DIY Livewell In Jon Boat w/ Cooling System Part 2

All parts I used in this build:
Attwood Tsunami 800gph livewell fill pimp used: amzn.to/2NciEYi
Attwood Tsunami 500gph livewell recirculation pump used: amzn.to/3axrXL1
Selectable livewell timer used:
amzn.to/3u5IQo1
3/4 inch Stainless Steel Screens used:
amzn.to/2M9hgoM
Livewell spray nozzle used: amzn.to/2ZseAWn
3/4 inch Thru hull fitting used: amzn.to/3ubummx
3M 5200 sealant used: amzn.to/2ZtorLl
*NOTE- The livewell kit I bought is no longer available on Amazon, I included individual parts above.
What's up cuzins? In this video I will demo how I do a custom livewell install in my #jonboattobassboat conversion. I will go over all products used and do my best to do an in depth, detailed installation.
Thanks for checking out my channel, comments and suggestions welcome.
If you enjoy what you see, KINDLY SUBSCRIBE for more content.

[@meetoo50]

Nice job. Included all the pertinent info without the simpleton minutia.

[@caseycarver2834]

I am not mechanically inclined at all, but why couldn't the live well pump out port be at the angle? Was it so the hose wouldn't be sticking out above the deck frame?

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

You are 100% correct. In my case it would have stuck above my decking unless mounting parallel with the boat bottom, or level.

[@caseycarver2834]

Anthony Jones ok thank you sir. LOVE the videos!!

[@hillbillymoonshiners9353]

I built a recirculator chiller cooler Livewell on my older seaark😎👍

[@parrotbill9072]

For that water outlet, it should be In the corner aimed down the edge to the other side of the box. Then you would have much better air circulation in the water. If you do it right, any debris in the water will collect in the middle of the box. Also for using it while the boat us being trailered, an activated charcoal in-line filter for the closed system, will remove the ammonia and nitrates in the water. To keep the fish happy much longer.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks for the input. I kinda had to put the spray nozzle where I could due to the chill box mod determining my plumbing options if that what your talking about. It's my first boat build so always room for improvement. Thanks for the tips, sounds like you know livewells much better than I do! Thanks for checking the channel out.

[@parrotbill9072]

@@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats 2 elbows and a bracket or 2 would take it to the corner, to get a whirlpool effect, more current = more air circulation. I use to collect saltwater tropical fish that are much harder to keep alive.

[@dropdown77]

Some seriously impressive fabrication on this whole project man. Nice work!

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks man!

[@jtee9548]

For all the trouble the water outlet gave you at 1:30, couldn't you have used the fitting (or one like it) for your ice chest drain shown at 4:47? Just toss the threaded plug, it would look clean and professional on the side of the boat. Just a thought. I know I'd have looked for a flange mount with a 45 or 90 degree fitting. It sure looked good when it was finished.

[@johnmorgan6926]

Awesome video very throughout project great job

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks man!

[@joebenson7385]

AWESOME WORK!! Love watching your videos

[@manuelrouse7711]

That is awesome and I’m looking to put a chill mod in my pro 16 foot bass tracker and I have a nine qt cooler will that be to big

[@TheSilverSurfisher]

Greetings and thanks for the outstanding video. Is that J-channel that the carbon fiber strips are slid inside of?

[@allenbrian72]

You forgot your over flow in the live well just in case you left the live well pump on check on real bass boats they have them.

[@elijahbarritt2991]

What are the dimensions on your bench? Mine seem a lot smaller than yours. As of right now it looks like my live well will need to go up in the casting deck

[@sstatic6093]

so would say that with the hoses, pumps, and clamps it cost you $100 to do your Livewell?

[@northernoutdooradventures3883]

Awesome video! I just posted a video of my livewell.

[@joedasilva8887]

I wanted to know what your splash guard is made of wood or plastic?

[@WAEofFishing]

NICE walkthrough. Can you put a pic of the batteries installed. Jim about to do my 4th build and I run a 24v system. Doesn't look like yours will fit 2 27dc batteries. You have done ideas I never considered... def gonna put some of your engineering in this build

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

WAEofFishing mine is 12v system, running one deep cycle for accessories only. My Instagramis dedicated to the boat and has pics of the full build. Instagram: adubjones

[@kevinflabouyfishing5739]

Anthony Jones I have similar interests and thanks for the awesome vlogs, but I'm re doing my 1442 alweld and was curious about solar power to keep the batteries topped off? Know or heard anything about them?

[@MrCstone1]

how thick I were those splash guard pieces? 3/16?

[@NewMansBlues]

Hey man, a lot of people don't even know the basics about boats. I see on a lot of tbers channels no one has a basic run down of a bildge basic framing and insulating guide. Thinking that would help a lot of people if you did that basic run down

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

nARLES theman Good idea!You talking about just dumbing down the basics of bilge install/operation?

[@NewMansBlues]

Anthony Jones exactly the bare necessities before u start framing to prevent your boat from sinking. What to frame higher than others batteries etc

[@neubs007]

What is the purpose 2nd hose for that runs from the cooler to the exterior of the boat for? I was first thinking of overflow, but that isn't right.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Matt Neubert The second hose hooks to the flowrite nozzle which gives me the ability to purge the livewell. When the nozzle is pulled out it recirculates, when you push the nozzle in it changes the flow to the second hose which pumps the water out the boat. Flo-Rite noozle is awesome man. Great upgrade for a livewell, especially a DIY build

[@johnsemar107]

how thick was the plywood for the splash guards

[@michigan_masks8969]

By far the best in depth tutorial/ walk through videos I’ve found! Great work man! Keep em coming!

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

lake superior yooper Thanks so much man. Appreciate it. More to come for sure!

[@wickedoutdooradventures6694]

I agree wish there were more videos like this !

[@ReidGriffin080]

Agreed! I am building my boat and watch and rewatch parts of several episodes each day!! Thanks Man!

[@BM205]

Man this was a great video! I love how you thought out every aspect of your project. I love fabrication myself and I really can appreciate all the time you spent on this it shows on the finished product.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks man! Greatly appreciate it!

[@ChuckNorris01]

Which would you say is heavier, two batteries or your live well with water. I’m simply deciding where to place the batteries 🔋 and live well

[@richie50]

Just fill the live well with water and pick it up, and then pick up the two batteries. Then you’ll know

[@davidweathers6163]

Wish you was in Texas I’d pay you to do my boat

[@sfcmmacro]

If you want to max out the cooling potential use copper pipe/tubing (a natural thermal conductor) in the chilling cooler... It will transfer the cold 100 times better than the plastic pipe (a natural insulating material). It's what we use to cool beer before adding the yeast.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Great idea man. I should have know that from my top 5 favorite show, Moonshiners

[@chrismurray6437]

That is a sweet livewell set up but you did not install an overflow drain, why not? If your filling with an 800 gph pump and forget to turn it off your going to pump water into the boat. The over flow will remove that extra water and prevent filling you bilge. Something to think about. Again a very good set build you did.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Chris Murray I debated it and my overflow would have ran to the rear like my drain so nonetheless would require my bilge to pump out excess water. Honestly it takes right at 1 min to fill, I just watch it. Installing a hole w screen or drain is an easy fix if I feel I need to one day though. Absolutely right though, I'd recommend an overflow for most applications, I will just pay close attention to mine when it fills.

[@timelessvickdamone]

Your fuckin talented man

[@richardcranium5839]

should have a gravity overflow in case you forget to turn off the fill pump or ya bump the switch. other than that nice job.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks man!

[@andrew-cp8bd]

that is nice. definitely going to be doing a live well when i redo my jon this winter

[@jesusoropeza9675]

Man!! That is an awesome build, the amount of detail and care put into is something commendable, i can tell you take it very seriously and speaks of your character, new sub here man, keep them coming!!

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Appreciate it man! Thanks for subbing , more videos coming!

[@willywonkaredford1845]

You should soak the wood you used at the water line in apoxy or have someone take measurements and 3D print so it doesn’t rot away

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks..This video was made before 3d printers were a thing and the wood has yet to rot

[@calvintaylor4089]

Dued, you done an awsome job that livewell looks sick and thanks for all the info!!

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thank you for thanking me! I appreciate it!

[@alexblair9047]

Well i am eager to see the finished unveiling i truly enjoy great craftsmanship it give me inspiration to try and do a similar build on my 14-36 less space but she's all i have for now im 46 but bad health limits my modavation but she'll get done keep up the great work awaiting the unveil thanks for sharing

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Sorry I never responded, hard to keep up and sometimes I miss comments. I appreciate the kind words and hope your boat build went well for you!

[@TheDtrolinder]

You're a genius..

[@offgridwhitetails8768]

Man I have watched each one of these since stumbling across your channel and let me say this. People do not realize the brain hours that goes into a build like this. I am by far very impressed with the build along with you detailed explanations. I have a few months off from our outfitting business so I am searching for a used boat now to build. Keep up the good work brother. Very nice !! Do you have any plans on building another ? If so what vessel would you choose if you had a choice?

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks so much for the kind words. This boat has been a driving force of mine for a while now. It means a lot to me because of what it represents as a means to channel all my creative energy into as I was going through a lot of personal struggles and difficulties. The boat was always there to take me away. Life is good now and I cannot tell you how big it was to have the boat and my family to help me get through that time. I've never mentioned the details before because I don't want my personal story to take away from what the boat became. But yes, I put A LOT of brain hours into that thing. I appreciate your kind words and recognition of the craftsmanship. As for next build, I'd like a v hull. Just because its different from what I have now. I was hung up on building a 12 ft kayak killer but now I'm not too sure. I will build another though, just hope I can do #2 a whole lot quicker.

[@offgridwhitetails8768]

Anthony Jones I hear ya brother. We all go through struggles in which we need something to just help us cope. Just like a skilled songwriter you have for sure taken those struggles and utilized your time dealing with them in a very positive way. Hell you may never just won yourself a Grammy on this one brother. I am glad to hear that those are behind you now and will look forward to seeing what’s to come. I have also been trying to decide on V hull or yak killer lately but have since been really leaning hard on building a custom skiff. Having the stability in rough water and getting skinny is sure sounding like it’s the way to go. Plus I love the layout of the Carolina skiffs hull and transoms. I want to be the first to win a major tournament layout here on lake fork and win a $90,000 rig in one like this you e built to show these kids nowadays you don’t have to have all the best of everything to win or be a hell of a fisherman. Man I have been out the in my big fancy boat and watched kids in John boats just hammer them while we are bouncing all over the lake wasting gas. This is one way to solve that problem. Your gonna have to do some homework and go back to some basics fishing these boats if you are going to be successful. Best of luck brother.

[@andylimb]

Great job brother. My 1436 alumacraft has a built in livewell with a thru hull drain/fill port and I’m trying to think of what I need to do to mine. It has about a 1.5" tube that does not allow it to drain fully.

[@johndavis4951]

looks sweet. Just got my first project boat ready to get home from deployment and try this out

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

John Davis Awesome man! Thanks for serving! Let me know how it goes!

[@Drelick1]

Hey Anthony, i'm trying to find that flowright valve but I can't seem to find it anywhere to buy. Any suggestions on where I can get one?

[@kevinflabouyfishing5739]

Was ur splashguard big enough in rough water? Looks great just saw Michael Lopez version was a bit tighter together turned out amazing jus curious if you made any adjustments and great work man.!!!

[@ryansorensen9315]

This turned out awesome. Do you have a link or brand of the stick on carbon fiber stuff you used? Thanks in advance.

[@jimmycleveland1373]

Awesome build. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevenbinkley]

Love it

[@charlesblack4909]

Thanks!

[@NastyNate-fn6od]

Hey bro, how do you drain the water out of your boat if your using it the drain hole for your live well?

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

The flow rite aerator pump out combo pumps the water out the side of the boat out the livewell. The residual water left in livewell can be drained when the boat is out of water. I typically leave water in until boat is on trailer, especially for tournament weigh ins. Hope this helps.

[@NastyNate-fn6od]

@@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats I meant the water that you accumulate that runs towards the back of the boat. We’re it’s supposed to drain out the drain plug area. I was wonder if your out in the water and get a leak somewhere , how would you pump it out? Or say you take the boat home and you have about a inch of water in the rear of the boat, how would you pump it out if you have the bilge pump set up through the drain plug hole. I’m currently building my setup based off your KZbin videos so any advice on this subject would greatly be appreciated.

[@zash008]

I wish you'd have used starboard for your lumber on this so you would never have to deal with rot a few years from now.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

I'll never have to deal with rot a few years from now.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Couple things here, and maybe I should do a video on this....1) I used a majority of western red Cedar in my build. Its naturally resistant to rot which is why it's used in many home construction projects. It is resilient to moisture. 2) Yes I've used some plywood or pine 1x2s. All plywood has been coated in fiberglass resin making it absolutely water proof, I did a video on it submerged in water for 24 hrs w no damage, you should check it out. 3) All 1x2 or any wood, including cedar, has had joints puttied or caulked, and painted in multiple coats of oil based paint which provides an impermeable layer of protection over the wood. With all that said I'm not sure where your guesstimate of me having to "deal with rot a few years from now" comes from. I'm not saying I know it all but I guarantee I've done my due diligence to build a quality boat that will absolutely not rot a few years or even a decade from now because of all stated above. Now with that out of the way let's talk about starboard....1) crazy expensive 2) much heavier than wood 3) harder to cut and work with, hard to get screws to grab as securely as wood . Basically I know I can build a set up like I have out of the materials I did and make it waterproof and rot resistant and do it easier, be lighter,and cost less than starboard or any hdpe. Coosa board is a completely different story but at that rate I'd just use 1/16 aluminum. Pros and cons to all materials my friend. Lastly, my boat is garage kept, does not sit outside at all, ever. Also been fishing in it many times now, it even got rained on and had hardly any water get down into the boat because I built my decking and hatches so tight. I'm hoping this helps explain. Again I should probably do a video on this, there are a lot of misconceptions about things. Anyhow, rant over, thanks.

[@zash008]

@@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats as long as you are happy with it, is all that matters. I would have use starboard. You can buy starboard lumber sized pieces affordable. Starboard should cut just like wood. There are several different grades of starboard most people are not aware of which would make projects like this more affordable than most people may think. Glues and caulks with starboard is another story. Glue and caulk is virtually not going to adhere to starboard effectively but screws would hold good if predrilled and lubricated. But again, as long as you are happy with it thats all that matters. Good video.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

@@zash008 I hear you man and thanks. Yeah there's a lot of ways to do it. I think wood gets a bad rap because most people who use it in jon boats use pine not Cedar, do not seal it or treat joints properly, then leave it outside. Of course it will rot. Look at brand new home construction though. Pine subfascia and trim. So long as its caulked properly, installed correct, and has a layer of paint to protect it it will not rot. If water gets in somewhere ,whether it's a home or boat, that it shouldn't get and penetrates that protection whether it's a screw hole or joint or a end cut you did not paint, it can rot. I took the utmost care to prevent this. Still my issue w starboard or any hdpe plastic material is the weight. I would go coosa board which is 30-40% lighter than its dimensional equivalent in wood but also infused with fiberglass strands to strengthen it, before I'd use starboard or hdpe product but that's just my opinion. I'm very satisfied w my build but I think people forget I used wood because I worked w wood by trade for many years and it's my comfort zone as well as this is actually my first boat build! Figured for a first build I'd start w wood. My new build will be 1/16 aluminum and that is because I want my boat to be feather light, not necessarily because I was not happy w wood in my first boat. I believe the 1/16 angled aluminum framed properly will be hard to beat by any other material.

[@peterpiper2590]

Anthony you did a beautiful job. What size boat do you have? Length with. I have a 1960 via holds and would be cool to deck out but I don't think it's wide enough for stability. Thanks for an awesome video , creativity and craftsmanship. You could always add some soft material under the panel if you splash gaurd isn't enough. Great job

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks for all the kind words. The boat is a 14 ft Grumman, it had a 1992 Oklahoma sticker on it when I got it so I know it's at least 25 yrs old. Not sure width off top of my head but pretty sure it's like a 1448.

[@jigginjed7498]

Great videos of the livewell build. How much total time (drying time excluded) do you think you put into installing the livewell system? Also, what was your total end cost of the project? Now that you have had a chance to use it on the water anything you'd do differently or are you 100% satisfied? (looks like you had it well thought out and I can't believe you wouldn't be satisfied).

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Jed Nunes Thank you! 1) Total cost for livewell was right around 200$ give or take a few bucks. I could nail down an exact if you'd like but I know between the 2 pumps, cooler, hose, flo rite nozzle, carbon fiber wrap, insulation, glue, screws ect that was the ballpark. At this moment the only thing I'd like to have done differently is fit a larger cooler for the chill mod. It holds 9 cans, which is better than nothing but it would be awesome to have fit more. The sportsmanship trunk I used was a bit longer than your traditional tubs which ate up some space in length and limited my cooler size. I honestly am not done with the boat and have yet to officially use it therefore I cannot give you a full update. I anticipate to be very happy with it though. Thanks for asking and viewing!

[@socomsmith3241]

how many cans with ice? great video

[@jedjade4002]

Damn I would have gone with half the live well and double the cooler. That's a huge live well, but I've really enjoyed watching you make and fit it all. I really love/enjoy this series, even though I'm watching it randomly and completely out of order haha.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Thanks man! There's really no order so watch as you please. I got a few more videos coming on this boat then moving on to the next build.

[@chrisshreve1736]

You said you worked on the top gun build for two years, how long did it take you to get it on the water after starting the decking?

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Still not in the water....lol. Long story short, I had 2 kids, moved, bought some acreage, and built my house through out the build of this boat. There's no real way of telling how much time is in it or how long it could have taken for someone else. Add in my career at UGA, I'm a mess buddy. Hopefully taking it out next weekend for testing and getting a reveal video of 100% completion in the month of August.

[@btgame1836]

Great build where can one find the list of things you used. Keep up the grear videos.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Full list and links are in the video description. In PART 1 video I show all products used and go over them in the beginning of video.

[@sonboogie]

Awesome work.

[@micahdavis8604]

Awesome work man super clean

[@robertaltomari2260]

Keep it up, you have taught me so much bud.

[@salmodiespeak9712]

Good video and it looks great. Only one question where is the over flow for the livewell?

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Great question. What I left out in the video is that in the corners, under the splash gaurd, I notched the corners of the tub to allow water drainage. Not a traditional screen, hole or drain, just an area for water to go if for some reason it were to overflow. I plan on monitoring it while manually switching on the pump in. Doesn't take long to fill 15 gallons.

[@Cabayareacpl]

I see that you have a vent on your hatch... we’re did you get it?

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Livewell is not vented yet but I will be running the V-T2 vents in near future.

[@afrojojo9475]

Should have just used a thru-hull with a 90 degree barb.

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

I thought about it but a believe I still would have had a clearance issue with the 90 degree sticking up higher than the plane of where the decking would be. Instead of taking a chance and ordering a part that may or may not work, I did what I knew would give me a great end result.

[@just_introverted9395]

Quite the build. Keep it up

[@JustJigit]

Very nice!

[@chipsammich2078]

Question buddy.. Does the pump out drain need to be higher than the water level in the livewell for any reason I notice it higher in diagrams online but why couldn't I tie mine into the existing drain line i have that runs down under the floor out the back through the hull at the bottom of the transom. Hope that makes sense.. instead of drilling another hole for a through hull fitting

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Chip Sammich I think they are higher than the water level in livewell because the thr hull pump out fitting need to go higher than the water level on the outside of the boat. So my outside thru hull is mounted higher than where the water line would be if it were in the lake which in turn happens to be higher than the livewell water fill. You dont want your thru hull fitting to be submerged if your boat is in water....If I'm understanding what your asking...

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Chip Sammich That gives me the ability to pump almost all the water out while I am in the lake. If you want to pump it out through your rear plug, that would probably be fine but would only allow you to pump water out when your boat is not in the water. Again, if I'm understanding you right

[@chipsammich2078]

Anthony Jones I see. I wonder if the livewell would then fill aswell if the pumpout drain is below the outside water level. Prolly. I'm thinking i might need a check valve

[@officialWWM]

You didn't mount your drain plug at the lowest point of the tank 🤔

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

I was forced to mount it there because that was where the water drain channel in the hull was...

[@officialWWM]

Anthony Jones ahh, of course. Can't do much about that :/

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

@@officialWWM Yeah my boat kinda screwed me on that one. two channels ran under that livewell and neither lined up with a lower spot in the tub.

[@officialWWM]

Anthony Jones that's always the way, lol.

[@JeffRigney]

Nice job bud.

[@johnodell2074]

Nice , wanted to see it with Deck top on

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Pics of it fully decked on my Instagram. At the time of livewell completion, was still finalizing decking and decided to focus video solely on livewell. I will put out a complete video of entire boat in the spring as well as a follow up video on the livewell in action! Stay tuned.

[@chipsammich2078]

Stainless steel. 6 by 3 and a quarter huh lol..

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Chip Sammich I wish sometimes I can edit what I say on video like you edited your post....

[@chipsammich2078]

Anthony Jones Sorry had to watch that twice to see if I heard it right lol.. I'm getting on that 3M fiber wrap thanks for that tip man.. you do damn good work.. Edited just because I can..

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Chip Sammich Haha, just make sure you get those #6 three and a quarter screws and you will be good man. Can't be worse than me putting please "subcribe " in one of my other videos. I'm just trying to set the bar low my friend. lol

[@josepheisner9468]

U make very good walk through videos , I have learned a few tricks thanks man

[@AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats]

Joseph Eisner Awesome, thanks for watching