Hiya, sorry another bait boat thread but I have narrowed my discovery down to these 2.
What I can't decide is whether it is worth spending an extra £200 on GPS?
Essentially I want to buy a deeper Chirp+ separately
Actor plus bait boat basic - 350
With GPS - 575
If I'm going to buy Actor with GPS I may as well get the ND2 which I prefer the controls of and the app etc...for 550
So, do I just get basic Actor Plus and a separate deeper or splash out on GPS version? Also read about issues with Actor controller, however I think the GPS version is slightly different?
Or just get an ND2, however it appears to be pretty slow is my only issue
Can the speed be increased? And for how much ££?
What I can't decide is whether it is worth spending an extra £200 on GPS?
Essentially I want to buy a deeper Chirp+ separately
Actor plus bait boat basic - 350
With GPS - 575
If I'm going to buy Actor with GPS I may as well get the ND2 which I prefer the controls of and the app etc...for 550
So, do I just get basic Actor Plus and a separate deeper or splash out on GPS version? Also read about issues with Actor controller, however I think the GPS version is slightly different?
Or just get an ND2, however it appears to be pretty slow is my only issue
Can the speed be increased? And for how much ££?
In reply to Post #1
All depends how bigger boat you want I had the ND2 used it 3 times and sold it as found it to big for my needs it was a good boat it defiantly ain't slow you can fit the upgrade weed guards does away with the tubes and 2 blade props from www.fisheyecamerakits.com which is £50 and they don't invalidate the warranty on the boat with them fitted that increase the speed bit more . I now have the Actor Plus which I'm happy with its a small boat than the ND2 and little bit slower than the ND2 but still holds around 3 kilo of bait same as the ND2 boat
All depends how bigger boat you want I had the ND2 used it 3 times and sold it as found it to big for my needs it was a good boat it defiantly ain't slow you can fit the upgrade weed guards does away with the tubes and 2 blade props from www.fisheyecamerakits.com which is £50 and they don't invalidate the warranty on the boat with them fitted that increase the speed bit more . I now have the Actor Plus which I'm happy with its a small boat than the ND2 and little bit slower than the ND2 but still holds around 3 kilo of bait same as the ND2 boat
In reply to Post #2
Have you got the standard plus version or the GPS version?
Have you got the standard plus version or the GPS version?
In reply to Post #3
I have the Standard version Gps version has only just come out just before Christmas
I have the Standard version Gps version has only just come out just before Christmas
In reply to Post #1
ND2 is defo the better made boat but is bigger of course.
If you do get the ND autopilot the app is amazing 🤩
Actor is brill but unless you just need a smaller boat the ND2 is better IMO
ND2 is defo the better made boat but is bigger of course.
If you do get the ND autopilot the app is amazing 🤩
Actor is brill but unless you just need a smaller boat the ND2 is better IMO
In reply to Post #1
I've got a first release Actor Plus and use with a Deeper Chirp. . .to be honest its about to go up for sale as I find it finicky to control compared with the previous standard Actor - it only did a couple of 48hr sessions prior to first frosts and has been in the garage since October.
Deeper works well but does need setting up on the 'arm' properly in terms of a central position and also the height in which it 'hangs' in the water. I use a tablet on a tripod and range is good to about 80-90yds but anything over this you need an extender (I have an aftermarket one from baitboatmods.com) which makes the reception much more consistent at longer ranges . . .
The Chirp is definitely a better sonar than the integrated Boatman variant (more options / beam width control / shallow water use etc) and obvs more versatile as you can take it off and use it on a rod if necessary and with either your phone or a tablet . . .the flipside is the faff of separate bits of kit etc so you need to look at your own fishing as to what's more convenient etc. . .
I've got a first release Actor Plus and use with a Deeper Chirp. . .to be honest its about to go up for sale as I find it finicky to control compared with the previous standard Actor - it only did a couple of 48hr sessions prior to first frosts and has been in the garage since October.
Deeper works well but does need setting up on the 'arm' properly in terms of a central position and also the height in which it 'hangs' in the water. I use a tablet on a tripod and range is good to about 80-90yds but anything over this you need an extender (I have an aftermarket one from baitboatmods.com) which makes the reception much more consistent at longer ranges . . .
The Chirp is definitely a better sonar than the integrated Boatman variant (more options / beam width control / shallow water use etc) and obvs more versatile as you can take it off and use it on a rod if necessary and with either your phone or a tablet . . .the flipside is the faff of separate bits of kit etc so you need to look at your own fishing as to what's more convenient etc. . .
In reply to Post #6
Cheers all, this will be my first baitboat and didn't want a massive one but still want the decent size hopper. Is there a noticeable size difference between ND2 and Actor plus?
I will definitely buy the Deeper separately so decided that.
With the Actor it comes with GPS autopilot for 575
ND2 would be an extra £130 on 550 so roughly £100 more.
I also prefer the ease of access to battery compartment on Actor. I presume this is fully water tight? Pretty sure this is the one I'll go for
Cheers all, this will be my first baitboat and didn't want a massive one but still want the decent size hopper. Is there a noticeable size difference between ND2 and Actor plus?
I will definitely buy the Deeper separately so decided that.
With the Actor it comes with GPS autopilot for 575
ND2 would be an extra £130 on 550 so roughly £100 more.
I also prefer the ease of access to battery compartment on Actor. I presume this is fully water tight? Pretty sure this is the one I'll go for
In reply to Post #7
Actor Plus hopper can take a 6" stiff rig laid out flat with a decent size lead in a single hopper. If you remove the divide you can prob push this to 7" if you lay it diagonally across both bomb bay doors . . .anything longer and you'll need to loop it upwards slightly . . .
Its a good boat for the money but I would say the steering is finnicky - even though its a one handed operation (with the joystick) there's a significant delay from pushing the stick to the boat action itself which makes it a little tricky to control - I out a rubber band around it to stiffen it up and make it less sensitive however its still not 'progressive' and makes using it irritating . . .other than that its all good and does the job!
Actor Plus hopper can take a 6" stiff rig laid out flat with a decent size lead in a single hopper. If you remove the divide you can prob push this to 7" if you lay it diagonally across both bomb bay doors . . .anything longer and you'll need to loop it upwards slightly . . .
Its a good boat for the money but I would say the steering is finnicky - even though its a one handed operation (with the joystick) there's a significant delay from pushing the stick to the boat action itself which makes it a little tricky to control - I out a rubber band around it to stiffen it up and make it less sensitive however its still not 'progressive' and makes using it irritating . . .other than that its all good and does the job!
In reply to Post #8
I have ordered the GPS version which is a 2 handed controller so not sure if this will make any difference and stop the maneuvering issue however but can't see any other reason that this wouldn't be perfect, so going to give it a go and see 😉
I have ordered the GPS version which is a 2 handed controller so not sure if this will make any difference and stop the maneuvering issue however but can't see any other reason that this wouldn't be perfect, so going to give it a go and see 😉
In reply to Post #7
ND2 is bigger bit smaller than RT4
It's a good size for U.K. and Europe
Actor is smallest and light but might struggle at distance to see it
ND2 is bigger bit smaller than RT4
It's a good size for U.K. and Europe
Actor is smallest and light but might struggle at distance to see it
In reply to Post #1
I loved my nd2 with raymarine etc. but the new app is utter rubbish
Changed it for an rt4 v3 which if i am honest isnt a great deal better for more than double the price. The nd2 gps is at least on par and is much easier to use
I loved my nd2 with raymarine etc. but the new app is utter rubbish
Changed it for an rt4 v3 which if i am honest isnt a great deal better for more than double the price. The nd2 gps is at least on par and is much easier to use
ND2 all day long.
The actor plus doesn't control well in comparison, same goes for the build quality.
The actor plus doesn't control well in comparison, same goes for the build quality.
In reply to Post #12
You guys have all convinced me.
Gone with the ND2 instead 👍
You guys have all convinced me.
Gone with the ND2 instead 👍
Isn't the ND2 considerably more expensive ?
In reply to Post #14
Only with auto pilot enabled
Only with auto pilot enabled
In reply to Post #15
Autopilot is always active on the handset regardless of the app. The only real difference between the app and the handset is you can save more than 4 spots which are recallable...oh, and a pathetic measuring tool which you can't see with human eyes.
Autopilot is always active on the handset regardless of the app. The only real difference between the app and the handset is you can save more than 4 spots which are recallable...oh, and a pathetic measuring tool which you can't see with human eyes.
Actor is 349 vs 549?
In reply to Post #16
Oh really? I can live with 4 spots per session
349 is without GPS. GPS is a must for me. 575 with GPS
Oh really? I can live with 4 spots per session
349 is without GPS. GPS is a must for me. 575 with GPS
I feel like I might need gps
In reply to Post #18
Think about it: say you've got multiple spots all over the place and you can name them individually - had a year's worth of spots on a massive mega hard water, until the app writers new version overwrote them all 🤬 - something like that is a god send, limited to just 4 just isn't the one.
The app is £200 extra as a separate purchase as most know. Two versions back was good (latest version sucks and I've got the older version installed awaiting them to fix the newer crappier version) just needed multi folders for using your boat on different waters, waypoints/mapping type feature should be implemented, stored maps for GPS which would do away with the need for the need to have a data connection to get Google maps in real time, and a re-jig of the UI would be great as it's a bit lacking.
Think about it: say you've got multiple spots all over the place and you can name them individually - had a year's worth of spots on a massive mega hard water, until the app writers new version overwrote them all 🤬 - something like that is a god send, limited to just 4 just isn't the one.
The app is £200 extra as a separate purchase as most know. Two versions back was good (latest version sucks and I've got the older version installed awaiting them to fix the newer crappier version) just needed multi folders for using your boat on different waters, waypoints/mapping type feature should be implemented, stored maps for GPS which would do away with the need for the need to have a data connection to get Google maps in real time, and a re-jig of the UI would be great as it's a bit lacking.
In reply to Post #20
Yea that sucks!
I store locations in 1 note based on wraps to the spots and always will do as I wont always take the boat. The deeper will also store the contours of the bottom. So to get to an exact spot i can wrap up the rod on distance stick and put a line marker on, dropping boat when it gets to the marker.
Once wrapped up I can engage gps to store that spot for the trip, so will work fine I reckon 😊
Yea that sucks!
I store locations in 1 note based on wraps to the spots and always will do as I wont always take the boat. The deeper will also store the contours of the bottom. So to get to an exact spot i can wrap up the rod on distance stick and put a line marker on, dropping boat when it gets to the marker.
Once wrapped up I can engage gps to store that spot for the trip, so will work fine I reckon 😊
In reply to Post #16
Sorry to bump an old thread but I've been doing a bit of research on this boat and stumbled across this thread, can you just clarify something on this for me please Tee Cee? Are you saying you can save up to spots, send the boat out to them and return it to you using by just the handset without shelling out for the app? I watched the Carpology review and I'm pretty sure he said this was possible first off, but then went on to say you had to buy the app?
Thanks
Sorry to bump an old thread but I've been doing a bit of research on this boat and stumbled across this thread, can you just clarify something on this for me please Tee Cee? Are you saying you can save up to spots, send the boat out to them and return it to you using by just the handset without shelling out for the app? I watched the Carpology review and I'm pretty sure he said this was possible first off, but then went on to say you had to buy the app?
Thanks
In reply to Post #22
Yes mate, that's exactly what you can do with the handset. Like I was saying: with the handset you're limited to just the four spots which are recallable...send the boat out, find a spot, save it on the handset and click on the HOME button (obviously before you send the boat out, save your HOME position). With the app, you can save more than 4 spots and can also name all of the spots you save.
Yes mate, that's exactly what you can do with the handset. Like I was saying: with the handset you're limited to just the four spots which are recallable...send the boat out, find a spot, save it on the handset and click on the HOME button (obviously before you send the boat out, save your HOME position). With the app, you can save more than 4 spots and can also name all of the spots you save.
In reply to Post #23
Fantastic - just what I wanted to hear (er... read)
Thanks
Fantastic - just what I wanted to hear (er... read)
Thanks
In reply to Post #23
You don't get autopilot to the spot, you have drive to the icon on the map, which is a bit tricky as you have to zoom in on the map to get an accurate point of reference, then because the gps takes a second to catch up with the icon its easy to drive past the location. You also don't get auto pilot return to home or return to home if it loses signal. I did try to get on with it without buying the autopilot but I gave in and I have to say I'm glad it did, makes it so much easier. However, for some reason I can't save additional locations on the app like you are supposed to be able to. ND have recommended I uninstall and reinstall the app, so I will try that when I get the boat out again.
I don't like the carbon wrap though, it's too much for me. Thinking of getting some green and black paint to ruff it up a bit!!
You don't get autopilot to the spot, you have drive to the icon on the map, which is a bit tricky as you have to zoom in on the map to get an accurate point of reference, then because the gps takes a second to catch up with the icon its easy to drive past the location. You also don't get auto pilot return to home or return to home if it loses signal. I did try to get on with it without buying the autopilot but I gave in and I have to say I'm glad it did, makes it so much easier. However, for some reason I can't save additional locations on the app like you are supposed to be able to. ND have recommended I uninstall and reinstall the app, so I will try that when I get the boat out again.
I don't like the carbon wrap though, it's too much for me. Thinking of getting some green and black paint to ruff it up a bit!!
In reply to Post #25
I didn't say anything about autopiloting the boat out, I said "send the boat out", like send it out with the remote using the controller, you know?
You need to be really clear in what your saying as there's people asking questions about this boat who have never used one and your post can be read as very misleading and confusing.
Just for clarity's (sp) sakes:
• you can use just the handset and save 4 spots to the handset and then autopilot to those saved spots via
the handset
• you can buy the app separately and save more than just 4 spots - the app is full autopilot
• you can also use a combination of remote and app (you have to buy the app to unlock it) at the same time
In respect of GPS being slow: to be honest, having not used something like an RT4 for instance it's a difficult one to call. Once the boat has stopped fully, I'd say it's good enough for what I'm using it for and is accurate enough for me and returns time and again to the same spot. ND have - so they've told me - been working on improving the zoom aspect of the app and numerous other suggestions I've forwarded on to them, which we'll have to wait and see what happens on that front.
I don't know what version of the app you have, the latest one is still ruined. Two versions back the app worked great, other than some changes I've suggested to them which they're working on, all was good. The two versions they subsequently brought out after trashed the app, most notably being ND in their infinite wisdom decided that instead of being able to save spots directly to your device (tablet etc), instead, they thought it smart to only be able to save your spots on their servers. The reason why this last update is so bad is, imagine that where you might be fishing has no internet access... you're screwed, or in my case, my device doesn't even have a data connection...can't use the app to save spots. Luckily I've got a version of the app before all of this nonsense started and can still use the boat as I once did. Hopefully ND will fix this glaringly stupid app/server mistake.
I didn't say anything about autopiloting the boat out, I said "send the boat out", like send it out with the remote using the controller, you know?
You need to be really clear in what your saying as there's people asking questions about this boat who have never used one and your post can be read as very misleading and confusing.
Just for clarity's (sp) sakes:
• you can use just the handset and save 4 spots to the handset and then autopilot to those saved spots via
the handset
• you can buy the app separately and save more than just 4 spots - the app is full autopilot
• you can also use a combination of remote and app (you have to buy the app to unlock it) at the same time
In respect of GPS being slow: to be honest, having not used something like an RT4 for instance it's a difficult one to call. Once the boat has stopped fully, I'd say it's good enough for what I'm using it for and is accurate enough for me and returns time and again to the same spot. ND have - so they've told me - been working on improving the zoom aspect of the app and numerous other suggestions I've forwarded on to them, which we'll have to wait and see what happens on that front.
I don't know what version of the app you have, the latest one is still ruined. Two versions back the app worked great, other than some changes I've suggested to them which they're working on, all was good. The two versions they subsequently brought out after trashed the app, most notably being ND in their infinite wisdom decided that instead of being able to save spots directly to your device (tablet etc), instead, they thought it smart to only be able to save your spots on their servers. The reason why this last update is so bad is, imagine that where you might be fishing has no internet access... you're screwed, or in my case, my device doesn't even have a data connection...can't use the app to save spots. Luckily I've got a version of the app before all of this nonsense started and can still use the boat as I once did. Hopefully ND will fix this glaringly stupid app/server mistake.
In reply to Post #26
I do wonder if the new version of the app or boat has stopped the autopilot via the handset working, as it certainly didn't work for me just using handset until I purchased the app.
I do wonder if the new version of the app or boat has stopped the autopilot via the handset working, as it certainly didn't work for me just using handset until I purchased the app.
In reply to Post #26
Reference Thread: 25 January 2022 20:41:51In reply to Post #25
I didn't say anything about autopiloting the boat out, I said "send the boat out", like send it out with the remote using the controller, you know?
You need to be really clear in what your saying as there's people asking questions about this boat who have never used one and your post can be read as very misleading and confusing.
Just for clarity's (sp) sakes:
• you can use just the handset and save 4 spots to the handset and then autopilot to those saved spots via
the handset
I'm lost mate, first sentence you say you have to drive the boat out, then tell me I'm misleading then bullet point that you can autopilot the boat out without the app purchase??
Reference Thread: 25 January 2022 20:41:51In reply to Post #25
I didn't say anything about autopiloting the boat out, I said "send the boat out", like send it out with the remote using the controller, you know?
You need to be really clear in what your saying as there's people asking questions about this boat who have never used one and your post can be read as very misleading and confusing.
Just for clarity's (sp) sakes:
• you can use just the handset and save 4 spots to the handset and then autopilot to those saved spots via
the handset
I'm lost mate, first sentence you say you have to drive the boat out, then tell me I'm misleading then bullet point that you can autopilot the boat out without the app purchase??
In reply to Post #28
Obviously it's a case of not reading the instructions.
Here's a video that shows you how to use the boat and engaging it's autopilot features WITHOUT THE APP
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rySSl32vZeA
Obviously it's a case of not reading the instructions.
Here's a video that shows you how to use the boat and engaging it's autopilot features WITHOUT THE APP
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rySSl32vZeA
In reply to Post #28
The way I understand it from TeeCees posts is you set your home on the handset, boat out to your first spot, set that as spot one on the handset, then return the boat to you using the home button and repeat for spots two and three. You now have your spots saved on the handset and if you want to send the boat to any of these spots you just send it off using the appropriate button on the handset. So you have to manually boat out to save your spots the first time to save them but once they're saved you can automatically return to them over and over using the autopilot. Does that make sense?
Unless I'm massively misunderstanding
The way I understand it from TeeCees posts is you set your home on the handset, boat out to your first spot, set that as spot one on the handset, then return the boat to you using the home button and repeat for spots two and three. You now have your spots saved on the handset and if you want to send the boat to any of these spots you just send it off using the appropriate button on the handset. So you have to manually boat out to save your spots the first time to save them but once they're saved you can automatically return to them over and over using the autopilot. Does that make sense?
Unless I'm massively misunderstanding
In reply to Post #30
Spot on; you've got it 👍
The only real downside of using just the handset is that it doesn't give an audible bleep once it gets to a pre defined spot when it's autopiloting unlike the app does. Maybe I've put the handset in silent mode and will have to check on that one. Like I've said before, you're just limited to the four spots on the handset, handy though just to punt a load of bait or send a rig back out if you've had one and don't want to go through the trouble of launching the app.
Spot on; you've got it 👍
The only real downside of using just the handset is that it doesn't give an audible bleep once it gets to a pre defined spot when it's autopiloting unlike the app does. Maybe I've put the handset in silent mode and will have to check on that one. Like I've said before, you're just limited to the four spots on the handset, handy though just to punt a load of bait or send a rig back out if you've had one and don't want to go through the trouble of launching the app.
Is there anything that rivals the ND2 around the £500 mark?
In reply to Post #32
There is the ridgemonkey boat which looks a lot more compact. Not seem many reviews on it though.
There is the ridgemonkey boat which looks a lot more compact. Not seem many reviews on it though.
In reply to Post #31
I just bought this boat without purchasing the autopilot app and I seem to be the same as some others have said, I cant register the home or up to 4 spots using the handset. The home light doesnt light when try to register and when I press the home button the blue gps flahes red. Any help appreciated.
I just bought this boat without purchasing the autopilot app and I seem to be the same as some others have said, I cant register the home or up to 4 spots using the handset. The home light doesnt light when try to register and when I press the home button the blue gps flahes red. Any help appreciated.
In reply to Post #33
That is because they have all been sold or returned i think
That is because they have all been sold or returned i think
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