Livewell problem

[Steve Flattem]

2003 Pro Deep V16-SC I can't fill the livewells. I have opened (even removed) the valves. I have tried backing up to fill. I assume that the recirc switch will move water that is already in the livewell, not pull in water (tried that too).



The dealer means being without the boat (1 hour drive time, 1-2 weeks there, pick up)...lose too much time off the water.



Any ideas...as mentioned in intro post, this is my first real boat and I am an admitted novice.



Thanks. Steve

 

[Jim Jackson]

Steve: Does your switch for the livewell have a "manual" and "automatic or recirculate" positions? Do you also have a valve that offers something like "empty - auto or fill"?

If so, close the valve (shift to auto or fill)and turn the switch on to manual. This will pump water into the live well. When it is full turn the switch to auto or recirculate, which will keep it oxygenated. When done, turn pump off and shift valve to empty. Water should empty out on it's own.

 

[Steve Flattem]

The switch has recirculate only (on/off). The valve is tubular shaped, screw in...several threads, thinned down shaft with conical ending fitting into reverse/conical shape to seal. I believe to open, unscrew the valve so far, I took one completely out.



I tried backing up (per dealer) with valve out...no water. How long should it take for the water to enter the tank, right now I will settle for water, not necessarily full.

 

[Mikel Stephens]

Your lines may be clogged. Make sure the valve is open and shoot water down your livewell drain. If the drain is open you should be getting water in your livewell when you launch your boat.



Your pumps may not be working. They may not be wired properly to t he switch or a connection may be lose.



If I were you, I'd take it into the dealer right away if it is under warranty. Even if it keeps you off of the water for a couple of weeks...the sooner you get it checked, the faster it will be fixed.

 

[Bryan McDonough]

Isolate the problem.



Does the pump run when the switch is turned on? If not is it getting power. If it is getting power than you most likely have a bad pump or a bad connection. Don't trust connections.



If it does run could it be clogged, are the hoses attched on both ends. could the leads be reversed, i think that will cause the motor to run in reverse.



A definite tool of boat ownership if a voltage meter. might as well buy one now so you have it the next time something goes wrong.





Ahhh! time well spent on a boat, brings back memories. Remeber to have a tape recorder running at all times, cuz you never know what new words you might come up with.

 

[Tom Major]

I have a 2003 Pro deep V 17 and I also had livewell problems. I would expect we have about the same set up. First as someone else suggested make sure your pump is running. The recirc. switch on your dash dosen't do anything until your livewell is full. My 50 inch livewell in the front has a valve that opens to allow water in. The switch is in the front of the boat under the trim switch. It says manual and auto I think. Turn this to one of those positions. Then turn valve completely off in the back livewell. Turn the front LW knob (white plastic) and water should start into the live well. The valve that sticks thru the right wall of the LW is for recirculation and pump out. In for recirc. and pull the valve out 2 or 3 inches for pump out. Or if you are pulling your boat out and want to drain the LW just pull the drain plug.

The rear (small) LW has a valve and a tube that plugs into the drain. Put this tube in and turn on valve to fill LW. It will fill and overflow while pump is running. The tube almost touches the valve and is kinda inconvinient, but it works.

I found the pump switch by accident after spending a lot of time trying to get it to work. I think the location of that switch is all wrong but, what do I know. Hope this helps.

 

[James D.]

not sure about your livewell system but i had a problem getting mine to drain properly. on my lx700 there is a 3-way valve that is switched by a manual "empty / auto" switch on the side of the boat. it turned out that the cable which operated the valve was loosened and needed adjusted. this cable is similar to a throttle cable on a lawnmower and needs to be tightened down at the 3-way valve. thought this may also be a possibility as i thought my lines were clogged also.



jd

 

[Brian G]

Try going to the FLOW-RITE home page, You'll find a plumbing diagram of all the livewell systems and maybe a solution to your problem.

 

[Steve Flattem]

Problem solved!



Duh...dealer probably mentioned the switch in the panel at the bow (below the trim switch), the stress was on the 'recirculation' switch next to the dash...works just fine...just read the instructions



finally received the 'free' cover for the boat (24 business days later)...very nice, fits well...even says Tracker on it



why does it say 'if stored outdoors do not allow snow or water to accumulate as this may cause damage to the cover. I thought I was using the cover to protect the boat from snow and rain.

 

[Tony Payne]

If the snow/rain is allowed to pool in a particular area, it may cause that portion of the cover to stretch out of shape.... eventually could rip a seam or just be unsightly...



Even happens on Canvas covers, just takes longer.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Had a custom cover from Tracker rip behind a seam a few years ago on my Targa. They fixed it with no complaint. After a heavy rain, just check the top for standing water.



Tex