Live Well Size

rhall · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:08 pm Post subject: Live Well Size

So my dad just got a 2000 22' cruiser with a live well... can someone please let me know the exact live well size of pipe/tubing/rig to get cause it wasnt included. Thank you in advance for your help ...i have to install it for him before his first fishing trip when he arrives here in sabatian beach florida

PaulNBriannaLynn · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 3:41 pm Post subject:

I don't believe C-dory ever included a live well as an option. So your live well is an aftermarket item and the associated hoses, thru hull fittings, pump etc., is all aftermarket stuff.

Most live well's have raw water continuously flowing through them to keep the bait fresh, requiring a through hull fitting somewhere in the hull. You'll need to take extra care with this boat, as you may be routing it through the balsa core, depending on where the fitting is placed. Just something to be aware of during the planning process. I would want to properly seal this hole and the balsa within the core with thickened epoxy and/or fiberglass. Others will be better at suggesting a process for this. Just know that a thru-hull needs a little extra care.

Good luck! I could benefit from seeing how you do it. I've wanted one for a while but probably don't have the cojones to install one.

thataway · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 11:19 pm Post subject:

My 2006 C Dory 22 had a live well, with a Built in floor input and an overboard drain, which looked to be factory done. This was in the Port Lazarette. I have seen several others which were similar, and had a vane type of bait tank pump between the thru hull (scoop type) and the input to the tank.

I don't remember the fitting size. I believe the pump was the Rule 401 STC--but not sure--if so the hose was probably 3/4" from the pump to the input. The foot screwed into the thru hull, or a union. with 3/4" or 1/2" American Standard pipe thread (plastic).

I would wait until the boat is in your hands before you purchase fittings. Most likely a nearby West Marine or even Home Depot will have all which you need. For the C Dory plastic (or nylon) fittings will probably be fine. Bronze (not brass) would be the best. If the boat was plumbed for a bait tank, there will probably already be a thru hull. If there isn't--then the problem becomes far more complicated as Paul notes: there is a cored bottom, which needs to have the proper size hole drilled, the core undercut, filled with thickened epoxy, and then smoothed to take the thru hull fitting. The scoop, needs to be in a position which does not interfer the the trailer or give turbulence to cause ventilation of the prop.