Below you will find answers to many of the questions we receive about our V-T2 Livewell & Baitwell Ventilators. If you have a question, and do not find your answer below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How does the V-T2 work?
QUESTION: How does the V-T2 increase the dissolved oxygen levels of the water in my livewell?
ANSWER: By the natural process of atmospheric diffusion (fresh air), and augmented surface diffusion (directed ram air). Lakes naturally attain dissolved oxygen from the atmosphere, (wind increases the rate of diffusion of oxygen into the water) and photosynthesis. The V-T2 creates a continuous flow of fresh air into the livewell that provides a continuous resource of oxygen to diffuse into livewell water.
QUESTION: How does the V-T2 cool my livewell?
ANSWER: First, the V-T2 ventilator allows the hot air that builds up in livewell interiors to rise out of the livewell. Next, the V-T2 directs air into your livewell when running your boat. This air carries a wet bulb temperature that is cooler than the ambient temperature (day temp.) When this cooler air meets warmer water, heat from the water will pass directly into the air and then be directed out of the livewell. As the surface water in your livewell becomes cooler, this cooler water becomes heavier and sinks. The sinking cooler water displaces lighter warm water below, which then goes upward, where it is then cooled and sinks. This creates a circulation and livewell water inversion that cools livewell water and also promotes better aeration providing higher levels of dissolved oxygen.
QUESTION: How does the V-T2 remove harmful gases like CO2 from my livewell?
ANSWER: A supersaturated gas has a natural tendency when exposed to the interface between air and water to escape out of the water into the surrounding air. Aeration and turbulence in your livewell bring molecules containing supersaturated gases to the surface, where they can escape into the atmosphere. The V-T2 then carries these supersaturated gases out of the livewell by directing fresh air in and out of the livewell.NOTE: As cooler water has the potential to hold more dissolved oxygen, cooler water also has the potential to hold more CO2 (carbon dixoide).High carbon dioxide concentrations are harmful to fish as their blood becomes less efficent in getting rid of the carbon dioxide across their gills. This means that some of the CO2 stays in the blood, taking up a space where an oxygen molecule would otherwise have occupied. Supersaturation of CO2 can create a 50% drop in the fishes carrying capacity for oxygen. CO2 in your livewell can be controlled by the V-T2's combination of aeration and degassing methods.
General
QUESTION: Will the V-T2 Livewell & Baitwell ventilators allow water from my livewell to splash out?
ANSWER: No. The depth of the three inch sleeve and dividing wall of the V-T2 eliminates the possibility of water from splashing out of your livewell.
QUESTION: Can things fall or blow into my livewell through the opening areas of the V-T2 ventilators?
ANSWER: No. The unique curved design and height of the V-T2 is constructed to eliminate objects from entering your livewell.
QUESTION: Once I have installed the V-T2's on my boat, what do I need to do to make sure they are working?
Answer:Absolutely nothing! Once the V-T2's are installed they will operate independently without the need for monitoring, maintenance, or battery power. The V-T2 Livewell & Baitwell Ventilators are a one time investment for your boat. Once installed, the V-T2's are at work providing a more stable and fish healthier environment.
QUESTION: Will the V-T2 livewell & baitwell ventilators create a tripping hazard for my partner in the back of the boat?
ANSWER: No. The V-T2 livewell & baitwell ventilators are streamline and only rise about a quarter of inch higher than the deck of your boat. The V-T2 is made of super-tough nylon with a UV inhibitor and is made to flex when it is stepped on and then flex back into position once you step off. The V-T2 is constructed to perform well in extreme temperatures of both hot and cold.
QUESTION: Will I still need to use the factory installed aeration system on my boat?
ANSWER: Yes, absolutely! The V-T2 Livewell & Baitwell ventilators are only a supplemental resource for aeration. The V-T2 and your factory installed aeration system work together to provide a more efficient method of increasing dissolved oxygen and reducing harmful gases from metabolic waste.
QUESTION: If I don't cover my boat or keep my boat docked on the water and it rains will the V-T2 allow water to collect in my livewells and flood my boat?
ANSWER: No. The V-T2 can allow for some rain water to collect in your livewell, but your factory installed overflow value eliminates any possible chance of water flowing out over the livewell.
Installation
QUESTION: I have an aluminum boat. Can I install the V-T2's on my boat?
ANSWER: Yes, the V-T2 Livewell & Baitwell ventilators can be installed on any style of boat, including fiberglass, composite or aluminum.
QUESTION: What tools will I need to install the V-T2?
ANSWER: You will need a measuring tape, hand drill, and a 3 inch Bi-metal hole saw. You can find these at your local hardware store. Installation instructions are included with your purchase or viewed via the website. Also, you can check to see if your local boat dealer can perform the installation.
QUESTION: My boat was a significant investment for me, and I am not sure if I am comfortable with cutting the holes in my livewell lids. Will this decrease the value of my boat? ANSWER: We understand that at first the thought of cutting holes in your livewell/baitwell lids can make you a little uneasy. Your livewell lids are only attachments and not the structure of your boat, and can be easily replaced. Also, look at the lid lifts pre- installed at the factory on your boat. Not all, but most boats on the market today have lid lifts that were installed by cutting holes in the livewell lids at the factory. You don't ever see the holes because the lid lifts are installed. Once the V-T2's are installed they will also function as a part of the boat, and not decrease the value of your boat.
