Livewell Switch Repair - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

TCS · 03-23-2020, 11:24 AM

My livewell quit working on the water yesterday, and I've confirmed it's not the battery, so probably the switch. I'm not real handy with wiring and electrical stuff, and would like to get back on the water. Fastlane isn't doing repairs this week, so I'm wondering if anyone else in SD does this and would have the parts. It's one of the last they made of the old model. Not V2.

Anybody got a lead for me? If not I'll try to get the part and do it myself.

Also, I think when my previous unit was repaired they coated the whole switch in epoxy or something so it wouldn't go down again. Can the V2 switch be put into the old livewell? I'd prefer not do go through this every year.

Thanks, Tom

Iceman · 03-23-2020, 11:31 AM

Tom in a pinch you can just bypass the switch in the set up and just clip the 2 wires and connect em directly , then just connect battery when in use. The wires would need to be clipped any way and it will get you by.......I have done this more than once, once even when on the water. You really can't change to the new switch, but you can wire up a toggle instead of the live well plunger style

TCS · 03-23-2020, 11:37 AM

Thanks Andy!

Based on what I'm seeing, do you think the switch is the most likely culprit?

summers in kuwait · 03-23-2020, 12:09 PM

Over the years, I have replaced the switch in the hobie livewell three times.

Now, I just bypass it. At first it was annoying, but now its fine. Simply insert battery, but do not connect till after launching or right before making bait.

If you've tested the battery and its good, then most likely the switch, but I have replaced the pump as well.

Simply connect the pump straight to the battery and see if it works.

Newguyhere · 03-23-2020, 01:50 PM

See if there are any marine stores open. Like West Marine. I bought a replacement push pull switch at one up here in Temecula. One thing to check though that happened to me, my battery charger was bad and it was the last thing I replaced. If it doesn't light up when you plug it in the wall without the battery, your charger is bad.

TJones · 03-24-2020, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summers in kuwait

Over the years, I have replaced the switch in the hobie livewell three times.

Now, I just bypass it. At first it was annoying, but now its fine. Simply insert battery, but do not connect till after launching or right before making bait.

If you've tested the battery and its good, then most likely the switch, but I have replaced the pump as well.

Simply connect the pump straight to the battery and see if it works.

I would immediately bypass the switch. too many know issues with the older switch. these things always occur at worst possible time, like when bait is super scarce in the middle of summer, you got one piece of what is now dying, and you are in the middle of wide open bite. tsunami 500 pump failures are very rare. bulletproof.

03-23-2020, 11:24 AM	#1
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	Livewell Switch Repair My livewell quit working on the water yesterday, and I've confirmed it's not the battery, so probably the switch. I'm not real handy with wiring and electrical stuff, and would like to get back on the water. Fastlane isn't doing repairs this week, so I'm wondering if anyone else in SD does this and would have the parts. It's one of the last they made of the old model. Not V2. Anybody got a lead for me? If not I'll try to get the part and do it myself. Also, I think when my previous unit was repaired they coated the whole switch in epoxy or something so it wouldn't go down again. Can the V2 switch be put into the old livewell? I'd prefer not do go through this every year. Thanks, Tom

03-23-2020, 11:31 AM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Tom in a pinch you can just bypass the switch in the set up and just clip the 2 wires and connect em directly , then just connect battery when in use. The wires would need to be clipped any way and it will get you by.......I have done this more than once, once even when on the water. You really can't change to the new switch, but you can wire up a toggle instead of the live well plunger style __________________

03-23-2020, 11:37 AM	#3
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	Thanks Andy! Based on what I'm seeing, do you think the switch is the most likely culprit?

03-23-2020, 12:09 PM	#4
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	Over the years, I have replaced the switch in the hobie livewell three times. Now, I just bypass it. At first it was annoying, but now its fine. Simply insert battery, but do not connect till after launching or right before making bait. If you've tested the battery and its good, then most likely the switch, but I have replaced the pump as well. Simply connect the pump straight to the battery and see if it works.

03-23-2020, 01:50 PM	#5
Newguyhere Junior Join Date: Sep 2019 Posts: 21	See if there are any marine stores open. Like West Marine. I bought a replacement push pull switch at one up here in Temecula. One thing to check though that happened to me, my battery charger was bad and it was the last thing I replaced. If it doesn't light up when you plug it in the wall without the battery, your charger is bad.