So me and the missus were gonna go halves on a new tempest 200 for this season. However, we've had multiple trips lately with friends who have been using bait boats and they are catching consistently more often than we are even though using same bait, rigs etc. Stands to reason, reaching parts of water I physically can't cast to and getting perfect placement every time so minimal disturbance, it's bound to be the case.
Me and the missus are beginning to think that a new bivvy won't catch more fish but a boat will. And are toying with the idea. Problem is, I know nothing about bait boats. Our friends use a mk4 waverunner which, with extras, was 1.5k. Way out of our budget.
Can anyone recommend a more budget friendly bait boat? Or is it a case of no point going cheap?
Me and the missus are beginning to think that a new bivvy won't catch more fish but a boat will. And are toying with the idea. Problem is, I know nothing about bait boats. Our friends use a mk4 waverunner which, with extras, was 1.5k. Way out of our budget.
Can anyone recommend a more budget friendly bait boat? Or is it a case of no point going cheap?
In reply to Post #1
I use a lake reaper, it's been solid for over 5 years now. I've not had any issues with it at all. I've used it up to 150 yards with no problems. I fish on a water where other members own boats that cost significantly more and to be honest the reaper does everything the other boats do . Personal choice I guess.
I use a lake reaper, it's been solid for over 5 years now. I've not had any issues with it at all. I've used it up to 150 yards with no problems. I fish on a water where other members own boats that cost significantly more and to be honest the reaper does everything the other boats do . Personal choice I guess.
In reply to Post #1
Have a look at the new direction ND2 Baitboat cracking boat for the money at £499.99 or if you want to got bit cheaper their is the boatman actor Baitboat just over £200 or the lake reaper from howes models for under £350
Have a look at the new direction ND2 Baitboat cracking boat for the money at £499.99 or if you want to got bit cheaper their is the boatman actor Baitboat just over £200 or the lake reaper from howes models for under £350
In reply to Post #1
For overseas trips I used to have a Microcat MK1 modified to MK2 with a graphic which was fantastic, if you want distance then purely on my experience, and I haven't used other brands of boat, the Microcat was perfect for me to 125-150m. At one point I also owned a Pro-Cat which was great for shorter distances and carrying smaller payloads say 50-75m.
Good thing about Angling Technics who make the above BB's is you have a lot of support if you need any help with repairs and spares.
For overseas trips I used to have a Microcat MK1 modified to MK2 with a graphic which was fantastic, if you want distance then purely on my experience, and I haven't used other brands of boat, the Microcat was perfect for me to 125-150m. At one point I also owned a Pro-Cat which was great for shorter distances and carrying smaller payloads say 50-75m.
Good thing about Angling Technics who make the above BB's is you have a lot of support if you need any help with repairs and spares.
In reply to Post #1
Waverunner Bait Boats dealer Genesis Sports are appalling to deal with if the Boat has a problem under warranty in my experience.
A complete waste of time.
Steer well clear of one of those!
Waverunner Bait Boats dealer Genesis Sports are appalling to deal with if the Boat has a problem under warranty in my experience.
A complete waste of time.
Steer well clear of one of those!
Thanks all, I appreciate the replies.
Just to clarify, when I say my mates boat can teach places I physically can't, I didn't mean distance. I mostly fish small lakes so distance never been an issue. I'm more on about under shaggy trees, or in bays to the sides that you just can't whip a lead round into.
Just to clarify, when I say my mates boat can teach places I physically can't, I didn't mean distance. I mostly fish small lakes so distance never been an issue. I'm more on about under shaggy trees, or in bays to the sides that you just can't whip a lead round into.
In reply to Post #6
What sort of budget do you have?
What sort of budget do you have?
In reply to Post #1
I have an Anatec Catamaran great boat had it out in all conditions, bonus is you can access all the parts should anything go wrong as the switch failed on me in France but called Anatec and managed to bypass it downside is the size but have seen some go cheap on ebay.
I have an Anatec Catamaran great boat had it out in all conditions, bonus is you can access all the parts should anything go wrong as the switch failed on me in France but called Anatec and managed to bypass it downside is the size but have seen some go cheap on ebay.
In reply to Post #7
£7 to 800 ideally.
£7 to 800 ideally.
Cheap and cheerful would be a 2nd hand procat it only takes a small payload and 1 hopper but hey it's a great little boat
I had the one with an aerial on the outside and that was a bit of a pain as it stopped it going into some places.
Only got rid when I THOUGHT I needed a bigger boat so bought a mk3 micro cat.
If I could find another cheap enough I would buy one again
I had the one with an aerial on the outside and that was a bit of a pain as it stopped it going into some places.
Only got rid when I THOUGHT I needed a bigger boat so bought a mk3 micro cat.
If I could find another cheap enough I would buy one again
In reply to Post #9
Nice budget, maybe get something used with a decent echo for that. Failing that there are quite a few to choose from
Nice budget, maybe get something used with a decent echo for that. Failing that there are quite a few to choose from
In reply to Post #13
That is perfect! Thank you
That is perfect! Thank you
Impressed with the waverunner shuttle for the money. Anyone have any experiences?
In reply to Post #6
A lakereaper would be fine for what your wanting to do , there just a streight forward no nonsense boat
A lakereaper would be fine for what your wanting to do , there just a streight forward no nonsense boat
In reply to Post #3
I've been playing around with the liittle Boatman Actor, with Sonar.
It's my first baitboat, (at 70), and my UK mate says they won't count if I use it.
But, it seems to work, all I want it to do is to drop a little trap of hemp and tigers at a specific depth down a shelt at 90 yds.
It got me a first bite of the year yesterday morning on that rod from a 100+ acre reservoir where I always aim for 10 fish a year.
If you want to try a really cheap boat, here it is.
I've been playing around with the liittle Boatman Actor, with Sonar.
It's my first baitboat, (at 70), and my UK mate says they won't count if I use it.
But, it seems to work, all I want it to do is to drop a little trap of hemp and tigers at a specific depth down a shelt at 90 yds.
It got me a first bite of the year yesterday morning on that rod from a 100+ acre reservoir where I always aim for 10 fish a year.
If you want to try a really cheap boat, here it is.
In reply to Post #17
I've just ordered one today, like you this is my first bait boat, didn't want to spend a fortune just get something what does the job. Read a lot of reviews and for the money looks like you can't go wrong!
I've just ordered one today, like you this is my first bait boat, didn't want to spend a fortune just get something what does the job. Read a lot of reviews and for the money looks like you can't go wrong!
In reply to Post #18
Actor bait boat! Unbelievable for the price. Have a look on the Facebook page.
https://boatmanuk.com/
Actor bait boat! Unbelievable for the price. Have a look on the Facebook page.
https://boatmanuk.com/
In reply to Post #1
What about buying a decent 2nd hand bait boat?
What about buying a decent 2nd hand bait boat?
In reply to Post #20
I've always thought second hand was a gamble and often a false economy. I have no doubt there are great deals out there, but I also have no doubt there are non-genuine sellers hiding problems and what not.
With something with moving parts and electrics designed to go in water, I'd feel much better having warranty and knowing there hadn't been an idiot using it before me. I'd rather get a worse, cheaper boat new with peace of mind rather than risk a second hand.
I will have a look at the actor. I think my choice is between that and the reaper.
I've always thought second hand was a gamble and often a false economy. I have no doubt there are great deals out there, but I also have no doubt there are non-genuine sellers hiding problems and what not.
With something with moving parts and electrics designed to go in water, I'd feel much better having warranty and knowing there hadn't been an idiot using it before me. I'd rather get a worse, cheaper boat new with peace of mind rather than risk a second hand.
I will have a look at the actor. I think my choice is between that and the reaper.
In reply to Post #21
Used really isn't false economy at all, especially when you consider a lot of people (like me) spend a fortune on a boat and extras and then barely use the thing
Used really isn't false economy at all, especially when you consider a lot of people (like me) spend a fortune on a boat and extras and then barely use the thing
In reply to Post #22
Yes, but what I'm trying to say is, not everyone selling things online will be as genuine as you.
Also, research might have made my mind up on the lake reaper. I plan on towing my deeper pro plus with the boat because I don't see the point in spending hundreds on buying a second sonar. Am I right in saying that rules out all 2.4ghz controllers? I've seen the reaper does a specific model for deeper and used 5.8ghz and it only £50 more than standard.
Yes, but what I'm trying to say is, not everyone selling things online will be as genuine as you.
Also, research might have made my mind up on the lake reaper. I plan on towing my deeper pro plus with the boat because I don't see the point in spending hundreds on buying a second sonar. Am I right in saying that rules out all 2.4ghz controllers? I've seen the reaper does a specific model for deeper and used 5.8ghz and it only £50 more than standard.
In reply to Post #23
If it's any help a mate of mine has one of the ND boats, not sure which one but it has the single little hand controller and the GPS, he tows a Deeper behind it and he swears by it. I have an RT4 as I know many people that have them and it is the dogs but at a price. I just thought if I'm going to give in and finally buy a BB might as well go in deep
If it's any help a mate of mine has one of the ND boats, not sure which one but it has the single little hand controller and the GPS, he tows a Deeper behind it and he swears by it. I have an RT4 as I know many people that have them and it is the dogs but at a price. I just thought if I'm going to give in and finally buy a BB might as well go in deep
In reply to Post #21
Depends on what you wanna spend...i took a punt and bought a 2nd hand viper bait boat off here for £100...
As i knew i would hardly use it thought for 100 pounds its gotta be worth the risk..18 months on and its been faultless... chap i bought it off was genuine....got 4 batteries 2 chargers a fish finder thing which I haven't used, and I'd at least get my money back if i wanted to sell on....
Depends on what you wanna spend...i took a punt and bought a 2nd hand viper bait boat off here for £100...
As i knew i would hardly use it thought for 100 pounds its gotta be worth the risk..18 months on and its been faultless... chap i bought it off was genuine....got 4 batteries 2 chargers a fish finder thing which I haven't used, and I'd at least get my money back if i wanted to sell on....
In reply to Post #1
I own a lake reaper, had it about 3 years, does what it's supposed to do with the caveat of lots of foibles and badly designed features and/or lack of....
I've been fortunate to have a play with a lot of different boats from the cheap and cheerful( mine) to the pricey top of the range models,
Cheap ones? Reliable but no bells and whistles, batteries usually crap etc
Pricey ones?, loaded with tech that mostly never get used or is just for show. If I had the money I'd personally go for the Tolson X Boat but for your budget the ND really is the best in class. Well built, upgradeable and despite the looks of the controller it works perfectly. dead easy to use with one hand whilst holding the rod etc. Deeper works well with it, and the home feature and autopilot for the money is spot on.
I own a lake reaper, had it about 3 years, does what it's supposed to do with the caveat of lots of foibles and badly designed features and/or lack of....
I've been fortunate to have a play with a lot of different boats from the cheap and cheerful( mine) to the pricey top of the range models,
Cheap ones? Reliable but no bells and whistles, batteries usually crap etc
Pricey ones?, loaded with tech that mostly never get used or is just for show. If I had the money I'd personally go for the Tolson X Boat but for your budget the ND really is the best in class. Well built, upgradeable and despite the looks of the controller it works perfectly. dead easy to use with one hand whilst holding the rod etc. Deeper works well with it, and the home feature and autopilot for the money is spot on.
In reply to Post #15
Great little boat, I don't use a bait boat a lot so didn't want to fork out stupid money for one so I bought a shuttle, very impressed with it and I have a deeper attached to the back of it. Perfect for what I want and need. Buy some spare batteries when you order and you won't go wrong with it
Great little boat, I don't use a bait boat a lot so didn't want to fork out stupid money for one so I bought a shuttle, very impressed with it and I have a deeper attached to the back of it. Perfect for what I want and need. Buy some spare batteries when you order and you won't go wrong with it
In reply to Post #27
Does anyone attach a deeper to their Actor bait boat? Do they work ok?
Does anyone attach a deeper to their Actor bait boat? Do they work ok?
In reply to Post #1
i cannot recommend the big lake bait boat enough. Great boat, great after sales service. great prices, with multiple options.
https://www.biglakebaitboat.com/products.html
i cannot recommend the big lake bait boat enough. Great boat, great after sales service. great prices, with multiple options.
https://www.biglakebaitboat.com/products.html
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