Live well holes

[schuy249]

1993 16’ Bonefisher.  
Im trying to figure out what all these holes in the live well are for and how to use/plug them accordingly. I’m not sure why there are 5 holes (3 screened) plus the aerator/circulator and two others on the bottom.  Seems excessive. I’ve had some plugged on some runs and others not plugged on others but can’t seem to figure what the ideal setup would be. Appreciate any help/advice! 
 

[jh141]

Can you get pictures of the plumbing on the outside? Do you have access?

[TheGreatWatusi]

Not sure if you ever got an answer but here what I have read and understand. From factory these were “crustacean wells” and did not come with a pump. I added a quick explanation based off my reading (which I’ve also shared from where I got my details). If you are using shrimp and crabs then just plug 3 and 4 and no need to run the pump.   Assuming you are using this to keep fish alive, Id say you always have 2,3 and 4 plugged (well, unless you have the original high speed pickup pipe or you made a new one for hole #4 (see notes below on this pipe) granted with your well already hooked up to a pump you likely don’t need it).

1) Overflow - So that the water dumps out the transom when the pump (or high speed pickup, see # 4) fill the livewell. I don’t believe this came from factory based on other early 90s 16 bonefishers I have seen and was added later in its life. 

2) Free flow through hulls - These remained open to let water free flow when you have shrimp and crabs in there 

3) Drain - Used to completely drain the well

4) Pickup - Boat came with a PVC pipe that stuck 3/4in below hull with it cut on an angle. At speed this was a pickup and pushed water up through the tube and hit the top cap with slits in it to fill the well. I’ve heard it worked well as long as the pipe stayed in. Otherwise you lost all your shrimp. I’ve attached some pictures of what others have done to make their own.