The 'live well' in my older 226G isn't worth squat, so I've used a large blue barrel for years. Decided to reduce size and weight with a new one. Couldn't find the size I wanted so I improvised. Started with a typical barrel you see in both blue and white, and cut the top off at the first 'band', about 1/3 down from the top.
I then sent approximate measurements of the top to Marine Plastic Innovations (http://www.marineplasticfab.com/). Even spoke directly with the guy who would be cutting. We decided on 3/4" Seafoam Starboard. The idea was to cut a round top with a 'lip' on it. The lip would fit inside the barrel and be secured with screws from the outside. Final dimensions worked out to about 19.25" outside diameter, with about 18.25 for the 'lip' diameter. I had to make some final fitting adjustments, but they were no problem for someone handy with a router (not me, an in-law).
I used two 10 x 1.5" screws placed 180* across the axis of the access hole, then spaced ten 8 x 1" screws around the perimeter. Fittings are a Kodiak KW-1 kit from a previous full size barrel well.
I initially wanted to use the piece removed for the access hole as a lid, then decided to screw a cutting board to the exterior of it.The lid turns out to be pretty heavy, particularly when open, and I may just use the cutting board. These are the same barrel, taken inside and out.
The tank is secured to the stern bulkhead by a nylon strap, the inlet water comes from the washdown/baitwell pump via an added fitting, the overflow goes by hose to a cockpit scupper, and the end-of-day drain goes out a scupper while heading in. I've used the same set-up for years with the larger barrel, but decided to reduce size and weight.
Thanks, again, to Marine Plastic Innovations, they did a great job figuring out my 'concept' from the chicken scratch drawings I sent ... :goodjob
I then sent approximate measurements of the top to Marine Plastic Innovations (http://www.marineplasticfab.com/). Even spoke directly with the guy who would be cutting. We decided on 3/4" Seafoam Starboard. The idea was to cut a round top with a 'lip' on it. The lip would fit inside the barrel and be secured with screws from the outside. Final dimensions worked out to about 19.25" outside diameter, with about 18.25 for the 'lip' diameter. I had to make some final fitting adjustments, but they were no problem for someone handy with a router (not me, an in-law).
I used two 10 x 1.5" screws placed 180* across the axis of the access hole, then spaced ten 8 x 1" screws around the perimeter. Fittings are a Kodiak KW-1 kit from a previous full size barrel well.
I initially wanted to use the piece removed for the access hole as a lid, then decided to screw a cutting board to the exterior of it.The lid turns out to be pretty heavy, particularly when open, and I may just use the cutting board. These are the same barrel, taken inside and out.
The tank is secured to the stern bulkhead by a nylon strap, the inlet water comes from the washdown/baitwell pump via an added fitting, the overflow goes by hose to a cockpit scupper, and the end-of-day drain goes out a scupper while heading in. I've used the same set-up for years with the larger barrel, but decided to reduce size and weight.
Thanks, again, to Marine Plastic Innovations, they did a great job figuring out my 'concept' from the chicken scratch drawings I sent ... :goodjob