Gulf Coast - Livewell Overflowing Problems

Hey Y'all, We just recently acquired a Contender 31' and for the first two trips we have had issues with the livewells. As we are running out from spot to spot the water starts gushing out and spitting around everywhere, even with the lids locked shut. It is two livewells in transom and they are connected in the middle by a small tube that lets water go from one well to the other and then back out. This would not be an issue if we didnt have people sitting on bean bags in the back, but since we usually have 4-6 people each trip we have to put them back there. Has anyone else had this problem? And how did you fix it?

Thanks!

Put a new seal on only the front 3/4 of the live wells to where the water escapes from the rear only. You want that water pressure.

Cut back on your water flow at the jet nozzle to where it is not putting out more water than your overflow drain can handle ,you could prob cut the drain tube a little shorter as well.

It drains outside the hull I think. Not a good idea if so.

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Cut back on your water flow at the jet nozzle to where it is not putting out more water than your overflow drain can handle ,you could prob cut the drain tube a little shorter as well.

Yes there's a seacock at the thru-hull, close some. I don't think there's a stand pipe in the livewell, just a overflow port in the livewell wall.

Question - will cutting off part of the flow to a LW pump have any effect on how it operates ( ie will it over heat?)

Question - will cutting off part of the flow to a LW pump have any effect on how it operates ( ie will it over heat?)

There's a clamshell on the bottom of the hull which forces water flow when the boat is at speed, no pump needed. When the pump is running and the boat is stopped, there should be not be a restriction that harms the pump.

Yes there's a seacock at the thru-hull, close some. I don't think there's a stand pipe in the livewell, just a overflow port in the livewell wall.

Well, from when I have investigated, it is an overflow port, but it overflows into the livewell that is right next to it, and there is a drain in both of them. One of the guys that we have talked to down here said that the fish might be getting into the middle pipe that the water flows through to the left side, stopping up first one, cause that is where the primary leakage is. But, that didn't really turn out to be the problem.

Question - will cutting off part of the flow to a LW pump have any effect on how it operates ( ie will it over heat?)

No. I do this all the time when fishing inshore with minows, because if you let it overflow out the back like you do offshore, it stains the boat. Just close it half way. No worries.