DIY CUSTOM CATFISH TOURNAMENT LIVEWELL BUILD

In this video i show how to build a 40 gallon livewell with a built in air box. You can use the steps in this video to build one over 150 gallons.
total cost of materials 149.00. this material is 3/4" 4'x8' sheets of pvc. it can be cut and drilled using common tools. the resin i used is standard fiberglass resin, without the fiberglass matting. i applied it to the beveled joints using a paint brush. all fasteners are stainless steel

[@glennscatfishing]

That’s nice Jeff, I like the options of using for bait or fish and as a seat as well.

[@dmcanally60]

Thanks for the video and your patience for explaining it so thoroughly. . I think this will perfect for my catfish set up since my boats live well is not big enough.

[@bowl830]

Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it

[@JuniorProctorBlueDogFishing]

Great Job Jeff nice

[@gregbryant9673]

Good deal and a great out come.

[@richardshook8645]

Thanks for the video, great info!!

[@bowl830]

Thank you.

[@kccatfishing4929]

Very well done. Love the aerator build as well.

[@bowl830]

Thank you.

[@skipstewart9399]

Totally awesome build Jeff 👍🏻

[@bowl830]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@mikedavisclassiccountry8704]

Another awesome video thank you Jeff

[@bowl830]

Your welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@CatfishWeekly]

Another great job!

[@bowl830]

Thank you

[@stephenhair5501]

Thanks Jeff!! 😎

[@lindsaybigham9532]

Im always amazed at your self-sufficiency and creativity!

[@bowl830]

Thanks brother. I appreciate that.

[@fishin-impossible2992]

Great video Jeff, id love to see the live well build

[@bowl830]

The tank is built from PVC sheets. They are 3/4” thick by 4’x8’

[@scottyhillakacatfishnfreak]

very awesome build!!!

[@bowl830]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@jeffd1697]

Nice !!!

[@clintonmclimore8370]

Man that’s a nice build i’m gonna use this for my reference for sure

[@bowl830]

Awesome. I appreciate you watching

[@hitnmiss49]

Nice job!

[@bowl830]

Thank you sir.

[@CarolinaCatDaddy]

I appreciate you Jeff!

[@bowl830]

Thanks brother. I need to get back to putting videos up. Thank you for watching and commenting I truly appreciate it

[@CarolinaCatDaddy]

Im about to build a console with a livewell on the front of it and a dry storage box like this! You cut that bevel on a 45? Lowes sell that resin? I appreciate all your videos! Really helps me out! You got a wealth of information and talent brother.

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

awesome i just made me one out of big tool box i got for 50 bucks 40 for double 12v bubbler an it kept them so alive i couldnt hold them up for a picture.I made my bait tank out of the 30 gallon built in ice chest in bass boat with one of these 12v bubblers it keeps the fish so alive the water stays cool cause has no hot airator putting heat in water.now get me one them boat covers i be in shade out of weather an both livewells stay in shade i be ready to fish tournments in any weather

[@lukesilhan8259]

I think this is my favorite diy live well! Is there anything you would do different now it has had some use!

[@bowl830]

Thank you I appreciate you saying that. No sir. This is one of many I’ve built. I just finally decided to actually try to grow my channel and thought this would be a fun project for people. It’s been used and abused and still working great. I’ve built them like this up to 130 gallons.lol. I appreciate you watching and commenting. Thank you.

[@faronmastin8683]

Nice job

[@bowl830]

Thank you for watching and. Commenting I appreciate it

[@seantolodziecki5212]

Hope your wearing them out! I’m about 20 minutes from Wylie but mostly chase striper instead of cats.

[@bowl830]

Cool

[@HookedUpCatfishing]

In this video I can see that the pvc material is the same as what I have. Now I'm doing a transom and a live well thanks for the idea I came out cheap on my pvc I bought mine in 4x16x3/4 sheets for 40 bucks so I bought a lot and now I'm going back for more he has about 1500 sheets lol

[@bowl830]

Lol. I love the stuff. I build all kinds of stuff from it. Thanks for watching and commenting it makes my day

[@bowl830]

I guess you seen the transom video lol 😂

[@HookedUpCatfishing]

@@bowl830 I did lol I've been watching the build and getting ideas for my bass boat and had asked about what pvc board you were using because I had some and was wondering about the flex on the transom but after you resined them together it was much stronger thanks for the advice and videos I'm watching the video on the live well pump build now 😂

[@bowl830]

😂

[@joeyherrin5908]

Wow you are very talented my friend. It looks like it came out of a factory. Nice job . I enjoyed watching you build it start to finish.

[@patriotcatfishersofamerica7985]

Great video and great live well build. Thanks for sharing this with us all. Jeff you are a great guy and fisherman and a great teacher. Keep up the great work my friend.🇺🇸

[@bowl830]

Thank you brother. Thanks to you I got back into KZbin. I forgot how much fun it was. Now I just got to figure out what video to do next lol.

[@rodneil5409]

Now that it’s been a few years, did you ever have a problem with it leaking? Did it hold up like when you’re going over waves in your boats bouncing? I was curious how it’s had together after a few years. Great video.

[@bowl830]

It’s still in use. I’ve got some of these that are 10 + years old with no issues

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

Have you had any leaks using the resin as a adhesive instead of some sort of sealant?

[@bowl830]

Resin will chemically weld it together. I’ve never had to use a caulk or sealer after built. I’ve had a tank built like this for 15 years that holds over a hundred gallons. Never had a issue. .

[@PopPopJoe]

Sorry for all the questions. What type/size screws are you using. Look like SS. Look like small heads. Box looks great.

[@bowl830]

I was using stainless trim screws. The heads are really small and can be filled easily. I use my 16guage trim nails and my air nailer most times. The fasteners are there till the epoxy cures after that they’re just extra. Thank you for watching I appreciate it

[@stephenhair5501]

Nice!! Jeff, do have have a Certainteed part number for that 3/4" material? I've been looking on the Certainteed site, but no luck as yet. Thank you for a great how to video!! Steve

[@bowl830]

I called my sales rep. He is supposed to find one. Thanks for watching.

[@stephenhair5501]

@@bowl830 Hey Jeff, did you ever come up with the part number for this Certainteed material? Thanks!

[@TheViewing]

Where did you buy the pvc sheets?

[@bowl830]

Most your major lumber companies that supply contractors can get it. Here around Charlotte NC. The building center carries it.

[@Nobadcasts]

You think a smaller scale would work for bass? Looks like it should but idk if bass are too sensitive 😂

[@bowl830]

😂😁🤣

[@dmcwhorter9974]

Hey Jeff- how do you drain this thing buddy? I mean I reckon I could just syphon it or elbow into the existing drain- just wondering if you had any ideas. Awesome build. Love it. Have a little bass tracker classic xl but the well is too small to tournament fish- need to build an add on.

[@bowl830]

I built that to used as a removable one. If it was permanent I would plumb it in to the boat. I just pull the plug and let it drain in boat

[@dmcwhorter9974]

@@bowl830 thank you sir. This is a great build. I’m working on adding one to my bass tracker classic to fit some dimensions I need- this will work perfect. I appreciate you taking the time to do this and upload it.

[@dmcwhorter9974]

Also just want to add I’ve watched hundreds of these videos. This is the best one on KZbin. I was close to pulling the trigger on an RV water tank that was a few inches off of what I needed- but this is the best tutorial on here.

[@bowl830]

Thank you I truly appreciate it

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

I've looked on line and cant find that pop up handle. Do you have a link?

[@bowl830]

Sorry I don’t. I had a few of them from a old project boat I salvaged You can find them in round on Amazon.

[@TheNick08332]

Where do u get the pvc sheet

[@ryanswink1431]

Do you have a material list and dimensions for a good tournament catfish tank?

[@bowl830]

I don’t. I think 16-20”is perfect width and height.

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

I cant find this material in 3/4" at any of the Home Depot's or Lowes??

[@bowl830]

I get mine from a actual lumber company. Here in the Carolinas we have a place called the building center.

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

@@bowl830 All I can find is 1/2".

[@PopPopJoe]

DID YOU EVER CHECK TO SEE WHAT THE DIMENTIONS WERE ON THE 150 GAL TANK?

[@teamwampuskatoutdoors4275]

Awsome build Jeff. Where do you buy that material?

[@whiskergetter1986]

Wondering the same thing

[@bowl830]

I buy it from a local lumber company. Called. The Building center. It’s in Charlotte NC It runs 125-150 a sheet. It comes in 3/8” 3/4” 1” thickness. Easy product to work with.

[@teamwampuskatoutdoors4275]

Awsome. Thanks man

[@ronnieyates323]

What size did you use how long and wide

[@bowl830]

The big tank in the opening picture was 76” long 22 deep and 22wide. I buy it in 4x8 sheets. 3/4” thick. The little tank in the video took about 3/4 of a full sheet

[@seantolodziecki5212]

Nice job! Is the material UV stable like Starboard?

[@bowl830]

It’s a porous material unlike starboard but it holds up to the sun very well. We use it for custom exterior millwork. Columns facials and such. Never had a issue.

[@seantolodziecki5212]

Yeah, I’ve used it as trim between lower siding and gable siding. Also around my doors. I’m planning a leaning post livewell with rounded corners...I had not thought about that stuff. Have you ever tried to heat and bend it?

[@bowl830]

The 3/8 and 1/4 bend real easy. The 1/2 is hard and 3/4. Is almost impossible lol. I’ve got a video on here that shows how I built a livewell for bait out of it.

[@seantolodziecki5212]

Isn’t this that video? Or is there another one? I’ll look now

[@bowl830]

Yes it is. I’m just eat up lol. I put a video out today of my home tank. Was thinking that was the one you commented on.

[@SlimJimOG]

Do you think 1/2in thick would work rather than 3/4in thick?? All I can find is 1/2in thick??

[@bowl830]

Haven’t really tried to make much out of 1/2”. I would be weary. The half is pretty flexible. If you do use it let me know how it works thanks

[@SlimJimOG]

@@bowl830 I was actually thinking about doubling it up and bonding two half inch together because I am fairly weary too lol

[@seantolodziecki5212]

I know you are using fiberglass resin here. Have you ever tried PVC cement? I used it on a shower shelf project and it worked great.

[@bowl830]

It don’t have the strength that resin does. Several people sent me messages saying they used it instead of resin. They all have leaks lol. Resin dries much slower so it actually soaks into the pores of the material and it becomes a permanent bond

[@seantolodziecki8531]

@@bowl830 interesting...thanks!

[@seantolodziecki5212]

You mentioned getting it at the Building Center in town...have you called Piedmont Plastics? Their prices were about half the cost of Starboard...they did say they did not think Cellular PVC would last as long as starboard.

[@pedrosales3516]

What is the type of material used. I try to find in portugal but is very dificult you can specify ?

[@natetate2795]

Where did you find the pvc sheet? How affordable is it?

[@bowl830]

Lumber companies can get it. It’s around 150 a sheet here.

[@brycegoff8583]

What kind of material are you using? Its not plywood right? I’m interested in making one just like this. But wasn’t sure of what kind of material you were using. Any info would be greatly appreciated and where I might be able to purchase that material. Thank you sir and that livewell looks great!!

[@bowl830]

It’s a PVC type material. Most contractor supply places can get it. Here in the Charlotte NC area you can get it at a place called the building center. Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it

[@bowl830]

It comes in all types of sheets. From 3/8 -1” thick

[@brycegoff8583]

Team Reelin The Blues thanks again!! This video is super informative. I don’t think I’m going to have any issues building one once I find the material! I live here in Texas might take some time to locate that material! But I’m on a mission now lol

[@bowl830]

Awesome buddy. I’ve built these things this way 8’long by 2’ deep with no issues. Good luck. It’s a Boise cascade material I believe

[@autisticwoodturner6614]

where can you buy the 3/4 pvc sheets

[@bowl830]

Most time actual lumber companies that supply home builders can get it. Not big box stores like lowes or Home Depot. I get it from a company called The Building Center

[@ernestt881]

what air set up did u use?????

[@bowl830]

I just used the air box I built. There’s a video of that build on here also. Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it

[@robert86242]

Are you using polyester or epoxy resin to bond edges.

[@bowl830]

The best I’ve found for this is just basic auto body fiberglass mesh resin. It’s works the best for me

[@robert86242]

@@bowl830 thank you

[@PopPopJoe]

Is the plastic primer Gray or was the primer white ?

[@bowl830]

The pvc itself is white. I use both white and gray plastic primer.

[@PopPopJoe]

What was the dimensions of the 150 gal tank ? & the 40 gal tank?

[@bowl830]

I’ll check into it

[@rabit7538]

Hi Jeff, I have watched your video of the live well build at least 4 times soaking in all the info. However, I have searched and searched for the 3/4" x 4' x 8' pvc sheets and to no avail. I can't find them any where! Can you shed some light on where to buy them? I'm in the process of replacing deck, carpet etc in a 2002 bass pro crappie 175. After getting into it, I have decided to replace 2 of 4 small live wells using only 2 of them and adding more rear deck area. Therefore, I want to add your design of live well into the rear deck addition! I only want to do this once, so I want to do it my way and get it right the first time. Please help with the place to buy the pvc. Thank you in advance, a fan, Harvey Adkins of Jacksonville, Ar.

[@bowl830]

Hello Harvey. Thanks for watching I appreciate it. The best place to get it is at contractor supply places not big box stores. It runs about 160 a sheet but it’s a great product. I’m using it to build stuff for my new project. It’s a tracker that I’m turning into a crappie/Striper boat. Good luck.

[@rabit7538]

I'm in Little Rock, Ar. and I can't seem to find anywhere or anyone that can get it or has it. HELP? @@bowl830

[@chrismenasco6224]

How tall did you make the sides?

[@bowl830]

Mine are 16”

[@PopPopJoe]

Did you use the resin to fill screw holes ?

[@bowl830]

I used just auto body filler. In the tube. Not bondo. But that would work.

[@PopPopJoe]

@@bowl830 Why did you say not Bondo , its fiberglass resin. I don't want to get the wrong resin.

[@bowl830]

I used the body filler in the tube that you don’t mix to fill my screw holes before I painted it. Bondo works too just have to mix. I used fiberglass resin on all seams to glue them together

[@chrisvince7563]

Where did you get the sheets of PVC?

[@bowl830]

You can find it actual lumber companies. Some have to order it. I’m trying to get the actual distributor so I can add a link.

[@chrisvince7563]

@@bowl830 Thank you. That would be a big help.

[@PopPopJoe]

Do I remember you saying not to use Bondo fiberglass resin??

[@bowl830]

Don’t use body filler. Bo do brand resin is good stuff for sealing wood. Not for rivets though

[@bowl830]

It’s great for sealing seams in porous materials

[@PopPopJoe]

So this resin would be good for the PVC board?

[@nickmayberry4209]

Where do you get r the pvc sheets from ?

[@bowl830]

Here in the Carolinas there’s a place called the building center. It is a contractor supply yard. They carry it in stock. Your best bet for finding it is to go to that type place.

[@bowl830]

I know you said you were local. Check and see if there’s a building center near you.

[@nickmayberry4209]

@@bowl830 Thanks, ill have to look them up, the places around me dont carry it

[@prentisswallace2890]

How much do you charge

[@bowl830]

I wish I had time to build them for people. I do get asked a lot. But I’m not set up at the time to do it. Thank you for asking. I appreciate you watching and commenting

[@sivyisvaj8054]

It’s a coffin... congratulations... 🤣

[@bowl830]

Lol it could work.

[@bowl830]

My other boat had one 6’ long 2’ wide and 18” deep. You dang sure could use that one 😂