Custom Livewell Modification

I am in the process of modifying my 1648 Alumacraft Jon Boat and the first order of business before I start any decking is to utilize the center seat and install a custom livewell. The entire intent is to make it look and function like it was an original part of the boat and not cobbled together out of spare parts taking up space. So here is a video of a mockup I made so that the fabricator and I are on the same page and he knows exactly how I want it to look and function. If you have suggestions or questions, feel free to let me know. Livewell Mockup video for fabrication

Looks great!

looks real nice... good planning helps good luck with the rest of your build!

Fabrication of the livewell is complete as well as all the plumbing. Just have to complete all the electrical, which will come later as the boat modifications continue. It turned out pretty much as I envisioned. I am pleased with the fabrication. Livewell Fabrication Video

I'm excited for you! It looks really nice so far! I'm sure you'll be happy with it because it seems like you've done your research and are doing it "right" rather than "quick". I've seen way too many projects ruined because someone wanted the quickest results rather than the "right" results. Good luck and keep us updated!

Thanks. Pretty happy so far with the fabrication. Coming out pretty much like I envisioned with my mock-up.

That guy is doing a great job! Welding aluminum can be very tricky. That work looks great. You will be very pleased Kevin. Can't wait to see it done. I bet you can't wait to see it filled with big slab crappies!

thanks for the update pics... that looks nice!

Some updated pics of the Custom Livewell build. It's getting there...pretty much exactly like my mockup.

Riverguy, if I didn't have a middle seat, it's what I'd do too...but removing a middle seat can have structural effects on a boat.

Visited the shop today and got the final details hammered out. We're going from the transom with the pump, with the line under the floor. One access hole in side of seat for both recirc pump and the overflow/drain out the hull. so basically all the plumbing will be on the left side of the tank. He was carrying around the mockup like a kid with a stuffed animial....he really liked it and made it easy for both of us to be on the same page....and he can refer to it during the build for reference. And you're right about the insulation. I will be installing it between the ribs to make up for the lost flotation.

nice set up RiverGuy! Agree with the location for fill/intake .... makes sense since most boat mfg's do same...must be a reason I have a project in mind for my boat, but that's another thread. interested to see how this turns out!

That sounds reasonable, and it will be a nice feature. I was going to post these links for you, but they really are only useful when you don't have a bench in place. You are on the right track. I will say if you're bench is full of foam flotation should probably try and replace it somewhere in the boat, sides, floor, whatever. I put a Toho Rig livewell in mine to act as a livewell/dry storage/bench since there wasn't a bench there. Works good for kids to sit on and fish. It worked nice because it's made for a 36" wide boat and since mine's 48" on the floor it left room for rod racks along both sides of the boat. Toho-Rig Cabela's Dry storage / Livewells

Thanks....I think after hearing the same from a few others, the transom mode is the safe way to go. Just hated having to try and hide the plumbing running to the back. I'm letting the fabricator do the entire Aluminum livewell job, pumps and all for $500. I feel better having a marina cut holes in my boat rather than myself. I just don't trust myself on that important of an issue. The rest of the build I will take care of myelsf (decking, etc). I found a custom livewell online for around $250 that would work made out of plastic plywood, but of course you still have to install, buy pumps and plumbing and labor, it's worth the xtra $$ to get it done right.

I know my jonboat doesnt sit in the water very far. I probably would the intake and the drain out the back, but that's just me. Can always replace or repair transom easier if need be. Nice job on the design and video. Just curious, what is the cost from your fabricator to do this in aluminum? Are they doing the whole project or just the welded tank? Good luck.

Took it in to fabricator and he really liked the mockup. His only issue was the intake out the side of the Jon boat instead of the transom. He's worried we won't draft enough water for the intake line. Anyone have any suggestions on this about the intake out the side toward the bottom on the jon boat?