seafari live well

rhody98 · #1 01-19-2010, 11:41 PM

Has anyone ever converted the original pull-out cooler box that sits in the port aft locker of a seafari into a livewell?

If so interested to hear set-up. The collar of the box sits on the lip in the opening in pic below. I have battery #2 there now, I would move it forward to the cabin. I assume flexible hose could be used to be able to remove the box when necessary.

McGillicuddy · #2 01-20-2010, 03:24 AM

Hey Rhody, Here's a link showingthe original concept and Bushwacker's renovation. I believe in the '72, the live-well was deeper (the inner section, where you sponge lies, dropped down between the stringers) and the liner was not removable...at least mine doesn't have one. Our baits are 'dines and 'chovies and they really need good circulation to keep them from smothering each other so I use that area for house battery and storage and have an oval bait tank over the gas tank panel to move that weight forward a little... I know its not really the answer you're seeking but it may help with an idea...

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...rev=#Post79139

-Gillie

Bushwacker · #3 01-20-2010, 12:28 PM

Hey Rhody,

Your later model Seafari has the later stringer system where Potter changed the original 4-stringer Moesly design to 2 wide stringers. Looks like that wide stringer takes up a lot of space where the bait well is in my boat, which, as Gillie says, fits down between the stringers.

I agree with Gillie that the best solution is a portable oval bait well that mounts over gas tank hatch. My bait well is fine for keeping mullet, pinfish and shrimp, but it doesn't have any circulation at rest and only limited circulation at trolling speed, so if you're into serious live bait fishing, an oval type with a circulating pump would do the job better and give you better weight distribution. Mine holds about 15 gallons and has a noticable effect on boat balance when it's full. Check out C-Sick Nick's clever solution. He changed his scuppers to brass fittings with quick disconnect fittings so he can plug inlet and outlet lines right into the scuppers! Denny