176XT Livewell

[norcal bass]

The livewell on the 176XT is very basic. What I cannot figure out is how to keep the water level full when running. Most boats have the "fill / re-circ" switch or an "open / closed" switch near the front console or next to the throttle/shift control. I believe this switch either allows fresh water in or seals it out. So if the livewell is full and you switch it to "re-circ" or "open", the water level will remain at whatever level you filled it to. The 176XT doesn't have that "fill / re-circ" switch ... so when you run, the water level goes way down unless you are running the pump constantly.

Is there something I just can't figure out or is this an option that Stratos left out on the 176XT to cut costs? And if so ... any suggestions to close the livewell if needed? i.e. parking lot boat weigh-ins?

Thanks.

[Terryfd42]

not for sure, but it may be like a friend of mine has, his triton tr186 he has to put a rubber plug in the livewell to keep it from draining while running down the lake.

[Tomahawk]

I just never pull the plug in my 176 XT. I leave it in all the time. When I put Catch 'n Release in my livewells and keep the circulator running, I never have problems with fish dying.