Oxygenator Livewell Systems

[RichmondVa]

I'm sure this has been discussed in the past.  I even recall reading the post a while back but I would like to bring it up again.  I am in the process of buying a boat and would like to know if the Oxygenator systems are worth having.  They are options for the boat I'm buying and I'm lookin for pros and cons.  I have read a bit from different sources that are "6 of one, half a dozen another."  So like, some don't like, others are impartial.  I look forward to your responses and thanks in advance for your help.

[Mike Cork]

I can't really help you on this one. My boats all have the option as well but never elected to get it. For two reasons.... First is that I've heard negative about them and I can't bring myself to risk losing a tournament fish. Two is that I've never lost a tournament fish because of my livewell, bringing me back to why chance the Oxygenator system.

The concept is sound and some of the pro's are backing them, but I've just read to many negatives to give it a shot. I'll see if I can help dig up the thread on it, there was quite a discussion.

[RichmondVa]

Thanks Mike, I'd appreciate it.  I'm a little skeptical as well I just wanted to make sure I was making a decision based off of as much info as possible. 

[BassCatBates]

I have one of the aftermarket ones added to my boat.  I try not to run it all day long.  I might turn it on for 30 minutes.  leave it off for a couple of hours and then turn it on again.  If you run them all day you really have to cycle a lot of water through there or it doesn't work well.  I've heard the reasons why but I can't remember the specifics right this second.  I think it has it's place but in new recirculating livewells I think it's unnecessary.