Livewell/Washdown Question

[Terminal Euphoria]

Just purchased (new to me) 2000 1801 CC w/standard livewell (30 gallon in bench seat) & washdown.

I fish alot w/live baits (live pilchards, spanish sardines, & pinfish) and the livewell doesn't seem to exchange water fast enough to keep these species alive. It has a Rule 700 GPH pump on it.

Question: What's the largest size pump that can be used without serious modifications to the overflow piping (don't want livewell overflowing). Also what are you all using for washdown pumps that work. My washdown is teed off the livewell pump and that's just not doing it.

 

[Terminal Euphoria]

FishFactory - definitely interested in any improvement I can get.

The 700 Rule is a dual outlet but it appears the former owner only used one of the outlets and then put in a wye connection for switching to either the livewell or washdown. Since I just got this boat I haven't dug into it enough to see exactly how it feeds and discharges (the discharge appears to be a 1.5" - 2" hose). I'm looking to get the maximum flow through this livewell I can. Most of my baits are in the 3" - 6" range.

Thanks for any help you can give me

 

[Terminal Euphoria]

Thanks FishFactory - I'll give it a shot and let you know how it works out

And yes menhaden are my bait of choice as well and I'd love to be able to keep about a 100 live ones in the well - wishful thinkin'

 

[got_em_on]

I am plan modifying my factory livewell as too since it is reigged to fill at top and overflow through pipe as mentioned in another post and does nto circulate.

Is there any concern about an 1100GPH pump draining the battery too quickly?

 

[Terminal Euphoria]

got-em-on

I just tore into mine and found the fill is actually on or near the bottom with the overflow near the top
Tried to replace the Rule 700 GPH cartridge with a Rule 1100 GPH and it wouldn't work - the impeller is bigger (taller) and scrubs against the bottom and wouldn't turn
I'll probably replace my whole pump and will let you know how that works
Battery draw shouldn't be that big of an issue 700 GPH they recommend a 5 amp fuse - 1100 GPH they recommend a 6 amp fuse

 

[got_em_on]

I have a factory livewell. I will probably take my livewell off in the next week or so. Overall, the design of the water flow is pretty weak-Spray in on top and overflow thru stand pipe also on top. Sort of reminds me of a fishtank to keep gold fish alive, but not much else.

Mainly looking to keep bunkers or small snappers alive.

Plan on rigging to fill at the bottom and overflow at top through drain mounted on outside of well.