few complaints from other owners that the only way to empty this fishbox is to activate the pumpout.  I've always been a little curious because in addition to the pumpout, I've always had this pie plate sized covered opening.  When I've had water in the fishbox, I've just removed the pie plate and let the water run into the bilge.  I was just wondering is this typical or not.  Here's a couple of pics--Thanks






James H

[Capt. Bob]

I could be wrong but if you look at the # 3 (insulated fish box with pump-out) on the catalog pic I posted, it appears (to me anyway) to be the pie/deck plate you have.

[jahoward1]

Yeah, I was thinking that too but I wasn't sure. There are wires underneath it probably so maybe the access is to get to them. Just trying to get more familiar.  Thanks


James H

[seabob4]

James,
There is a livewell pump attached to the underside of that drain, serves as a pump out (cheap way to do it).  Check for voltage across the brown (12V+) and black (12V-) wires with the pumpout switch on...

[Aswaff400]

my '96 is the exact same boat if water would be in the box, the pump would never get all of the water out. i just used the compartment for life jacket storage so i just removed the pump and let it drain into the bilge...

[Lt_Nutz]

I have the same boat, 2003 model. It is a fish box and There should be a pump out motor under the inspection plate. The switch on my condole is labeled "fishbox pump out". I found that if you put water in it will splash out on anyone sitting on the front console/live well seat. I now use it just for dry storage. I keep a marine cooler behind the back seat/cooler (also now dry storage) and use that as a fishbox.

[louiefl]

I have a similar setup on my 175 Osprey. The original macerator pump was dead when I bought it and I replaced it with a Rule live well pump for about $30 (instead of $200+ for the macerator). it won't grind up fish carcasses, but the screen will trap scales, hooks, etc. that I can remove by hand. The existing white "screen" will unscrew from the pump below (mine was bedded in with 4200). My pump has a male threaded pipe on it, I used the washer supplied with it as a jam nut on the bilge side and then the new screen to hold it all together.

I considered just pulling the pie plate when I wanted to empty it, but the thought of blood and guts emptying in the bilge didn't sit well with the clean-freak side of my personality. Mine doesn't empty all of the water out either, but in Florida it dries out in 24 hours. Most of the time mine is used for dry storage too.

The other thing I noticed is that all of the pie plate covers have mold flashing in the middle of the o-ring grooves. I used files to remove this material, cleaned both mating surfaces, and lightly lubed the o-ring. Water tight and I can pop them out with a car key instead of prying out with a large screwdriver and jumping on them to get them to go back in.

[jahoward1]

Good posts fellas



James H

[seabob4]

Water tight and I can pop them out with a car key instead of prying out with a large screwdriver and jumping on them to get them to go back in.

LOL!!!!!!