Plugging Livewell Overflows

[Dave in Mpls]

I'm curious what folks are using to plug livewell overflows? The overflows on my boat are 1 1/2" ID, and I'm trying to figure out where I'm getting water into one of the livewells from. I have the drain plugged and the inlet valve shut off.

So far I am unable to locate any type of plug for a hole that large.

Regards

[Grey Wolf]

I hear your issue loud and clear. My boat is at the dealer right now for the third time to fix water problems. My rod locker would literally have an inch of standing water in it. I really thought I had a crack in the brand new boat. The factory even had it once and couldn't fix the problem. They told me that my pumps were to big for the overflows, I told them that I didn't design the boat they did. I finally tore the boat apart myself, and had to find the problem. My livewell overflow hose was to short, thus it had almost a 90 degree bend in it causing it to rip. Any water that tried to exit or enter the overflow went right into my rod locker. Kind of iritating that I had to find the problem. If the hose were easily reachable I would have fixed it, but it wasn't. Bottom line is I had to plug my overflow both inside the livewell and outside the boat. Fortunately I have two livewells.

Thanks for letting me vent!!! On to your problem. 1 1/2 inches is a large overflow hole to plug. Go to an auto parts store (or possibly a hardware store) they should have what I have used for frost plugs in a car in the past. It is a rubber plug with a steel washer and screw on it. Works very similar to the expandable rubber booat plugs, just a larger size. Must only run a buck or two.

Hope this helps and thanks for letting me vent.

[Gilman]

I plugged my overflow with a rubber bung from a plumbing supplier. You will also need to use silicone to seal it and hold it in place. After doing this I still took on some water so I rubber banded a plastic bag over my inlet and sure enough when it was rough it would force wter through even when the pump was off. To fix this I capped the inlet by replacing the inlet pipe with a PVC pipe with the same diameter. I capped the replacement piece B4 installing and also calked it. It stays bone dry now. Good luck.

[KP]

I have a minor problem with water backing up my drain into my livewell. I bought an oversize plug at Ace Hardward for $1.25.

[JKJ]

Dave,

On that big 190, I’d try plugging the overflow drain on the inside of the livewell. Located near the top rear of the well. (By the electronics compartment)

What happens is, when your backtrolling, water gets pushed into that tube and into your well.

Also, it’s a good idea to blow all the water out of that line in the fall for winter storage. I had ice form in there and crack that line. I had water dripping into that storage compartment under the speedometer all summer one year till I figured out where it was coming from. Duct tape cured that prob!!

Good Luck.

[Dave in Mpls]

Yep, that's my plan, to plug it from inside. Not that it makes one ioda of difference, but the overflow is in the front of the livewell. Figures you would know which one I was trying to keep water out of! I'm also getting water into the bilge when running the livewell/baitwell fill pump, but haven't crossed that bridge yet!

If you would, please email me so I could get your address to ask you a few questions when I return from Leech this weekend.

Thanks

[PJM]

What works the best is a # 8 plug which you can buy at a swimming pool supply company. They use these plugs to winterize outdoor swimming pools. They come in different sizes and # 8 is just the right size.

[Eyecon]

I purchased plugs from Cabelas marine dept in Owatonna Mn.,to plug my livewell overflows from the inside on my Skeeter.However I use them to keep water in on long runs back to the wiegh-in.This really helps protect the fish and keeps them lively.

[Gone Again]

Go to a toy store and buy a rubber ball similar to the size on one of those wooden paddles with the long rubber band. One this size just slips inside the livewell overflow. Take about a 2 inch machine screw (#10) with 2 large washers and a wing nut. Make a hole through the ball with an awl or ice pick. Put the screw through the ball with a washer on each side, then the wing nut. Push the ball in the overflow and tighten the wing nut. This expands the ball and the hole seals water tight. Worked for me-Tom

[Pitts]

Thats the exact reason I have 1 of the 2 overflows plugged on my 1775 because the front well would empty out to far to keep fish alive during long runs. Now it stays full and the eyes stay lively.

Pitts