220 Sundeck Livewell Idea

surfinjoe

surfinjoe

New Member
Feb 23, 2007
946
Michigan
Boat Info
220 Sundeck 2007
Engines
350 MAG w/Bravo III
The lakes are finally thawing here in Michigan and I am starting to think about what I want to do next to my boat. I am considering turning the ski locker into a live well. Any ideas on this? At this point, it's just a thought. I am also thinking about mounting a rod holder to the bimini top support poles.

I know that my boat is a day boat designed for family fun, but I also think it would be pretty easy to make it a dual purpose fishing boat. I know it will never be a center counsole, but for what I do it should be just fine.
 
If it were me, I would shy away from that. Not because it can't be done (I assume you'd use a portable/overboard pump and not put in a thru-hull). But simply because it's an awkward area to clean fish smell out of - including the underside of the deck. Maybe making your livewell out of an igloo cooler would be better? Then you could figure out a way to tie it down to your swim platform. There are "chocks" for coolers available, but it can probably be done without drilling holes - using the holes in the platform and grab rail.
 
Hey surfin, I'm in the same market myself for rod holders for striper fishing. We go fishing here more than going catching so don't use a livewell! I'm waffling on the rod setup. Best I've seen is the scotty setup with the 7/8" or 1" pole mount. I don't know how well the bimini poles would hold up. I think these would interfere with collapsing/storing the bimini poles fully... though maybe not a big deal.

Other than that there's the clamp on to possibly think about at base/rear of windshield *or* the dreaded flush mount. I'm almost thinking that myself. Don't want to drill through the fiberglass but it seems the best solution.

I'd LOVE to hear what others have done here.
 
Dennis - you have a good point about the fish smell. A cooler is a good idea.

Lazy Daze said:
If it were me, I would shy away from that. Not because it can't be done (I assume you'd use a portable/overboard pump and not put in a thru-hull). But simply because it's an awkward area to clean fish smell out of - including the underside of the deck. Maybe making your livewell out of an igloo cooler would be better? Then you could figure out a way to tie it down to your swim platform. There are "chocks" for coolers available, but it can probably be done without drilling holes - using the holes in the platform and grab rail.
Click to expand...
 
I don't see why the bimini poles would not hold up. I mounted my VHF radio antena (8') to my bimini pole with no issues. Maybe something could mount to the aft grab rail as well. Let's see if there are others that have solved this problem for their Sundeck. I will not cut holes in my boat for rod holders. My other thought (although much more expensive) is to install a wakebord tower and mount rod holders there.

brstephe said:
Hey surfin, I'm in the same market myself for rod holders for striper fishing. We go fishing here more than going catching so don't use a livewell! I'm waffling on the rod setup. Best I've seen is the scotty setup with the 7/8" or 1" pole mount. I don't know how well the bimini poles would hold up. I think these would interfere with collapsing/storing the bimini poles fully... though maybe not a big deal.

Other than that there's the clamp on to possibly think about at base/rear of windshield *or* the dreaded flush mount. I'm almost thinking that myself. Don't want to drill through the fiberglass but it seems the best solution.

I'd LOVE to hear what others have done here.
Click to expand...
 
I bought a 20 gallon bucket from walmart and a pump. the full setup probally cost about $20.
Great livewell for stripper fishing. I use bungee cords to hold it on the swim platform.

1Drill the bucket on the side, 4 inches below the bucket lip using the hole saw.

2Drill the opposite side of the bucket 2 inches below the lip.

3Epoxy one barb fitting into each 90-degree elbow and let dry.

4Epoxy the 90-degree elbows into the holes drilled in the bucket facing downward and let the epoxy dry.

5Cut the tubing in half and slide one section onto each barb fitting.

6Slide the tubing coming from the highest fitting into the output of the bilge pump.

7Zip tie all of the tubing connections to ensure that there are no leaks.

8Connect the bilge pump to the battery for operation
 
Tim, here's an inexpensive thing you can do... Convert your bow area to a fishing platform. Cut some 3/4" ply to fit the area (maybe 2 or 3 pieces to make it easy to handle), remove your cushions and lay the plywood in. You could even attach a pedestal fishing seat. Your portable livewell can be attached up there. If you felt so inclined, you could cover the pieces in outdoor carpeting or just put edge moulding around the outer edges. You could even hinge the pieces together or make trap doors to access the storage under the bow. With a little thought and ingenuity, you could have a nice set up.

Make it easy to lay in so you readily switch from fishing to cruising. If you're going fishing today, throw the fishing platform in. If you're going cruising, leave it at home and put in the cushions.
 
Another good idea Dennis. I was going to do that on my 180 sport, but never even thought about doing it on my sundeck. Since I already have an extra battery, I could even add a trolling motor by mounting it somehow inside the anchor locker. I actually have some automotive carpet, so I would simply carpet the platform.

Lazy Daze said:
Tim, here's an inexpensive thing you can do... Convert your bow area to a fishing platform. Cut some 3/4" ply to fit the area (maybe 2 or 3 pieces to make it easy to handle), remove your cushions and lay the plywood in. You could even attach a pedestal fishing seat. Your portable livewell can be attached up there. If you felt so inclined, you could cover the pieces in outdoor carpeting or just put edge moulding around the outer edges. You could even hinge the pieces together or make trap doors to access the storage under the bow. With a little thought and ingenuity, you could have a nice set up.

Make it easy to lay in so you readily switch from fishing to cruising. If you're going fishing today, throw the fishing platform in. If you're going cruising, leave it at home and put in the cushions.
Click to expand...
 
That is a good solution that you have found there. As far as catching a 40lb fish, you should be able to set the drag on the light side to reduce the initial stress on your poles. Then when it's time to fight, you up the drag! Let me know how it works for you. Good luck!

brstephe said:
Surfin, going to try to find these parts this weekend and give it a shot. Take back if it doesn't work. This similar to what you're looking for? Bimini poles may be ok (I think they're 7/8"??). Only concern was the 40lb striper I'm after!

http://scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/rod-holders/powerlock.htm
http://scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/rod-holders/rail-mounts.htm - check out the 287... wondering if the angles would work
Click to expand...
 
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