Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Live Well Question
went fising last week and we were keeping the fish to restock a friends pond. It was the first time that i used the live well and i noticed that when i put the plug in the live well to run the drivers side would stay full, but the passenger side would empty through a drain in the wall. It looks like a filter with a black cap on that the water was draining into. I have a 96 sabre. thanks for everything.
You either have a cable that has slipped in the holder and not allowing the valve to close, or you have a faulty rubber flapper in the valve. Also be sure you go just over the detent on the valve.
If I am thinking right the live well valve is shut on empty. To drain or fill the livewell with lake water it needs to be in auto but it will only fill half way in auto. Need to put on empty , fill, then recirc. I am new to this also so if I am wrong some one will correct me.
, , , , , || System 2, Two-Position Automatic, , || Systems Overview | System 1 | System 2 | System 3 | System 4, , || AUTO – OFF-PLANE Once the first fish is caught, simply place the rotary actuator in the “AUTO” position, turn on the aerator pump and forget it. With the boat off plane, fresh water will be constantly blended with recirculated livewell water. This ensures a properly filled and freshened livewell at all times and that any ammonia laden used water is expelled through the overflow., AUTO – ON-PLANE When the boat is placed on plane, the control valve will automatically close the transom port to prevent water loss and the aerator pump is automatically diverted to closed recirculation duty. When the next fishing spot is reached and the boat is brought off plane, the control valve automatically opens the transom port to again allow fresh oxygenated water to be added to the livewell. Therefore, any water that was lost through the overflow while running from spot to spot is automatically made up without any operator assistance., || EMPTY – ON/OFF-PLANE The “EMPTY” position is, of course, used for draining the livewell. It is, however, much more than just an open drain position. When placed in the “EMPTY” position, the control valve allows water to exit the transom drain, but not enter. This check feature is most appreciated by the tournament angler, who in the wee hours of the morning, does not have to remember to close a livewell drain prior to launching as the control is already in the “EMPTY” position. Water will automatically be prevented from entering the livewell as the boat is backed into the water. No more blast-offs with hundreds of pounds of unwanted water in the livewell., ?, || , , , || , , , , , || , || , || Last edited by NELA COUGAR on February 19th, 2009, 5:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
i was able to switch over to the link for the three setting switch. mine has apparently been broken ever since i got the boat….i just didnt know any better. changing out that valve may not be worth the effort at this point. ill have to give it a look-see!
Thanks for the info guys!
Ahh the valve, where are the simple plugs that never fail?
Thanks for the illustrations, is this the version that an 08 Sabre would have?
thats what I love about this site!!!ALWAYS finding out something new about my cat!!!!
Any of you guys able to confirm which one of the four Systems that come in an 08 Sabre? Glynn
More than likely, your livewell valve is open or is faulty. There is a small round knob on the drivers side wall probably below the throttle shift. Push in to fill and keep full, pull out to empty. Unless this boat has been modified, you need to check there first.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
A 96 Sabre should have a drain valve, that should be all you need to mess with. If you are plugging that hole for the drain off, then you should plug the lowest screened fitting, and should have to remove that screen to access for a plug. The other fitting is a bypass between the wells and should stay open.
you are exactly right, the knob is missing and only the wire is sticking out. thanks jignpig.
Cool! Good luck96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats

