Im needing to build a custom livewell for my boat. I have a center console boat and I need it to fit between the console and the front deck on the boat. I want it to be removable so I can take it out of the boat for trips that I dont need it.

Im planning to build a box from 5/8" marine grade plywood and then fiberglass it, inside, out, and all edges. Iv never worked with fiberglass but think I may tackle the project myself and see what happens so any help from the TFF will be greatly appreciated. Iv see Lowes has a Bondo All-Purpose Fiberglass Resin that I am thinking about using. Is this a good product for this application? Is there something better that is reasonably priced? Outside deminsions of the box will be 12 3/4" x 15" x 64". Im planning to put a 1 x 2 support in the center and 2 hinged doors on top. The box will be open throughout and only the doors split (no center partition). Will this support the sides and doors enough that it can sturcturally hold a person standing on top of it? Will a 1 gallon can do the job or will I need multiple cans?


Here is link to the resin I mentioned above.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_331529-98-20124___?productId=3371928&pl=1&Ntt=fiberglass+resin

Any suggestions from anyone with experience in fiberglass work will be greatly appreciated. Any different ideas for a livewell will be apreceated as well.

Order resin from Composite One in FtWorth. The deal with the Bondo Polyester resin is it isn't designed for building up layers. It is designed for a single layer of glass. The stuff from Composite One is, depending on what you order, building resin. Meaning it doesn't have to cure and be sanded between each layer for the layers to fully adhere to each other.

But, that said, you CAN use the expensive "cheap stuff" if you wanna. Haha. As for the amount? One gallon is nowhere close to enough. Get a five gallon container. Again. From a specialist. It will be much fresher product and less expensive.

I built one many years ago and used a large ice chest. I used a drill for the holes and installed plumbing hoses. Used silicone to seal. Installed a plug for the electrical wiring so I could remove livewell from boat. Your idea will be a nicer livewell but I just wanted simple.

Won't a large (good marine grade) cooler weigh a lot LESS and provide a lot of insulation to protect the bait?
Some of those come with a split lid, or you could modify the lid to your liking. Cushions are also typically available.

I cooler would work great. The only problem is finding one that is no more than 12 3/4" wide, and long enough to hold some big fish in. Im restrained on the width to get the livewell to fit where I want it in the boat.

Jerry look at the PU. tool boxes at TSC.You can change the doors to your liking.

Freeman, iv checked TSC both online and in store for tool boxes. They only have 1 that is narrow enough to fit between the deck and console. It is 69" long, which is to long. I have to stay less than 65".

Jerry that aluminum boat I had had an aluminum livewell almost exactly as u discribe, it was encase in wood and carpet, that acted as a decent insulator. I dont know if it was something custom built or the manufacture made it, but it was nice. it was abt the size you need. the boat was an old sea nymph. If you can find an old aluminum fuel tank you might be able to make you one also.
Just cut the lids out, hinge them, encase it in plywood, with a stout lid, and u got a nice livewell to put the big cats in. Lightweight, easy to clean, last forever, .

Jerry you can cut it down to what size you need.Make one lid the same size as the box.
I have been in on making two live well out of PU tool boxes.Be sure and put a good rubber mat under the box you put in.











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Thanks freeman, I will look into that.