So having used the boatman actor mk4i last year due to an injury preventing casting i have actually developed a like for bait boats in certain situations.
This being the case i want a significant upgrade. Ive been looking at pretty much everything from x boats, gowi, tolson, ND, angling technics and rt4's, you get the idea.
I want a boat that is bigger than then one i currently use with sonar and gps. Im also curious how people find jet propelled boats over motor/prop ones as ive found mine abit of a problem in weed. Ive looked at that many boats ive kind of blew my head and gone in a big circle.
Hit me with suggestions guys.
TIA
Cal 👍
This being the case i want a significant upgrade. Ive been looking at pretty much everything from x boats, gowi, tolson, ND, angling technics and rt4's, you get the idea.
I want a boat that is bigger than then one i currently use with sonar and gps. Im also curious how people find jet propelled boats over motor/prop ones as ive found mine abit of a problem in weed. Ive looked at that many boats ive kind of blew my head and gone in a big circle.
Hit me with suggestions guys.
TIA
Cal 👍
In reply to Post #1
its all about budget and how much your willing /have to spend these days
IMHO bit pointless on the small lakes we mainly have in this country and most clubs ban them here but you could maybe just add a Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro to your boat you have ?
but if your targeting some of the huge lakes in europe fishing several hundred yards with the big winds waves etc you will need a bigger more capable boat
its all about budget and how much your willing /have to spend these days
IMHO bit pointless on the small lakes we mainly have in this country and most clubs ban them here but you could maybe just add a Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro to your boat you have ?
but if your targeting some of the huge lakes in europe fishing several hundred yards with the big winds waves etc you will need a bigger more capable boat
In reply to Post #1
Im in a similar situation and think i have decided on a bespoke bait boat enticer pd-33. Well that was until my ridgeback smacked his head of table leg so now he needs a roof canal which is 3k and not covered by pet insurance so my lovely new bait boat is on hold. Im sure vets just make prices up as they go along.
Im in a similar situation and think i have decided on a bespoke bait boat enticer pd-33. Well that was until my ridgeback smacked his head of table leg so now he needs a roof canal which is 3k and not covered by pet insurance so my lovely new bait boat is on hold. Im sure vets just make prices up as they go along.
In reply to Post #1
A bit difficult to answer your questions in its entirety. We would need to know what ‘certain situations' you are talking about. We also need to know your budget. Another factor is that virtually every boat out there is bigger than the Actor. Then factor in than very few people have used all the bait boats you mention so can't give a valid opinion on all of them so will just give opinions of the one they use.
I have had or used 3 of the ones you mentioned so can only advise based on that.
Angling Technics - unfortunately no - ☹️ I've had the original Baitboat and 3 Microcats. They are old technology and very fragile in construction as are most ABS plastic boats. They are still expensive to buy compared to more modern alternatives. The Technicat isn't much better and the Pro Cat is tiny like the Actor.
X boat- Tolson X boat is a good boat but has two main drawbacks. It's a huge boat. Also one of its good points is it is all integrated - GPS, Autopilot, echo sounder which makes it very slick and easy to use but means you are stuck with what you get. The Tolson fish finder is good but not as good as the Raymarine Dragonfly. I had a loan of one of these boats for 9 months.
ND - ND2 is my current boat. For the basic boat it is probably the best value for money boat out there. With the autopilot it is still very good value for money. Where it comes good is the amount of bells and whistles you can add. As well as the GPS, autopilot, mine has a Raymarine Dragonfly internally fitted, WiFi extender fitted internally and GPS injector. If you are happy to void the warranty then all sorts of third party bells and whistles can be fitted.
CarpLounge- I haven't used the RT4 myself but have a friend who has one and I've seen it in operation many times. Arguably the best all round Baitboat out there but the cost is eye watering. If your water allows rowing boats you can buy a boat, electric motor, battery AND a small fishing van to cart it around in for the same price as a fully kitted out RT4
With regard to pumps versus props it's not straightforward. They both have plus and minus points. Pumps are better in SOME weeds but not all. Although great in bigger weed like lillies etc they are vulnerable If the pumps suck in the small stringy weeds. They get ingested into the pump body. If you can't get it to pump out by itself then it's back to the repairers to have the hull split, pump body split or replaced - expensive
They are fast though.
Props are vulnerable to weed and normally a bit slower. If you have the means to recover stuck boats not too big a problem as they can be cleared on the bank.
I have found the best compromise is a boat with a prop within a tube so it's a bit of a hybrid. The propulsion tube shields the prop and the thrust of the prop through the tube is a bit similar to a pump. A bit of a hybrid action. With a screwdriver to remove the tubes, any weed can be removed on the bank if you can recover the boat. The ND2 has this setup.
So there's my thoughts and my reason for the ND2 although not a small boat it's not huge either. To go into more details we would need to know your exact requirements.
Hope this helps 👍
A bit difficult to answer your questions in its entirety. We would need to know what ‘certain situations' you are talking about. We also need to know your budget. Another factor is that virtually every boat out there is bigger than the Actor. Then factor in than very few people have used all the bait boats you mention so can't give a valid opinion on all of them so will just give opinions of the one they use.
I have had or used 3 of the ones you mentioned so can only advise based on that.
Angling Technics - unfortunately no - ☹️ I've had the original Baitboat and 3 Microcats. They are old technology and very fragile in construction as are most ABS plastic boats. They are still expensive to buy compared to more modern alternatives. The Technicat isn't much better and the Pro Cat is tiny like the Actor.
X boat- Tolson X boat is a good boat but has two main drawbacks. It's a huge boat. Also one of its good points is it is all integrated - GPS, Autopilot, echo sounder which makes it very slick and easy to use but means you are stuck with what you get. The Tolson fish finder is good but not as good as the Raymarine Dragonfly. I had a loan of one of these boats for 9 months.
ND - ND2 is my current boat. For the basic boat it is probably the best value for money boat out there. With the autopilot it is still very good value for money. Where it comes good is the amount of bells and whistles you can add. As well as the GPS, autopilot, mine has a Raymarine Dragonfly internally fitted, WiFi extender fitted internally and GPS injector. If you are happy to void the warranty then all sorts of third party bells and whistles can be fitted.
CarpLounge- I haven't used the RT4 myself but have a friend who has one and I've seen it in operation many times. Arguably the best all round Baitboat out there but the cost is eye watering. If your water allows rowing boats you can buy a boat, electric motor, battery AND a small fishing van to cart it around in for the same price as a fully kitted out RT4
With regard to pumps versus props it's not straightforward. They both have plus and minus points. Pumps are better in SOME weeds but not all. Although great in bigger weed like lillies etc they are vulnerable If the pumps suck in the small stringy weeds. They get ingested into the pump body. If you can't get it to pump out by itself then it's back to the repairers to have the hull split, pump body split or replaced - expensive
They are fast though.Props are vulnerable to weed and normally a bit slower. If you have the means to recover stuck boats not too big a problem as they can be cleared on the bank.
I have found the best compromise is a boat with a prop within a tube so it's a bit of a hybrid. The propulsion tube shields the prop and the thrust of the prop through the tube is a bit similar to a pump. A bit of a hybrid action. With a screwdriver to remove the tubes, any weed can be removed on the bank if you can recover the boat. The ND2 has this setup.
So there's my thoughts and my reason for the ND2 although not a small boat it's not huge either. To go into more details we would need to know your exact requirements.
Hope this helps 👍
Actor sell an actor plus bait boat with GPS and sonar which is a step up from the mark 4 I think it as one central hopper which u can divide into 2
and a hook release at the back I got mine with GPS on and it works fine just wish I had saved a bit longer and got the sonar on it as well
and a hook release at the back I got mine with GPS on and it works fine just wish I had saved a bit longer and got the sonar on it as well
In reply to Post #1
Carptechnics SB3 and Toslon 740 or Raymarine (whatever your pref)
Compact size, lightweight, stable in all conditions, totally reliable, easy to operate - does what it says on the tin . . . the end
Carptechnics SB3 and Toslon 740 or Raymarine (whatever your pref)
Compact size, lightweight, stable in all conditions, totally reliable, easy to operate - does what it says on the tin . . . the end
Thanks for all the advice guys.
I should of explained, i am on about venturing out nto europe the next couple of years.
After reading about the plus and negatives it seems like its between the nd bait boat and the rt4.
I could stretch to an rt4 but would obviously need to save for quite a while so im thinking the nd baitboat with auto pilot would be a nice upgrade. I currently have a deeper chirp 2 so this can also be attacjed in the short term.
With regard to autopilot how accurate does it tend to be?
I should of explained, i am on about venturing out nto europe the next couple of years.
After reading about the plus and negatives it seems like its between the nd bait boat and the rt4.
I could stretch to an rt4 but would obviously need to save for quite a while so im thinking the nd baitboat with auto pilot would be a nice upgrade. I currently have a deeper chirp 2 so this can also be attacjed in the short term.
With regard to autopilot how accurate does it tend to be?
In reply to Post #7
I own a RT4 V3 and V4. Dont bother with the V3 its over complicated the V4 is a lovely boat, very easy to use and too many features to list. That being said the best boat for ease of use, quality of build and overall maintenance the Anatec Catamaran wins hands down for me. Boat is massive but perfect for European waters. It is bomb proof and if something ever goes wrong you can swap the parts out yourself with its open hull design.
Only reason I got rid of it as I wanted Raymarine as dont rate the Toslon systems. Epic boat worth looking at if you are looking for something for larger lakes. The BBC even used the boat in the ocean tracking otters etc no matter what the conditions that thing will stay strong in the water. Mind you it could probably also be used as a real boat so big lol
I own a RT4 V3 and V4. Dont bother with the V3 its over complicated the V4 is a lovely boat, very easy to use and too many features to list. That being said the best boat for ease of use, quality of build and overall maintenance the Anatec Catamaran wins hands down for me. Boat is massive but perfect for European waters. It is bomb proof and if something ever goes wrong you can swap the parts out yourself with its open hull design.
Only reason I got rid of it as I wanted Raymarine as dont rate the Toslon systems. Epic boat worth looking at if you are looking for something for larger lakes. The BBC even used the boat in the ocean tracking otters etc no matter what the conditions that thing will stay strong in the water. Mind you it could probably also be used as a real boat so big lol
In reply to Post #7
Autopilot is only as accurate as the number of satellites you can connect to on the day / at the recorded location; with a good system your looking at 1-2M radius around the spot . . . if you're feeling anal you can set the spot 'in front' of the actual spot and do the drop proper over the final yards using the sonar / a drop camera image (if you've got one) . . .
Autopilot is only as accurate as the number of satellites you can connect to on the day / at the recorded location; with a good system your looking at 1-2M radius around the spot . . . if you're feeling anal you can set the spot 'in front' of the actual spot and do the drop proper over the final yards using the sonar / a drop camera image (if you've got one) . . .
In reply to Post #7
Having owned both RT4 and ND2
Would hands down recommend the ND2 for ease of use and VFM
Having owned both RT4 and ND2
Would hands down recommend the ND2 for ease of use and VFM
In reply to Post #1
Hi Callum89,
I am going to France in a few months and am pondering the purchase of a boat as it seems everyone else has one who's going, was thinking if boatman actor would be ok? I live in the bleek north west so apart from France I will never use it and it doesnt make sense to me to spend to much.
Hi Callum89,
I am going to France in a few months and am pondering the purchase of a boat as it seems everyone else has one who's going, was thinking if boatman actor would be ok? I live in the bleek north west so apart from France I will never use it and it doesnt make sense to me to spend to much.
In reply to Post #11
Due to injury I'm now also looking at a bait boat
I've done my research and decided on an ND2
Just deciding whether to go brand new or second hand with dragonfly etc fitted
Due to injury I'm now also looking at a bait boat
I've done my research and decided on an ND2
Just deciding whether to go brand new or second hand with dragonfly etc fitted
In reply to Post #11
the boatman are brillant and cheap
the boatman are brillant and cheap
In reply to Post #13
They are very good however not if the water is choppy.
I think the ND2 for the bit extra is worth it but I get why Boatman sell loads of Actors
They are very good however not if the water is choppy.
I think the ND2 for the bit extra is worth it but I get why Boatman sell loads of Actors
In reply to Post #14
Have had both Actors and whilst the mk4i is a fantastic small water (and def vfm) boat would go nowhere near the Actor Plus . . .have a look at the new Lake Reaper Pro perhaps?
Have had both Actors and whilst the mk4i is a fantastic small water (and def vfm) boat would go nowhere near the Actor Plus . . .have a look at the new Lake Reaper Pro perhaps?
In reply to Post #1
I would be having a serious look at UKBB PD33 or PD34 if you want to go large.
Best Bait Boats money can buy IMHO.
I would be having a serious look at UKBB PD33 or PD34 if you want to go large.
Best Bait Boats money can buy IMHO.
In reply to Post #16
Monies though but quality hell yeah
Monies though but quality hell yeah
I think as some guys have mentioned ive got to weigh up the VFM. As a few have said my main concern with my actor is when it gets choppy it turns into twitchy bum time wether it survives 🤣. Must say though for 200 quid ive loved it. I think the ND2 is where im leaning for when i start going france. I have a deeper chirp 2 so may just get an extender as im comfortable reading that. Looking at the design aswell it looks like it will handle weed alot better than my actor.
One to throw in the mix is the future carping V80 I have one with gps and sonar and have been impressed up to now, it is a big boat 5 kg bait capacity and 4 hoppers with dividers that can become 2. It's very stable and fast and there not a bad price, maybe to big for some uk waters but perfect for your European adventures.
In reply to Post #1
Not sure what nobody ever mention anatec cat boats
https://www.baitboats.net/new-anatec-catamaran-brushless-lithium.html
Can get all the bells and whistles added on if wanted
Video in the link shows it being used in the sea
That says it all to me
If I ever need an updated boat that's what I would buy.
Not sure what nobody ever mention anatec cat boats
https://www.baitboats.net/new-anatec-catamaran-brushless-lithium.html
Can get all the bells and whistles added on if wanted
Video in the link shows it being used in the sea
That says it all to me
If I ever need an updated boat that's what I would buy.
In reply to Post #18
If you want bomb proof reliable and very stable (but still a sane size and weight) I am biased but an SB3 could be the answer - not cheap for the full Pro X Gen 7 but still cheaper than a UKBB PD-33 (as well as being smaller and lighter with the same hopper sizes)
If you want bomb proof reliable and very stable (but still a sane size and weight) I am biased but an SB3 could be the answer - not cheap for the full Pro X Gen 7 but still cheaper than a UKBB PD-33 (as well as being smaller and lighter with the same hopper sizes)
In reply to Post #20
The anatec catamaran is absolutely huge and way to big for 99% of uk waters. They were on my list when i was looking for a boat until i saw how big they were.
The anatec catamaran is absolutely huge and way to big for 99% of uk waters. They were on my list when i was looking for a boat until i saw how big they were.
In reply to Post #15
Why would you go nowhere near the Actor Plus ?
That's the one I have been seriously considering and haven't really heard any negative reports.
Not too many choices here in the U.S.
Basically Actor or Ridge Monkey....
Why would you go nowhere near the Actor Plus ?
That's the one I have been seriously considering and haven't really heard any negative reports.
Not too many choices here in the U.S.
Basically Actor or Ridge Monkey....
In reply to Post #23
Me and me mate got one at the same time and they're excellent. Tried it at 250 yards without issue ( wrapped up before hand )
Have had zero issues so far
Me and me mate got one at the same time and they're excellent. Tried it at 250 yards without issue ( wrapped up before hand )
Have had zero issues so far
In reply to Post #24
The Actor Plus ?
The Actor Plus ?
oopps wrong thread
In reply to Post #26
In reply to Post #25
Yes mate actor plus. Basic model without the gps and so on
Yes mate actor plus. Basic model without the gps and so on
In reply to Post #23
Because it was a dog - the steering was poor and it had a massive delay from remote to boat (even at close range) which meant sailing in a straight line (even with the auto hold function) was impossible. I think they've sorted this issue now as I had a 'first release' boat. . .however when challenged at the time they were a bit non plus in wanting to sort it so I ditched the boat quick and have never looked back!
For me reliability is key in bait boats - the last thing you want is a fail at 250yds and the rest of the session spent trying to retrieve it. However in saying that Actors are good value so you could argue if it does fail its not like a stranded RT4 in the middle (or bottom) of the lake!
Because it was a dog - the steering was poor and it had a massive delay from remote to boat (even at close range) which meant sailing in a straight line (even with the auto hold function) was impossible. I think they've sorted this issue now as I had a 'first release' boat. . .however when challenged at the time they were a bit non plus in wanting to sort it so I ditched the boat quick and have never looked back!
For me reliability is key in bait boats - the last thing you want is a fail at 250yds and the rest of the session spent trying to retrieve it. However in saying that Actors are good value so you could argue if it does fail its not like a stranded RT4 in the middle (or bottom) of the lake!
In reply to Post #4
How long is the battery life of the ND2?
How long is the battery life of the ND2?
In reply to Post #29
Yes but as you rightly say they've sorted this issue now
because of your original post high lighting your problem I tried to put off a mate that lives in France from buying the Actor Plus but he went ahead and bought it and having owned 2 previous bait boats ( Anatec and Viper) and says the Actor Plus is the best boat he has owned with no problems he is retired and fishes all the time so the boat has had a heck of a lot of use
Yes but as you rightly say they've sorted this issue now
because of your original post high lighting your problem I tried to put off a mate that lives in France from buying the Actor Plus but he went ahead and bought it and having owned 2 previous bait boats ( Anatec and Viper) and says the Actor Plus is the best boat he has owned with no problems he is retired and fishes all the time so the boat has had a heck of a lot of use
In reply to Post #31
Well 'they' say it but doesn't mean they have Gerry! Having owned both boats I've got nothing but praise for the mk4i product (barring the tiny central hopper) and have even considered rebuying a basic one for small / public waters / canals etc such is the silly low price.
Re the Plus however I would say that even with the steering allegedly sorted it has its limitations and is not really that manoeuvrable / great in a chop / easy to sail in a straight-line etc / effective on larger waters and is made worse and even more unstable with heavy leads (5oz plus) and fully loaded hoppers. I note they've bought out another variant called the 'Compass' to alleviate this; fair play that they are listening to customer feedback but feels like a work in progress whatever the value for money . . .
Think I'll be sticking with my trusty SB3 for some time - has none of the above problems and is a faaar superior product IMHO!
Well 'they' say it but doesn't mean they have Gerry! Having owned both boats I've got nothing but praise for the mk4i product (barring the tiny central hopper) and have even considered rebuying a basic one for small / public waters / canals etc such is the silly low price.
Re the Plus however I would say that even with the steering allegedly sorted it has its limitations and is not really that manoeuvrable / great in a chop / easy to sail in a straight-line etc / effective on larger waters and is made worse and even more unstable with heavy leads (5oz plus) and fully loaded hoppers. I note they've bought out another variant called the 'Compass' to alleviate this; fair play that they are listening to customer feedback but feels like a work in progress whatever the value for money . . .
Think I'll be sticking with my trusty SB3 for some time - has none of the above problems and is a faaar superior product IMHO!
In reply to Post #32
Mines 3 months old and has none of them issues. 65 acre sailing lake 250 yards out in wind. Hardly any adjustment all the way out. Fully loaded 4oz lead.
I guess they could be hit and miss like any product and it's still early doors as I will rarely use it.
Mines 3 months old and has none of them issues. 65 acre sailing lake 250 yards out in wind. Hardly any adjustment all the way out. Fully loaded 4oz lead.
I guess they could be hit and miss like any product and it's still early doors as I will rarely use it.
In reply to Post #33
Not sure I believe that unless they've redesigned the narrow hull / the compass thingy works so effectively it resolves the steering and balance - tried my Actor Plus on various waters including a windswept big pit and whilst it 'did the job' it certainly wasn't 'plain sailing' lol . .
Not sure I believe that unless they've redesigned the narrow hull / the compass thingy works so effectively it resolves the steering and balance - tried my Actor Plus on various waters including a windswept big pit and whilst it 'did the job' it certainly wasn't 'plain sailing' lol . .
In reply to Post #34
Without the centre divide you can position things perfect. Seems that me and me mate put 6 rods at 250 yards without any issue there really isn't much to believe lol. More then welcome to pop and watch next time
Without the centre divide you can position things perfect. Seems that me and me mate put 6 rods at 250 yards without any issue there really isn't much to believe lol. More then welcome to pop and watch next time
In reply to Post #35
Ok I believe you!
Ok I believe you!
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