Another livewell

I was getting tired of waiting for the Livewell XL so I decided to follow some of the DIY livewells out on this forum and on youtube. I bought the 40 Lb "Vittle vault" at my local pet shop on sale for $28 Canadian dollars http://www.petsmart.ca/supplies-training/storage-scoops/vittle-vault-stackable-pet-food-container-zid36-6700/cat-36-catid-100071?var_id=36-6700&_t=pfm%3Dsearch. A Tsunami pump for $24 and a fuel priming bulb at for $9 at Canadian Tire http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/marine-aerator-500-gph-0793513p.html, http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/i-d-primer-bulb-3-8-in-0799018p.html#.VRtMRWd0ycw. I learned how to make two cheap check valves from Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG6own141z0. The only thing I didn't really like about the build was that stupid lid. I found a Kayak hatch that almost fit at Aliexpress.com $12 US Dollars http://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-kayak-hatch-kit-with-red-bag-Round-Kayak-Hatch-Cover-Kayak-Accessories-fishing-kayak-siut/32273981132.html. When I got it I tried a couple of different fits and settled for this.

Remove the lid and set aside.
Gently pry the press fit threaded lip from the container and set it aside.



I used the hatch seal as a template on the threaded lid to mark the holes on the top of the lid. You need to be careful as the hole pattern is irregular to allow for the hinges


Cut out the inside rim of the lid making sure to stay away from the threads. You can smooth them down and file to fit the hatch quite easily but it's not necessary


Fit the hatch to the lid and check the hole placements and remark them (AGAIN %#!@*).



Apply marine goop to the inside of the threaded lip and snap it back into place. Note that I made a mark at the top center so I dont end up having to remark the hole for a third time.


Once the marine goop has set pop the seal and lid in place and screw it in place.

This took about half an hour and was totally worth it.
I'm about 70 dollars in and just about finished.
I will post the plumbing when I get the valves made.

Interesting... Thanks for that. The hatch is a knock off of the twist and seal and a patent violation I believe. China. We'll go after them.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Hi Matt; I wasn't aware the the twist and stow hatch was a patented item or I wouldn't have bought it. Just so you know that my Google search for "8 inch round kayak hatch" turned up about 40 different suppliers from all over the world with twist and stow hatches at varying prices from 12-40 dollars.

No problem. How could you know. Yeah... we have been chasing companies that are simply knocking it off. Simply digitizing and making a mold. Too easy these days. At least these guys changed a few features, but not the patented ones.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I do plan on buying the live well xl but I will be fishing the sea of Cortez from May to Sept. and live bait is key to getting a big yellowfin or sailfish.