Keeping Live wells dry when not using

[SthurmanFW]

On a 2004 HPX 18 does anyone have a suggestion on how to keep water out of the live wells when not using them in order to reduce weight in the back of the boat? I found some plugs in the boat and tried those and I think I had more water come in than ever before, I guess they don't seal all the way. I am pretty much only going to fly fish so want to get as skinny as possible and don't need to keep bait alive.

any suggestions are much appreciated 

thanks

ST

[fishmanjj]

If you have ball cock valves on the water inlets, turn them off, that will block all water from coming in. If you do not have any cut off valves presently....install some, they are not expensive and will assure no water comes in the livewells. 

[FLDXT]

Turn the seacocks off, keep the stand pipe in. 

[fsusteve]

Same with the drain lines

[jason p]

For any that don't know, the Seacock handle perpendicular to the Seacock body is the "closed/off" position. 

[hurricane]

I think the closing the seacock is the best way, but not always the easiest on some boats. You could also find a drain plug that fits the in the water inlet to the livewell. This could be an easier way for some boats. And also put the plug in the drain or the stand pipe.

[SthurmanFW]

thanks everyone, found the seacock valves finally, didnt even know they existed, not easy to get to, like playing twister with the poling platform

appreciate everyone's help

 

[mulligan]

Just a tip if you want to keep it bone dry.  When you put the plug in the drain heat it up to make it softer (heat gun, lighter,ect).  This will make it easier to put the plug in and also help seal it.