Livewell pump works sometimes

[Tygh]

I have an '05 170CC. Got bait yesterday and headed out to the fishing grounds. Took it easy as I didn't want to bang the bait up too badly (8-12mph).

As soon as I got any speed whatsoever, it seemed that the pump for the livewell stopped drawining in water. If I slowed to a crawl or stopped altogether, it worked. If I was up on plane and really moving, the pickup seems not to work either.

I assume this is an issue related to the positioning of the pickup on the transom. Anyone have a modification suggestion to ensure the pickup stays in the water??

[Tygh]

Anyone?? Anyone at all??

[cagrove]

Tygh,
My 170CC (a 2003 model) does the same thing. You're correct that it has to do with the pick-up being out of the water when you're up on plane. Unfortunately, I don't have a fix other than re-routing the pick-up tube. My trips are usually short so it's not an issue with me. My problem with the live well is that water bounces out of it when I run on any kind of chop...still trying to figure out how to seal it to keep that from happening.

[greenapple]

Tygh,
I don't have a fix for the problem since you are correct on the pick-up is out of the water while you are moving. What I do since I have the same boat as yours, is put ice cubes in with the bait and they will live longer even if there is no fresh water coming in.
Mr Cagrove,
On your 2003 model, you do have a cover on it correct? Do you know if it is the same as the 2005 model's? I have some splash coming out but not that much, it has a pretty tight cover on it.

Greenapple

[fridaysoff]

Tygh,
I had the same problem. If your pick up has the screen screwed on it take it off. You will not be using it. Go to a hardware store. Get a plastic elbow (female) with the same threads as the pick up tube coming out of the stern. It's not PVC, but a thicker plastic almost white. then get in the gray plastic pipe area and get a 2 inch threaded section and a 1 inch threaded piece. get a gray plastic elbow with a barbed end on it that accepts hose. Go home and put it together. Play with it until when it is turned down it is at the bottom of your boat with the pick up facing forward. Shave the pick up hole to an angle so it skims the water and picks up at high speed. It is so simple and cost about three dollars. It may be hard to imagine what it looks like. I will try to get some pictures and post them tomorrow. Then you'll get it. The white screw on elbow turns your pick up down;then the 1 or 2 inch threaded pice lenghtens it to bring it to the bottom of your boat. The gray elbow then turns your pick up forward. It should skim the water like your transducer .
John D.