Anybody using the new ridgemonkey bait boat find it hard to control? First time using it currently in France and the slightest movement on the joystick and the boat goes from side to side? My
Actor bait boat which is also a one handed joystick seems to handle so much better.
Actor bait boat which is also a one handed joystick seems to handle so much better.
Ive seen 2 up for sale on the local Facebook selling pages last night because people cant get use to the controller.
In reply to Post #1
I have been reading a few bad comments on this boat.
Hopper not aligned correctly, motors making strange noises, discolouration, hopper not releasing and the whole boat being quite flimsy.
Doesn't sound like there was any quality control and just shipped straight from China to the customer.
I have been reading a few bad comments on this boat.
Hopper not aligned correctly, motors making strange noises, discolouration, hopper not releasing and the whole boat being quite flimsy.
Doesn't sound like there was any quality control and just shipped straight from China to the customer.
In reply to Post #3
Everything works fine and it does go straight. Just the slightest movement and it goes of course.
Everything works fine and it does go straight. Just the slightest movement and it goes of course.
In reply to Post #1
that joystick didnt make any sense to me when I first saw it, looks like I wasnt far off.
that joystick didnt make any sense to me when I first saw it, looks like I wasnt far off.
In reply to Post #3
Not sure these are actually from China....
RM I seem to recall asked UKBB to be involved in the process.
All parts these days come from China anyways....even so called German stuff.
It seems like a nice concept boat so very disappointed to hear the issues people are having
MK2 needed already not ideal!!!!!
Not sure these are actually from China....
RM I seem to recall asked UKBB to be involved in the process.
All parts these days come from China anyways....even so called German stuff.
It seems like a nice concept boat so very disappointed to hear the issues people are having
MK2 needed already not ideal!!!!!
In reply to Post #6
You are right about everything coming from China but I do wish that these companies would at least employ someone to do some sort of quality control.
At £500 a piece and months and months of delays I would be very disappointed with some of the boats that some customers have received.
I must admit though they do look good little boats and if they could iron out the problems I'm sure they will sell plenty.
You are right about everything coming from China but I do wish that these companies would at least employ someone to do some sort of quality control.
At £500 a piece and months and months of delays I would be very disappointed with some of the boats that some customers have received.
I must admit though they do look good little boats and if they could iron out the problems I'm sure they will sell plenty.
In reply to Post #6
I'm pretty sure these boats did come from China. Maybe UKBB were involved with the design etc but I'm pretty certain the boats were made and shipped in from China/Far East
Ridgemonkey themselves even made a statement that tue boats were in the country but were held up in the docks due to the lack of customs staff etc managing to get the stuff processed quickly enough
I'm pretty sure these boats did come from China. Maybe UKBB were involved with the design etc but I'm pretty certain the boats were made and shipped in from China/Far East
Ridgemonkey themselves even made a statement that tue boats were in the country but were held up in the docks due to the lack of customs staff etc managing to get the stuff processed quickly enough
Im hearing rave reviews on the £650 Actor bait boat amazing specs GPS and colour fishfinder all included 
In reply to Post #5
Yer. It doesn't come far enough off
Yer. It doesn't come far enough off
In reply to Post #9
That's the one I ordered Gerry after you posted a link, just waiting on delivery due to come Monday I think.
£300 it cost just the basic package no GPS etc.
That's the one I ordered Gerry after you posted a link, just waiting on delivery due to come Monday I think.
£300 it cost just the basic package no GPS etc.
In reply to Post #11
think Army Andy just did a French trip and used one spoke very highly of it
think Army Andy just did a French trip and used one spoke very highly of it
For £550 you could get an ND2 bait boat which has a 3kg bait load which is full GPS that you can save your spots with and have it autopilot to time and again with just one press of a button, or you can spend 500 bar on an RM jobby and fully load it with a handful of bait and manually steer it yourself with its tiny battery...
In reply to Post #1
Yep picked my one up on Thursday used it this weekend for the first time and very happy with it all works fine and thankfully no problems with my one but time will tell . It's just what I wanted small compact boat nice and light weight holds enough bait for my liking .I found the joystick a little bit worst to control compared to the ND2 boat I had before it which was the same type of controller but will get used it . Just started following the ridgemonkey hunter 750 BaitBoat Facebook page and seems their are few faulty ones hopper plates misaligned , noisy motors , hopper not releasing
Yep picked my one up on Thursday used it this weekend for the first time and very happy with it all works fine and thankfully no problems with my one but time will tell . It's just what I wanted small compact boat nice and light weight holds enough bait for my liking .I found the joystick a little bit worst to control compared to the ND2 boat I had before it which was the same type of controller but will get used it . Just started following the ridgemonkey hunter 750 BaitBoat Facebook page and seems their are few faulty ones hopper plates misaligned , noisy motors , hopper not releasing
ridgemnokey would be the last company I would trust with launching a new electronic product, its obviously going to be rebadged Chinese tat with a huge mark up
In reply to Post #13
The ND2 boat starts at £500, its an extra £200 for GPS.
The ND2 boat starts at £500, its an extra £200 for GPS.
In reply to Post #14
by reading that fb page it really doesnt look good
by reading that fb page it really doesnt look good
In reply to Post #17
RM are blaming the warped boats on the amount of time they spent in the containers due to the heat
RM are blaming the warped boats on the amount of time they spent in the containers due to the heat
In reply to Post #16
GPS is already in it, it's hardwired and can do everything that you can do via the app just from the handset. The only things you can't do from the handset it use the measuring thingy that's on the app and you can save multiple spots that are recallable via the app or send it it to random spots that you can autopilot to. If you think 'oh, that looks saucey over there', just hold your finger on the app and send it lik you would on an RT4 and it trots off on its own, if you don't like the look of where it's gone, delete the created spot and send it somewhere else, can't do that on the remote.
It's £549 (call it £550) not £500 👍
GPS is already in it, it's hardwired and can do everything that you can do via the app just from the handset. The only things you can't do from the handset it use the measuring thingy that's on the app and you can save multiple spots that are recallable via the app or send it it to random spots that you can autopilot to. If you think 'oh, that looks saucey over there', just hold your finger on the app and send it lik you would on an RT4 and it trots off on its own, if you don't like the look of where it's gone, delete the created spot and send it somewhere else, can't do that on the remote.
It's £549 (call it £550) not £500 👍
In reply to Post #19
It might be hardwired in the boat but you still need to pay £199 (call it £200) to use it
It might be hardwired in the boat but you still need to pay £199 (call it £200) to use it
In reply to Post #20
You've got that totally wrong mate. You turn on the handset then the boat and it searches for a GPS signal, no app needed 👍
You've got that totally wrong mate. You turn on the handset then the boat and it searches for a GPS signal, no app needed 👍
A wise man once said...."Never buy the first released model of anything!"
Wait until the initial teething problems and quality issues have been sorted out first!
Wait until the initial teething problems and quality issues have been sorted out first!
In reply to Post #21
The ND2 boat is now £549.99 and his talking about the Auto point app that is £199 to purchase to activate it
The ND2 boat is now £549.99 and his talking about the Auto point app that is £199 to purchase to activate it
In reply to Post #23
No, I think he's confusing GPS with the app. As I've explained, you don't need the app (pay £200) to be able to use the GPS function 😉
No, I think he's confusing GPS with the app. As I've explained, you don't need the app (pay £200) to be able to use the GPS function 😉
In reply to Post #9
Even though it's got a small payload - depends what your needs are - that Actor boat is a good deal 👍
Even though it's got a small payload - depends what your needs are - that Actor boat is a good deal 👍
In reply to Post #14
I'm struggling to get used to the joystick. The actor one so much better. Slightest movement and the Hunter boat goes all over the place.
I'm struggling to get used to the joystick. The actor one so much better. Slightest movement and the Hunter boat goes all over the place.
In reply to Post #1
Tbh I'm not happy with mine. Will I be able to get a refund even though I have used it a couple times. ?
Tbh I'm not happy with mine. Will I be able to get a refund even though I have used it a couple times. ?
In reply to Post #27
If it is not fit for purpose or seems faulty, then yes you could get a refund. Best bet is to speak to the retailer you purchased from
If it is not fit for purpose or seems faulty, then yes you could get a refund. Best bet is to speak to the retailer you purchased from
In reply to Post #28
I've messaged him. I've had it a couple times when the hopper hasn't opened. And the remote is awful.
I've messaged him. I've had it a couple times when the hopper hasn't opened. And the remote is awful.
This is a typical case of people buying because of the brand not the product. Ridgemonkey mugs are everywhere these days
In reply to Post #30
Isnt it!? After all of the other rubbish that they churn out (particularly on first attempt) I cant belive that anyone thought these would be any good
A fool and his money........
Isnt it!? After all of the other rubbish that they churn out (particularly on first attempt) I cant belive that anyone thought these would be any good
A fool and his money........
In reply to Post #31
"anglers" of today I'm afraid. Every manufacturer has their fan boys to be fair. The amount of stuff that's pre-ordered is comical, people have only seen pictures of a product, no user reports ,and yet the pre order just to be the first on the bank with said item, without knowing if it's actually any good or not.
"anglers" of today I'm afraid. Every manufacturer has their fan boys to be fair. The amount of stuff that's pre-ordered is comical, people have only seen pictures of a product, no user reports ,and yet the pre order just to be the first on the bank with said item, without knowing if it's actually any good or not.
In reply to Post #32
I am not a “fan boy”. I needed a bait for france and the one i ordered wouldn't be with me on time. So I got the ridgemonkey one from a tackle shop the day before I came over here.
I am not a “fan boy”. I needed a bait for france and the one i ordered wouldn't be with me on time. So I got the ridgemonkey one from a tackle shop the day before I came over here.
In reply to Post #33
So of all the readily available bait boats on the market, you chose the one made by a toaster company? Wise choice lol
So of all the readily available bait boats on the market, you chose the one made by a toaster company? Wise choice lol
In reply to Post #34
I think you're being a bit harsh there. When I recently looked into getting a baitboat, I was quite wary of the myriad chinese options, also the ND2 wasn't in stock, and most of the UK companys had no stock either. The RM option is a reputable (or at least, recognisable) seller, which you would assume would still be around in a years time if you had any issues. I'm sure people know it's chinese made but at least there's a bit of support available.
In the end I went for an X Boat (which is also chinese!) but at least they have good support through total fishing tackle, but they are also a lot more costly.
I think you're being a bit harsh there. When I recently looked into getting a baitboat, I was quite wary of the myriad chinese options, also the ND2 wasn't in stock, and most of the UK companys had no stock either. The RM option is a reputable (or at least, recognisable) seller, which you would assume would still be around in a years time if you had any issues. I'm sure people know it's chinese made but at least there's a bit of support available.
In the end I went for an X Boat (which is also chinese!) but at least they have good support through total fishing tackle, but they are also a lot more costly.
In reply to Post #34
It was the only boat in the shop. Sorry to disappoint you.
It was the only boat in the shop. Sorry to disappoint you.
The price point will definitely have appealed to some but personally I think I is overpriced for a small boat with few features. A lot of better options out there....
I ordered an x boat but sent it back as it was huge, far too big for the water I fish that is a boat dominated venue...I ended up with the ND2 which is brilliant, can't fault it at all.
I ordered an x boat but sent it back as it was huge, far too big for the water I fish that is a boat dominated venue...I ended up with the ND2 which is brilliant, can't fault it at all.
In reply to Post #35
Sorry but no I'm not. There are a load of long time boat companies about, selling boats with proven track records and a wealth of backup. But instead of choosing one of those, people choose the one from the latest fashionable company with no history in the field, barely any history of any sort,and for the most part just rip off and rebadge cheaper products,for something as technical as a boat . It's daft
Sorry but no I'm not. There are a load of long time boat companies about, selling boats with proven track records and a wealth of backup. But instead of choosing one of those, people choose the one from the latest fashionable company with no history in the field, barely any history of any sort,and for the most part just rip off and rebadge cheaper products,for something as technical as a boat . It's daft
In reply to Post #27
Can't see you getting a refund after using it just because you don't like it......wait a few weeks until they are sold out and whack it on ebay, you will probably get more than you paid for it!
Can't see you getting a refund after using it just because you don't like it......wait a few weeks until they are sold out and whack it on ebay, you will probably get more than you paid for it!
In reply to Post #36
You haven't disappointed me chap, why would you? Although,you may not be aware of this, but there are actually other shops around too. There are even companies that will hire you a boat (a good one) too
You haven't disappointed me chap, why would you? Although,you may not be aware of this, but there are actually other shops around too. There are even companies that will hire you a boat (a good one) too
In reply to Post #40
Hire one for what may end up being 25% of the purchase price of a new one lol
Hire one for what may end up being 25% of the purchase price of a new one lol
In reply to Post #36
This works, take boat back to shop , tell them its problems and stay there till you get money back, if its a decent shop there sort it quickly, if not put your foot down and wait , when thay say we haven't had eny other complaints stick to your guns and tell them again what you want.
This works, take boat back to shop , tell them its problems and stay there till you get money back, if its a decent shop there sort it quickly, if not put your foot down and wait , when thay say we haven't had eny other complaints stick to your guns and tell them again what you want.
In reply to Post #38
You literally accused him of being a ridgemonkey fan boy and he came back at you with facts to prove that isn't the case, yet you still keep singing the same tune. £500, small and compact, ridgemonkey have in the past brought out some really good and innovative products.
You just seem really angry at everyone, imagine being angry about what boat someone bought,
You literally accused him of being a ridgemonkey fan boy and he came back at you with facts to prove that isn't the case, yet you still keep singing the same tune. £500, small and compact, ridgemonkey have in the past brought out some really good and innovative products.
You just seem really angry at everyone, imagine being angry about what boat someone bought,
In reply to Post #39
Already messaged the shop and getting a refund. The hopper has failed to open a few times which I have read loads of people having the same problem. So obviously a fault.
Already messaged the shop and getting a refund. The hopper has failed to open a few times which I have read loads of people having the same problem. So obviously a fault.
In reply to Post #44
Glad your getting money back , fu%%%% bit of crap, we are the field testers ,
Glad your getting money back , fu%%%% bit of crap, we are the field testers ,
In reply to Post #44
Had this problem with most of the big companies over the years , fox and nash being the biggest w%%%%%%
what happens is thay make a product , give it to some expert , don't laugh at the back, then mass produce the crap and quality control goes belly up , that's from the horses mouth, never buy new s%%t wait 2 years imo
Had this problem with most of the big companies over the years , fox and nash being the biggest w%%%%%%
what happens is thay make a product , give it to some expert , don't laugh at the back, then mass produce the crap and quality control goes belly up , that's from the horses mouth, never buy new s%%t wait 2 years imo
In reply to Post #30
In reply to Post #47
I have the normal actor and it is brilliant. The hopper is just too small. The joystick remote is much better than the ridgemonkey one. I had the new bigger actor on pre order but canceled it because it wouldn't be with me in time for france. When I get the ridgemonkey boat money back I will get the new actor.
I have the normal actor and it is brilliant. The hopper is just too small. The joystick remote is much better than the ridgemonkey one. I had the new bigger actor on pre order but canceled it because it wouldn't be with me in time for france. When I get the ridgemonkey boat money back I will get the new actor.
In reply to Post #43
Eh? I'm not angry, I'm laughing my ass off chap. What product ls have ridgemonkey bought out that are good that they actually developed themselves then? And not just ripped off or adapted someone else's idea? And where did I cause matey of being a fanboy in particular? I was generalising.quite obvious ,no? And where were the facts you speak of? I don't think anyone would openly admit to being a fanboy of a particular maker but there are many, many in here.
Eh? I'm not angry, I'm laughing my ass off chap. What product ls have ridgemonkey bought out that are good that they actually developed themselves then? And not just ripped off or adapted someone else's idea? And where did I cause matey of being a fanboy in particular? I was generalising.quite obvious ,no? And where were the facts you speak of? I don't think anyone would openly admit to being a fanboy of a particular maker but there are many, many in here.
In reply to Post #49
Just read your own posts back to yourself. I'm not going to argue with you anymore, it's pointless.
Just read your own posts back to yourself. I'm not going to argue with you anymore, it's pointless.
In reply to Post #51
Enyway hes got his money back and we all know ridged monkey are crap
Enyway hes got his money back and we all know ridged monkey are crap
Let's try and stay on track....
In reply to Post #52
How long before there's a video of one bursting into flames whilst afloat?
How long before there's a video of one bursting into flames whilst afloat?
In reply to Post #61
Someone I know had an RT4 blow up (literally) on a pool, sent shrapnel all over the show
Someone I know had an RT4 blow up (literally) on a pool, sent shrapnel all over the show
In reply to Post #62
The music from Titanic comes into my head when reading the thread.
The music from Titanic comes into my head when reading the thread.
In reply to Post #49
Im going to france in a few weeks with a mate who is a full on RM fan boy
Ive had a raymarine and speed kit fitted to my nd2 and he had his RM boat delivered on monday so we thought we'd give them both a run-out. Despite almost being set on fire by both his RM stoves and his RM powepack as well as several issues with floating fluro, hooks etc. he continues to go on about how RM are brilliant.
Out his little boat goes. My first observation is that the handle will definitely snap off. The second issue was a hopper that point-blank refused to open, plus the boat seems completely uncontrollable and the battery only lasted about 25 minutes before this silly little boat decided to give up about 60 yds out
He finally admitted that he should've known better. I'll sell him my mk1 procat for 50 quid. A much much better boat
Lesson learnt (finally) and quid well spent
Its a shame really because i really like dave levy and i think it will get to the point where RMs rubbish starts to affect his reputation. Ive noticed that James Armstrong is back to plugging korda products on Instagram?
Im going to france in a few weeks with a mate who is a full on RM fan boy
Ive had a raymarine and speed kit fitted to my nd2 and he had his RM boat delivered on monday so we thought we'd give them both a run-out. Despite almost being set on fire by both his RM stoves and his RM powepack as well as several issues with floating fluro, hooks etc. he continues to go on about how RM are brilliant.
Out his little boat goes. My first observation is that the handle will definitely snap off. The second issue was a hopper that point-blank refused to open, plus the boat seems completely uncontrollable and the battery only lasted about 25 minutes before this silly little boat decided to give up about 60 yds out
He finally admitted that he should've known better. I'll sell him my mk1 procat for 50 quid. A much much better boat
Lesson learnt (finally) and quid well spent
Its a shame really because i really like dave levy and i think it will get to the point where RMs rubbish starts to affect his reputation. Ive noticed that James Armstrong is back to plugging korda products on Instagram?
In reply to Post #64
That sounds pretty damning...
James Armstrong left RM about a month ago, all a bit quietly and under the radar...!
That sounds pretty damning...
James Armstrong left RM about a month ago, all a bit quietly and under the radar...!
In reply to Post #65
He is freelance
He is freelance
In reply to Post #64
25mins you say? Sounds like a sure fire winner
To be fair, I've got a few RM bits like the large charger, headtourch and light which are all good for my needs, the boat on the other hand, well, that looked pony from the get-go. As has been pointed out, you can get a load more for very similar money, must be the brand that does it for some.
25mins you say? Sounds like a sure fire winner
To be fair, I've got a few RM bits like the large charger, headtourch and light which are all good for my needs, the boat on the other hand, well, that looked pony from the get-go. As has been pointed out, you can get a load more for very similar money, must be the brand that does it for some.
In reply to Post #67
Actor Plus . . .that's all I'm going to say . . .£299 bargain
Actor Plus . . .that's all I'm going to say . . .£299 bargain
In reply to Post #67
DP - so good I said twice.
PS. Quite like the RM Choppa . . .
DP - so good I said twice.
PS. Quite like the RM Choppa . . .
In reply to Post #68
That's what I'm getting when I take the ridgemonkey back
That's what I'm getting when I take the ridgemonkey back
In reply to Post #69
Jerry is right to go on about them ☺️
Oh, yeah, I forgot, I've got one of those Choppa things, I'm looking more and more like a fanboi
Jerry is right to go on about them ☺️
Oh, yeah, I forgot, I've got one of those Choppa things, I'm looking more and more like a fanboi
In reply to Post #70
The bog standard Actor is also really good - cheap, amazingly lightweight and manoeuvrable . . .unfortunately only has a hobbit sized hopper . . .
Sold mine and replaced it with the Plus which arrived last week . . .a lot of boat for the £££
The bog standard Actor is also really good - cheap, amazingly lightweight and manoeuvrable . . .unfortunately only has a hobbit sized hopper . . .
Sold mine and replaced it with the Plus which arrived last week . . .a lot of boat for the £££
In reply to Post #67
I really like my Bivvy light and my sandwich toaster thing but having seen what he's gone through with some of his kit, I'll stick to them and probably only them
I really like my Bivvy light and my sandwich toaster thing but having seen what he's gone through with some of his kit, I'll stick to them and probably only them
In reply to Post #73
Ive been using RM's gear for sometime now, Listed below
Hooks - Perfect. I swear by the Curved hooks
Fluro - Never had an issue
Tapered line - never had an issue
Bivvy - Heavy, but i dont think i'll ever need to buy another as its that well made
Bivvy Light - been perfect (but its a light with a remote afterall)
Battery Pack - ive still got the original and i cant fault it
Tackle box - Magnets too strong and the little top compartments aren't the best
Gorilla Boxes - I've got a few, love them
Stove - 2 yrs old, never had a issue
im sure there's some other bits n bobs ive got
Ive been using RM's gear for sometime now, Listed below
Hooks - Perfect. I swear by the Curved hooks
Fluro - Never had an issue
Tapered line - never had an issue
Bivvy - Heavy, but i dont think i'll ever need to buy another as its that well made
Bivvy Light - been perfect (but its a light with a remote afterall)
Battery Pack - ive still got the original and i cant fault it
Tackle box - Magnets too strong and the little top compartments aren't the best
Gorilla Boxes - I've got a few, love them
Stove - 2 yrs old, never had a issue
im sure there's some other bits n bobs ive got
In reply to Post #74
Bloody fan boy
Bloody fan boy
In reply to Post #72
Yer I have the actor at home but I want the longer hopper lol
Yer I have the actor at home but I want the longer hopper lol
In reply to Post #75
oh and i have a head torch
oh and i have a head torch
In reply to Post #77
So, like, practically all of it?
When you getting their boat delivered? It's a peach 🍑
So, like, practically all of it?
When you getting their boat delivered? It's a peach 🍑
In reply to Post #77
All that and no toastie maker,you bloody let down
All that and no toastie maker,you bloody let down
In reply to Post #74
Ive never understood the mentality of people blindly slagging off a manufacturer
as we all know all of them make some good things and some bad things
as far as ridge monkey goes
lets GIVE CREDIT !!! they bought attention to a sandwich toaster that is now part of most of us essential kit
prior to that most of us used the Diablo toaster and got the blisters !
but the Ridge monkey was a big leap SURE after a while the Chinese flooded Ebay with cheaper versions so frigging
what ??
statements like Nash trash Korda crap etc is not clever its just juvenile and pathetic and shows your utter stupidity IMHO
Ive never understood the mentality of people blindly slagging off a manufacturer
as we all know all of them make some good things and some bad things
as far as ridge monkey goes
lets GIVE CREDIT !!! they bought attention to a sandwich toaster that is now part of most of us essential kit
prior to that most of us used the Diablo toaster and got the blisters !
but the Ridge monkey was a big leap SURE after a while the Chinese flooded Ebay with cheaper versions so frigging
what ??
statements like Nash trash Korda crap etc is not clever its just juvenile and pathetic and shows your utter stupidity IMHO
In reply to Post #80
I knew it
I knew it
In reply to Post #81
I agree to a certain extent,they all do make good and bad items but it's how they deal with the issue.I have only ever had bad customer service from one company and vowed never to use them again.I have contact ridgemonkey three times and they have been helpful every time I have,they sent me parts out twice FOC
I agree to a certain extent,they all do make good and bad items but it's how they deal with the issue.I have only ever had bad customer service from one company and vowed never to use them again.I have contact ridgemonkey three times and they have been helpful every time I have,they sent me parts out twice FOC
In reply to Post #83
Fan boy
Fan boy
In reply to Post #84
I have only got
The crusher system
The smaller modular bucket
Two lights
The action system thingy
Medium curve hooks
The choppa
The toastie maker
Baiting needles
Boilie stops
Oh sugar I am too
I have only got The crusher system
The smaller modular bucket
Two lights
The action system thingy
Medium curve hooks
The choppa
The toastie maker
Baiting needles
Boilie stops
Oh sugar I am too
In reply to Post #85
What have you put RM stickers on.. please say your car
What have you put RM stickers on.. please say your car
In reply to Post #85
Don't forget the goggles
I'm actually reaching for them over my ray bans when driving now
Don't forget the goggles
I'm actually reaching for them over my ray bans when driving now
In reply to Post #87
Oh yeah and the glasses
Oh yeah and the glasses
In reply to Post #86
I'm not quite that bad but my butt slap stickers look great on my rods
I'm not quite that bad but my butt slap stickers look great on my rods
In reply to Post #85
Oh my.
Oh my.
In reply to Post #86
A guy at work is a big time Fox fan, everything is Fox. He got a bit upset when I told him Fox is for Nods getting into carp fishing for the first time, and a 'you'll learn me old fruit' as a throw away comment.
A guy at work is a big time Fox fan, everything is Fox. He got a bit upset when I told him Fox is for Nods getting into carp fishing for the first time, and a 'you'll learn me old fruit' as a throw away comment.
I have never recovered from opening the bucket!!!!
I know everyone rates the actor, but is there much feedback on the actor plus?
Really like the look of the hopper configuration
Really like the look of the hopper configuration
In reply to Post #97
There's a couple of FB groups and its all looking positive on the plus at the moment
There's a couple of FB groups and its all looking positive on the plus at the moment
In reply to Post #97
It's basically the same basic boat inside with just larger single hopper...
Should be a good boat
Personally my ND2 has been super awesome so wouldn't swap that for an actor...
It's basically the same basic boat inside with just larger single hopper...
Should be a good boat
Personally my ND2 has been super awesome so wouldn't swap that for an actor...
In reply to Post #99
I think the ND2 is a great boat. Full autopiloting out of the box is very tidy. I do think the app is good, just a few sweaks to it like position hold and a re-jigging of the user interface would make it excellent.
I do wish they'd gone for a RT4 sized boat for a few reasons: the ability to have more power when you add sonar and also a bigger boat would give the ability to add sonar's like the Raymarine Element. All that aside, it's cheap money for a highly capable boat, and from what I've seen, nothing comes close money wise.
I think the ND2 is a great boat. Full autopiloting out of the box is very tidy. I do think the app is good, just a few sweaks to it like position hold and a re-jigging of the user interface would make it excellent.
I do wish they'd gone for a RT4 sized boat for a few reasons: the ability to have more power when you add sonar and also a bigger boat would give the ability to add sonar's like the Raymarine Element. All that aside, it's cheap money for a highly capable boat, and from what I've seen, nothing comes close money wise.
In reply to Post #100
100% right.
As close to perfect as can be for the cash.....
100% right.
As close to perfect as can be for the cash.....
In reply to Post #97
Haven't used mine in anger yet - will do a review once I have . . .
Haven't used mine in anger yet - will do a review once I have . . .
In reply to Post #97
much feedback on the actor plus?
Dont think the plus has been out very long has it ? but feed back on their smaller boats has been brilliant
much feedback on the actor plus?
Dont think the plus has been out very long has it ? but feed back on their smaller boats has been brilliant
In reply to Post #97
There's some teething problems with one of the hopper doors not fully opening. They are working on a software upgrade to solve it. If they can get one or two issues ironed out it will be a decent boat.
There's some teething problems with one of the hopper doors not fully opening. They are working on a software upgrade to solve it. If they can get one or two issues ironed out it will be a decent boat.
In reply to Post #104
Edit: ignore me.
Edit: ignore me.
In reply to Post #104
its wonderful the boat will be ready soon, thankyou ridgedmonkey.
its wonderful the boat will be ready soon, thankyou ridgedmonkey.
In reply to Post #106
Had my Actor plus out at the weekend. Seems well made for thr money, compact and light, remote is a bit cheap and I have to press the on/off button quite hard. Its fairly fast, so steering can be a bit twitchy but I just went half throttle and it was much easier to control, and I need to adjust the trim as its pulling a bit to one side. No issues with doors not opening as they have flashed the new software before sending out. Don't think it can be beaten for the money, overall happy for what I paid.
Had my Actor plus out at the weekend. Seems well made for thr money, compact and light, remote is a bit cheap and I have to press the on/off button quite hard. Its fairly fast, so steering can be a bit twitchy but I just went half throttle and it was much easier to control, and I need to adjust the trim as its pulling a bit to one side. No issues with doors not opening as they have flashed the new software before sending out. Don't think it can be beaten for the money, overall happy for what I paid.
In reply to Post #107
Used my Actor Plus for 24hrs from Tues . . .
Without going into minute details in general terms its def a better boat than the previous mk4i . . .the hopper is excellent and very easy to load, the boat sits well in the water and is slightly quicker than the standard actor (surprising as its a bigger, heavier boat) . . .you can also turn the day running lights off remotely which you couldn't on the previous model. Battery life is good - 24hrs with 3x rods doing multiple trips at circa 90yds and the boat battery was still registering 80% on pack up.
THE only problem IMHO however is the steering and control . . .whilst the boat runs truer than mk4i (once the yaw is corrected) in a straight line, there is a significant delay from the handset joystick to the boat/props themselves. Power is almost 'instant' and when correcting the boats 'line' its not progressive - its a delay then a hard pull left or right which is difficult to control. This was not the case on the mk4i which was very responsive/easy to use with your thumb.
Boatman UK are simply saying that new users need to 'get used to it' which is probably fair to a degree however why release a boat that's controls are a backward step over the previous model when everything else is a massive positive!
Have read some are putting rubber bands around the joystick to 'stiffen' it up and make it less twitchy (I'm going to try this myself) however this does seem daft and I'm hoping there's a software update to remedy it.
Like all things its not the end of the world (this boat is still solid for the price-point - relatively lightweight, decent battery life, decent controllable hoppers) however the steering compared to the previous model (for me) was a disappointment so something that may be worth considering if you're about to purchase . . .maybe wait for the niggles to be ironed out (Actor Plus mk2) . . .?
Used my Actor Plus for 24hrs from Tues . . .
Without going into minute details in general terms its def a better boat than the previous mk4i . . .the hopper is excellent and very easy to load, the boat sits well in the water and is slightly quicker than the standard actor (surprising as its a bigger, heavier boat) . . .you can also turn the day running lights off remotely which you couldn't on the previous model. Battery life is good - 24hrs with 3x rods doing multiple trips at circa 90yds and the boat battery was still registering 80% on pack up.
THE only problem IMHO however is the steering and control . . .whilst the boat runs truer than mk4i (once the yaw is corrected) in a straight line, there is a significant delay from the handset joystick to the boat/props themselves. Power is almost 'instant' and when correcting the boats 'line' its not progressive - its a delay then a hard pull left or right which is difficult to control. This was not the case on the mk4i which was very responsive/easy to use with your thumb.
Boatman UK are simply saying that new users need to 'get used to it' which is probably fair to a degree however why release a boat that's controls are a backward step over the previous model when everything else is a massive positive!
Have read some are putting rubber bands around the joystick to 'stiffen' it up and make it less twitchy (I'm going to try this myself) however this does seem daft and I'm hoping there's a software update to remedy it.
Like all things its not the end of the world (this boat is still solid for the price-point - relatively lightweight, decent battery life, decent controllable hoppers) however the steering compared to the previous model (for me) was a disappointment so something that may be worth considering if you're about to purchase . . .maybe wait for the niggles to be ironed out (Actor Plus mk2) . . .?
In reply to Post #108
Belch I ordered an Actor 4i 10 aH last night it's being delivered tomorrow. It's only for pike fishing, will never be putting bait out with it or carp fishing, just dead baits. They are good yes? All I hear is friends raving about them.
Belch I ordered an Actor 4i 10 aH last night it's being delivered tomorrow. It's only for pike fishing, will never be putting bait out with it or carp fishing, just dead baits. They are good yes? All I hear is friends raving about them.
In reply to Post #109
Actor mk4i is a great little boat for the money . . .not sure about the size of the hoppers for deadbaits . . .for carping this was my only beef with the boat as they are too small and therefore a bit limiting presentation wise. . .
Actor mk4i is a great little boat for the money . . .not sure about the size of the hoppers for deadbaits . . .for carping this was my only beef with the boat as they are too small and therefore a bit limiting presentation wise. . .
In reply to Post #109
Just back from a week in France with my new Actor Mk4i and cant praise it too highly, it's certainly way better then the Reapers I have used in the past, bait load is similar if not a little more in the Actor when using both hoppers. Battery life is incredible with the 10ah battery, still showing 60% by the Thursday serving three rods at about 100 yards probably due to the boat being so light and I have changed the props to aluminium ones, apparently this also helps speed and battery life, can't argue with that as it's certainly a pretty quick little boat.
Just back from a week in France with my new Actor Mk4i and cant praise it too highly, it's certainly way better then the Reapers I have used in the past, bait load is similar if not a little more in the Actor when using both hoppers. Battery life is incredible with the 10ah battery, still showing 60% by the Thursday serving three rods at about 100 yards probably due to the boat being so light and I have changed the props to aluminium ones, apparently this also helps speed and battery life, can't argue with that as it's certainly a pretty quick little boat.
In reply to Post #108
Sounds like it needs to go back to boatman uk for the software update.
There is such a thing and supposedly sorts that issue out.
Sounds like it needs to go back to boatman uk for the software update.
There is such a thing and supposedly sorts that issue out.
Thank both of you Chris and Belch. It came this morning. Should be all good for dead baits mate, even big ones. With hook points on trebles facing upwards so they don't snag when door opens and it drops. Even big dead baits can be put in pointing upwards, on one side of middle hopper I'm told. Lead on the other side of hopper with trace looped upwards over lead side. Even the back hopper would be fine for dead baits. I always have the float trailing behind boat anyway. It looks ideal for piking with. What a bit of kit for the money.
In reply to Post #113
. . .not too clever for stiff rigs tho . . .or indeed heavier leads. A 5oz flat pear will pretty much fill the central hopper. That being said I'm starting to regret flogging my little mk4i for the Plus in all honesty . . . .now looking at carptechnics SB4's!
. . .not too clever for stiff rigs tho . . .or indeed heavier leads. A 5oz flat pear will pretty much fill the central hopper. That being said I'm starting to regret flogging my little mk4i for the Plus in all honesty . . . .now looking at carptechnics SB4's!
Why the regret? I'm looking at a plus
In reply to Post #113
I dropped the rig all week from the rear hopper with no issues - makes it top loading so much simpler than reaching underneath and keeps your line away from props etc.
Seen it mentioned that they don't carry much bait, well, compared to some boats they don't but it's quite easy to get through a load of bait filling both hoppers right up, boat didn't mind and it still flew along when fully loaded.
I dropped the rig all week from the rear hopper with no issues - makes it top loading so much simpler than reaching underneath and keeps your line away from props etc.
Seen it mentioned that they don't carry much bait, well, compared to some boats they don't but it's quite easy to get through a load of bait filling both hoppers right up, boat didn't mind and it still flew along when fully loaded.
In reply to Post #114
Morning,
I've not owned the SB4, however I have owned the minimally larger SB3 for a good many years, got it with GPS and to be fair it's been bomb proof other than when I left the hand set out over night unprotected in an absolutely torrential downpour.
Happy to answer any questions on reliability, service etc, just pm me.
Cheers
Tel
Morning,
I've not owned the SB4, however I have owned the minimally larger SB3 for a good many years, got it with GPS and to be fair it's been bomb proof other than when I left the hand set out over night unprotected in an absolutely torrential downpour.
Happy to answer any questions on reliability, service etc, just pm me.
Cheers
Tel
In reply to Post #117
My sb3 is very well made . Got the pro x but no extras . Will get a bracket for a chirp when I need some more detail of the bottom
My sb3 is very well made . Got the pro x but no extras . Will get a bracket for a chirp when I need some more detail of the bottom
In reply to Post #110
not sure about the size of the hoppers for deadbaits
The hoppers are not that big and although you can prop deadbaits in them any trace will be coiled all over the place. If you use big baits then you will struggle I think.
I made a rear hopper extension for mine out of 3mm Styrene. This allowed any deadbait to sit nicely along with the trace and not catch on anything. It worked very well. It was also good for dropping extra bait out of the back when carping. It went with the boat when I sold it and I don't think I have a picture sadly.
not sure about the size of the hoppers for deadbaits
The hoppers are not that big and although you can prop deadbaits in them any trace will be coiled all over the place. If you use big baits then you will struggle I think.
I made a rear hopper extension for mine out of 3mm Styrene. This allowed any deadbait to sit nicely along with the trace and not catch on anything. It worked very well. It was also good for dropping extra bait out of the back when carping. It went with the boat when I sold it and I don't think I have a picture sadly.
In reply to Post #118
Agree entirely. Have had an SB3 for over 12 years and it has been a brilliant bait boat. Very reliable.
Agree entirely. Have had an SB3 for over 12 years and it has been a brilliant bait boat. Very reliable.
In reply to Post #115
. . .because the steering is a dog.
Mk4i = lightweight / nimble / intuitive, easy one hand control / crap hoppers
Plus = relatively lightweight / annoying, dog poor steering and delayed response from control to boat / brilliant hoppers
Both a bargain however - you pay your money etc . . .
. . .because the steering is a dog.
Mk4i = lightweight / nimble / intuitive, easy one hand control / crap hoppers
Plus = relatively lightweight / annoying, dog poor steering and delayed response from control to boat / brilliant hoppers
Both a bargain however - you pay your money etc . . .
I used the RM bait boat this week
It wasnt mine so I'm not too bothered about what I say about it and this is what I found
Pro
I like the fact you can load hooklengths etc from the top instead of under neath
All manufacturers should take note
Just need one to close again at the touch of a button..
I like the constant voltage read out on it.
When you lift the hinge up to put the hook length in the whole boat seems to separate slightly
It seems very flimsy on that front until you close the hinge.
Sending it out takes a lot of getting used to slight pressure one side of the joystick and it goes in a circle
You can hear the pumps kicking in even at around 30 yards out when you change direction
It also sits very low in the water.
I even managed to pull the controller joystick off it's mounting at one stage it only goes on one way if you manage to do that..
The door only opens if you press the release button twice for some reason.at least you know when it's opened as you can hear that as well
I don't think they will last very long as everything seems flimsy on it probably because it's so light
Would I buy one
Nope.
I would rate a pro cat way higher in a scale out of 10 for a boat that holds around the same amount of bait.
It wasnt mine so I'm not too bothered about what I say about it and this is what I found
Pro
I like the fact you can load hooklengths etc from the top instead of under neath
All manufacturers should take note
Just need one to close again at the touch of a button..
I like the constant voltage read out on it.
When you lift the hinge up to put the hook length in the whole boat seems to separate slightly
It seems very flimsy on that front until you close the hinge.
Sending it out takes a lot of getting used to slight pressure one side of the joystick and it goes in a circle
You can hear the pumps kicking in even at around 30 yards out when you change direction
It also sits very low in the water.
I even managed to pull the controller joystick off it's mounting at one stage it only goes on one way if you manage to do that..
The door only opens if you press the release button twice for some reason.at least you know when it's opened as you can hear that as well
I don't think they will last very long as everything seems flimsy on it probably because it's so light
Would I buy one
Nope.
I would rate a pro cat way higher in a scale out of 10 for a boat that holds around the same amount of bait.
In reply to Post #122
The MK2 is coming out early next year, they're calling it the Belgrano, you can do a bit of toast on it as it goes down
The MK2 is coming out early next year, they're calling it the Belgrano, you can do a bit of toast on it as it goes down
In reply to Post #81
Absolutely spot on
Absolutely spot on
In reply to Post #124
Ridge Monkey bait boat...? Not in a million years!
Ridge Monkey bait boat...? Not in a million years!
someone on the ridgemonkey boat owners page on Facebook has opened the boat up and all the insides are labelled up as boatman...a boat you can pick up for around £250 on ebay
In reply to Post #126
There's a surprise
There's a surprise
In reply to Post #126
I've looked and haven't been able to find that post 🤷♂️
I've looked and haven't been able to find that post 🤷♂️
In reply to Post #128
it got pulled for some.reason by the admin and I've asked why and they're not replying
it got pulled for some.reason by the admin and I've asked why and they're not replying
In reply to Post #126
Boatman do build for other companies so no surprise there
https://www.boatmanboat.com/aboutus
Boatman do build for other companies so no surprise there
https://www.boatmanboat.com/aboutus
Absolutely love the concept of this boat. The design, size, weight, smart dropper, reasonable price somewhat, but i'm glad to have read all of this.
Ok just been out with this boat for the first time.
Already I have two small issues first one being that my tail rubber on my leadcore leader got stuck twice in the slot where you put your line through so bait dropped from hopper but rig lead etc was left dangling from boat ! I can get over this with a bit of pva foam but it's not ideal. Also length of hopper is not long enough to have my rig laying straight out not a major problem but bit annoying after having a microcat. Anyone else had these issues?
Already I have two small issues first one being that my tail rubber on my leadcore leader got stuck twice in the slot where you put your line through so bait dropped from hopper but rig lead etc was left dangling from boat ! I can get over this with a bit of pva foam but it's not ideal. Also length of hopper is not long enough to have my rig laying straight out not a major problem but bit annoying after having a microcat. Anyone else had these issues?
Ok just been out with this boat for the first time.
Already I have two small issues first one being that my tail rubber on my leadcore leader got stuck twice in the slot where you put your line through so bait dropped from hopper but rig lead etc was left dangling from boat ! I can get over this with a bit of pva foam but it's not ideal. Also length of hopper is not long enough to have my rig laying straight out not a major problem but bit annoying after having a microcat. Anyone else had these issues?
Already I have two small issues first one being that my tail rubber on my leadcore leader got stuck twice in the slot where you put your line through so bait dropped from hopper but rig lead etc was left dangling from boat ! I can get over this with a bit of pva foam but it's not ideal. Also length of hopper is not long enough to have my rig laying straight out not a major problem but bit annoying after having a microcat. Anyone else had these issues?
In reply to Post #133
doesn't help you 1 bit but I've read nothing but bad things about these boats
doesn't help you 1 bit but I've read nothing but bad things about these boats
In reply to Post #134
Agree - save your money and if you want a small reliable boat get an SB4
Agree - save your money and if you want a small reliable boat get an SB4
In reply to Post #135
Just bumping this up. Currently in the market for a boat and I really like the size and weight of the RM and echo addition seems a reasonable price.
Is the current one on the market a mk2 or are they still fairly useless?
I couldn't see any notes regarding GPS or a return to user if it goes out of range.
Am I best just going for a ND2 with the works added?
Unless there are now other boats on the market, I'm after a compact, one handed remote, GPS(with return to user safety feature) and echo
Thanks
Just bumping this up. Currently in the market for a boat and I really like the size and weight of the RM and echo addition seems a reasonable price.
Is the current one on the market a mk2 or are they still fairly useless?
I couldn't see any notes regarding GPS or a return to user if it goes out of range.
Am I best just going for a ND2 with the works added?
Unless there are now other boats on the market, I'm after a compact, one handed remote, GPS(with return to user safety feature) and echo
Thanks
In reply to Post #136
Ridgemonkey baitboat don't have GPS their latest model just has a sonar fitted on it if you want a compact boat Look at the boatman Vulcan they do a basic Vulcan or Vulcan gps or coming in April Vulcan gps with sonar it's one handed remote website www.boatmanuk.com
Ridgemonkey baitboat don't have GPS their latest model just has a sonar fitted on it if you want a compact boat Look at the boatman Vulcan they do a basic Vulcan or Vulcan gps or coming in April Vulcan gps with sonar it's one handed remote website www.boatmanuk.com
In reply to Post #137
Is the ridge monkey the best value on the market, I know it doesn't have
an echo sounder but it is easy to add a deeper.
What are the options now for around the same price?
Is the ridge monkey the best value on the market, I know it doesn't have
an echo sounder but it is easy to add a deeper.
What are the options now for around the same price?
In reply to Post #136
This is from 2025,i would like to know the options as well.
This is from 2025,i would like to know the options as well.
In reply to Post #139
Ahem!
Any ideas please.
Ahem!
Any ideas please.
In reply to Post #140
I bought a mint RM 750 (mk2) last season for exclusive use on a small 2 acre estate lake I got a ticket for . . .being honest I didn't really need it as I've been happily using an Actor Mk4i compass (bought another after ditching the previous one) for small waters / canals / general noddy day-ticket bashing however the Actor def has presentation limitations as the hoppers are silly small.
The RM is equally light and compact - but has a larger hopper for 'typical' 7" rigs and I've pimped the boat by adding a hopper extension / cover and Deeper arm at the front (On the Actor I had to use the small central hopper for the Deeper). I actually like the top loading hopper and its certainly less agg to use than poking large leads up the Actors hopper (ooeer)
TBF its been pretty reliable - I did have the now commonly known 'wobbly handle' issue so had to open the boat up to sort this which was easy enough to do (also put a rubber gasket under the handle mount as this is a standard area for water ingress, directly over the main PCB). In addition have added a clear button cover over the power button, again this boat has reported problems with water ingress in this area as well. . .
Wouldn't use it on my main syndy water / in a chop / when wanting to bait heavily however its a nicely designed bit of kit for small water / infrequent use. BTW RM are bringing out a larger version (Deeper/RT7 size) with much deeper keels etc . . .not sure about the tech integration / ease of pimping with aftermarket sonars etc - for this the ND2 / Toslon XBoat are probably better solutions . .
You'll probably get 1million recommendations for the Deeper boat in a min . . .tbf the future proofing / modular design is great for first time BB owners however they look poorly made IMO and the keels are shallow so not ideal for larger waters etc . . .
I bought a mint RM 750 (mk2) last season for exclusive use on a small 2 acre estate lake I got a ticket for . . .being honest I didn't really need it as I've been happily using an Actor Mk4i compass (bought another after ditching the previous one) for small waters / canals / general noddy day-ticket bashing however the Actor def has presentation limitations as the hoppers are silly small.
The RM is equally light and compact - but has a larger hopper for 'typical' 7" rigs and I've pimped the boat by adding a hopper extension / cover and Deeper arm at the front (On the Actor I had to use the small central hopper for the Deeper). I actually like the top loading hopper and its certainly less agg to use than poking large leads up the Actors hopper (ooeer)
TBF its been pretty reliable - I did have the now commonly known 'wobbly handle' issue so had to open the boat up to sort this which was easy enough to do (also put a rubber gasket under the handle mount as this is a standard area for water ingress, directly over the main PCB). In addition have added a clear button cover over the power button, again this boat has reported problems with water ingress in this area as well. . .
Wouldn't use it on my main syndy water / in a chop / when wanting to bait heavily however its a nicely designed bit of kit for small water / infrequent use. BTW RM are bringing out a larger version (Deeper/RT7 size) with much deeper keels etc . . .not sure about the tech integration / ease of pimping with aftermarket sonars etc - for this the ND2 / Toslon XBoat are probably better solutions . .
You'll probably get 1million recommendations for the Deeper boat in a min . . .tbf the future proofing / modular design is great for first time BB owners however they look poorly made IMO and the keels are shallow so not ideal for larger waters etc . . .
In reply to Post #138
Look at the Boatman Mini Vulcan it's a smaller compact boat to compete with the hunter 750 its £310 posted for the basic model or they do it with gps or gps and sonar
Look at the Boatman Mini Vulcan it's a smaller compact boat to compete with the hunter 750 its £310 posted for the basic model or they do it with gps or gps and sonar
Reading ALL pages