Anyone ever tried cutting hole in a kayak behind seat? To lower bait tank into? Wondering if would maintain structural integrity while lowering center of gravity of tank instead of sitting on top of yak. Thanks for any feedback.

Sounds like a tricky adventure. Not only do you need to maintain strength but keep from leaking also. Sheeew. Not saying it can't be done but sounds challanging to say the least.

Without seeing the live well your going to use, and the kayak, its a bit hard to say. Yak'ers are great at rigging this kind of stuff, so I would think that if your ride will handle it, the guys here can come up with a way to do it. Pictures? Maybe some more detail about the boat and the live well?

Grayline 11gallon insulated tank. 16 in wide, 24 inches long. And 14 inches high. I figure if I cut the hole extremely accurate it could work.

My concern would be re-sale

You can cut out exact section for your tank to fit just right in your yak..You can place spray foam around inside of yak around your bait well for cut areas for leaks,, also use some clear seal around the top of tank.Inside of yak around tank insulate noise with water weenie tubes glued to fit around tank stacked from bottom to top inside yak..
Problem is the strength you have cut out of the frame structure may in time bend and fold frame under pressure and weight in yak..this may not be good.

If I got the yak for free and had another that was my primary yak I might.

Its not something I would attempt! Maybe if I had an old boat that was trash anyways I would experiment in trying to weld the tank back in. I would just stay away from the idea....

I would never try it, but if you can find a pvc sprinkler valve box the right dimensions you could cut it the right height, horse it into the hole and plastic-weld it so that it forms a sleeve and it would give structural integrity.

I know you don't want a DIY tank but that might be a better option than a DIY hole in the back of your nice kayak. I would definitely reconsider going custom. The oval shape tank well in your ride 135 would be perfect for a custom fitted tank IMO. Custom doesnt have to be cheap or DIY.

I've done some cutting on a yak. Make sure you get it right. Gaps, wiggle, structural integrity etc are all concerns. The more gap fills you have to do will make the job look more sloppy and effect resale if you ever go that route. Also, the bait tank would have to go with it.

I can tell you the pucker factor is HUGE with a cut like this and you don't get a redo. Here is my cut.

RMillertx Im leanin that way. I cant stand not havin the best tank available. But your right it would be better. Payne your right on the pucker factor. I really think I wouldnt have any problem selling a awesome set up yak with top of the line tank. IMO.Thanks for all feedback will post pics either way when done.