DIY Hobie Livewell

I know their are dozens of DIY projects out there already, but I'm proud of mine and wanted to share for anyone wishing to copy.

Parts:

RV 11 gallon water tank
600 gph pump
Hobie 8" hatch (leftover from Outback square hatch conversion)
3/4 PVC
3/4 tubing
3/4 check valve
1/4 tubing
Drain plug
Overflow
Deck connector plug end
Rubber feet, rod holders, handles, misc hardware



Completed tank with power connected at deck connector. After the pump is primed I can cycle water periodically via switch next to the seat.



Here you can see the switch, the other two are for nav and deck lighting. Everything (lights, fish finder, deck connector) is powered by one lithium battery in the forward hatch. Both the intake and overflow pipes feed to the scuppers when cart is removed.



Between the spray bar and pump is the check valve, I found this necessary after not being able to draw water from an unprimed intake. The spray bar is held in place with a plastic clip so it is easily removable and the end cap of the PVC spray bar is not glued. To prime I unclip the spray bar, remove the end cap, hold my fingers over the three holes in the spray bar, then suck till water reaches the check valve. Much easier than it sounds, takes about 10 seconds. During the test run today I found the pump stayed primed as long as I kept the pump submerged (3-4" of water).



Can see the clip here.



Forward 20ah battery, has quick disconnect on inside of kayak for charging and removal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLhL4NO_Y84&feature=youtu.be

Works awesome! The only thing I would change is to move the drain plug to the front of the tank versus the rear so I can reach behind me while sitting to drain if necessary. I also plan to add a lower overflow since this one was mounted a little too high for most applications. All in all probably have about $200 invested, not bad compared to other complete units.

Looks great. Where do you put the fish catch that you keep to eat?

Don't see any kind of fuse in your electrical work. But you should have some kind of fuse coming of the battery otherwise if there is some kind of short your battery could get hot enough to melt right thru bottom of kayak or even cause a fire. I worked for an alarm company for years and one of our competitors had two trucks catch on fire in one year because the battery's contacted a piece of metal and were shorted out.

I drilled holes in a deep gear bucket that can set in the live well, with the thought of keeping bait up top and the fish separated below. If they're to big they'll go below deck.

Fuse is at the quick disconnect, just can't see in pictures. But your point is valid and certainly great advise!