When Capt. Mac Jank of Port O’Connor, Texas, started searching for a portable live well for his kayak and skiff, as someone who loves to tinker, he decided to make his own. The Zephyr Well is the result.
Jank explains. “The Zephyr Well keeps croakers alive and frisky in circulating or recirculating modes. It’s compact, waterproof and holds several gallons of water. I have about $200 cost in the parts. The Pelican case for the battery was the most expensive, but you can find cheaper dry boxes at discount tool stores to save money.”
“The only hiccup came when my hole saw bit and cracked the tank slightly while I was cutting out the holes for the PVC fittings. I was able to seal it with a small plate, four bolts and silicon caulk to keep the tank watertight. Overall, I’m really stoked the way it all turned out.”
Here are the parts, sources and purpose for this do-it-yourself project:
- The Gamma Tank air tight pet food container
- Tsunami 500GPH bilge pump with threaded stainless screen 1/4 x 20 stainless steel hardware with Nyloc nuts and 1/4-inch Lexan backer panel inside tank to mount the battery box
- Kayak handle and Pelican case handle for two handed carrying
- Bottom rear fitting is a livewell drain
- Top has bungees and brass clips to hold it down
- Two rod holders
- Pelican case with intake pump toggle switch sealed with clear silicone
- 10 Ah Power Patrol battery with spade connectors and 14-gauge wire to toggle switch and power to intake pump
- Two PVC fittings, interchangeable, for different overflow levels and outlet hose to put over the side of the boat or kayak drain scupper
- Optional BaitSaver recirculating pump with BaitSaver spray bar
- Large hose is 1-inch OD and small hose for power wire is 1/2-inch OD (Lowe’s)
