In my fishing currently I don't use a bait boat however for an upcoming France trip in October it may be essential due to the lake we are fishing.
As it is only going to be used for a week, does anybody have any recommendations for a budget boat I can look at, the alternative was to rent one for a week but most of the places that offer rental seem to be down south and i am in the northwest.
Thankyou
As it is only going to be used for a week, does anybody have any recommendations for a budget boat I can look at, the alternative was to rent one for a week but most of the places that offer rental seem to be down south and i am in the northwest.
Thankyou
Boatman boats will do the job no problem
In reply to Post #1
I bought a boatman actor plus to see how i got on before i bought an expensive boat and used it for the first time at the week end and its brilliant for the money. It did everything i wanted so might save myself £1600 on getting an expensive one. I had my first france trip in april and 3 of the lads i went with had boatmans and all of them were excellent which is why i bought one.
I bought a boatman actor plus to see how i got on before i bought an expensive boat and used it for the first time at the week end and its brilliant for the money. It did everything i wanted so might save myself £1600 on getting an expensive one. I had my first france trip in april and 3 of the lads i went with had boatmans and all of them were excellent which is why i bought one.
In reply to Post #1
I can recommend Ernie's bait boat hire based in Stoke, good quality boats. Contact is via Facebook I believe.
I can recommend Ernie's bait boat hire based in Stoke, good quality boats. Contact is via Facebook I believe.
In reply to Post #1
Boatman actor plus compass cracking Boat for the money get it from www.boatmanuk.com
Boatman actor plus compass cracking Boat for the money get it from www.boatmanuk.com
In reply to Post #1
In reply to Post #6
cheers ill take a look at the boatmans
cheers ill take a look at the boatmans
In reply to Post #7
Get the plus one with the one large hopper. I think they all have the compass fitted now.
Get the plus one with the one large hopper. I think they all have the compass fitted now.
In reply to Post #8
Compass versions faaar superior to the original models in terms of straightline sailing - no messing about with yaw buttons / compensating with the joystick etc
Compass versions faaar superior to the original models in terms of straightline sailing - no messing about with yaw buttons / compensating with the joystick etc
In reply to Post #9
Has anybody used the normal boatman actor, not the actor plus?
I know somebody who is looking to get rid of these but not sure if its any good.
Whichever boat I end up buying will only be used for a week in France, fishing to an island thats out of reach by casting.
Thankyou
Has anybody used the normal boatman actor, not the actor plus?
I know somebody who is looking to get rid of these but not sure if its any good.
Whichever boat I end up buying will only be used for a week in France, fishing to an island thats out of reach by casting.
Thankyou
Nd2 boat is a very good boat aswell and isn't that much either, my dad had a boatman and personally find them very cheaply made, I wouldn't buy one myself from what I've seen
In reply to Post #11
The nd2 is also very cheaply made. If anything the boatman is better made than the nd. The nd has plastic hoppers that you have to manually close by hand and plastic props. The actor plus has metal props and motorised stainless hoppers that can be closed by the remote and its also £150 cheaper. Going from all the negative feedback on the nd baitboat page on facebook there not very reliable either and there customer service is crap going off peoples feedback.
The nd2 is also very cheaply made. If anything the boatman is better made than the nd. The nd has plastic hoppers that you have to manually close by hand and plastic props. The actor plus has metal props and motorised stainless hoppers that can be closed by the remote and its also £150 cheaper. Going from all the negative feedback on the nd baitboat page on facebook there not very reliable either and there customer service is crap going off peoples feedback.
In reply to Post #10
Go for the actor plus with compass. The other model is very small and the hoppers are tiny.
Go for the actor plus with compass. The other model is very small and the hoppers are tiny.
Just don't rely on the Actor Plus Gps if fishing near islands etc its hit and miss and I understand that they have a bit of leeway but mine cant be quite out at times so a lot of the time i have to steer it out manually and they do struggle in choppy water.
In reply to Post #14
GPS receivers nead to see the sky which is difficult near or under trees .
Or near buildings.
So it's not surprising that it struggles to give a good position in that situation.
Unfortunately there can be a lack of understanding with using GPS units in general and not just bait boats.
There are also things that you can do to improve your marking of a waypoint .
But near an island with trees without going into checking satellite positions your generally going to struggle unless you're lucky with how the available satellite constellation is at the time your using your GPS receiver.
It's part of the reason when using a deeper that you have to retrieve it slowly to give a good position update .
GPS receivers nead to see the sky which is difficult near or under trees .
Or near buildings.
So it's not surprising that it struggles to give a good position in that situation.
Unfortunately there can be a lack of understanding with using GPS units in general and not just bait boats.
There are also things that you can do to improve your marking of a waypoint .
But near an island with trees without going into checking satellite positions your generally going to struggle unless you're lucky with how the available satellite constellation is at the time your using your GPS receiver.
It's part of the reason when using a deeper that you have to retrieve it slowly to give a good position update .
In reply to Post #10
I've had both Actors (mk4i & Plus) and actually 're-bought' a Mk4i Compass recently as a back up boat / for use on dodgy day tickets / canals / small waters when travelling light. Yes the hopper is tiny (and therefore a little limited) however small solid PVA bags / little braided hooklinks on drop off inlines are fine and the benefit of such a light boat that is highly manoeuvrable can be an advantage - the battery lasts for ages and the joystick is easy to control one handed - I love the 'auto forward' function when retrieving the boat on small lakes as its just as convenient as autopilot. . . .major downside is bigger lakes / massive chop / hooly conditions - its too light and the keels are too shallow to make it effective
I've had both Actors (mk4i & Plus) and actually 're-bought' a Mk4i Compass recently as a back up boat / for use on dodgy day tickets / canals / small waters when travelling light. Yes the hopper is tiny (and therefore a little limited) however small solid PVA bags / little braided hooklinks on drop off inlines are fine and the benefit of such a light boat that is highly manoeuvrable can be an advantage - the battery lasts for ages and the joystick is easy to control one handed - I love the 'auto forward' function when retrieving the boat on small lakes as its just as convenient as autopilot. . . .major downside is bigger lakes / massive chop / hooly conditions - its too light and the keels are too shallow to make it effective
In reply to Post #15
no trees on the island where I am fishing to just reeds
no trees on the island where I am fishing to just reeds
In reply to Post #17
If you are very close to the reeds that will cause trouble as well.
I'm not trying to defend the boats GPS but more to make you aware of the limitations of GPS.
Which is not helped by marketing blurb from the bait boat companies or Deeper for that matter.
Any specific questions about GPS please pm me and I will try and help.
If you are very close to the reeds that will cause trouble as well.
I'm not trying to defend the boats GPS but more to make you aware of the limitations of GPS.
Which is not helped by marketing blurb from the bait boat companies or Deeper for that matter.
Any specific questions about GPS please pm me and I will try and help.
In reply to Post #12
I have a tolson x boat and a nd2 I've never had a problem with it and I love mine, only use my x boat for bigger waters and France now tbh, comparing my nd2 and my dads boatman is like chalk and cheese the actor feels like a cheap toy where the build quality on my nd2 blows the boatman out the water in my opinion
As for the negative feedback yeah there is some but if you look on the actor page there is loads on there aswell 🤷♂️ no product is faultless and there will always be problems and people moaning about stuff, there is plenty of good reviews on Facebook aswell
I have a tolson x boat and a nd2 I've never had a problem with it and I love mine, only use my x boat for bigger waters and France now tbh, comparing my nd2 and my dads boatman is like chalk and cheese the actor feels like a cheap toy where the build quality on my nd2 blows the boatman out the water in my opinion
As for the negative feedback yeah there is some but if you look on the actor page there is loads on there aswell 🤷♂️ no product is faultless and there will always be problems and people moaning about stuff, there is plenty of good reviews on Facebook aswell
I've just bought the Intrepid Baitboat and although I've not used it yet it looks a decent little boat. The top loading of the rig is what swung it for me over the ND and Ridgemonkey boats in that price range
In reply to Post #19
The nd and the boatman both feel like cheap toys but thats exactly what they are so they should feel like that.
The nd and the boatman both feel like cheap toys but thats exactly what they are so they should feel like that.
I got a Lake Reaper boat from Howells for a French trip earlier this year after a couple of recommendations. Just wanted something inexpensive. Unfortunately the trip fell through and its still in its box unused.
In reply to Post #22
Not allowed to use it in the UK?
Not allowed to use it in the UK?
In reply to Post #23
no hardly any UK lakes allow them
in reality probably only about 15% allow them a few more recently have started to but arguments often mean the clubs end up banning them
no hardly any UK lakes allow them
in reality probably only about 15% allow them a few more recently have started to but arguments often mean the clubs end up banning them
In reply to Post #21
You seem to have a bit of a downer on the ND2 Baitboat? Two posts knocking it?
Any particular reason?
Do you own one?
I do and would say the total opposite, it's a very well built boat. I put an extensive review on here including its plus points and niggles. Had it for 2 years now.
As for lots negative posts about faults on FB sites, as has been said any FB group is bound to list issues because people go on them to discuss any problems or queries they may have and to get solutions. I'm on two FB groups and by far the most common problems are operator error or simple resets.
You seem to have a bit of a downer on the ND2 Baitboat? Two posts knocking it?
Any particular reason?
Do you own one?
I do and would say the total opposite, it's a very well built boat. I put an extensive review on here including its plus points and niggles. Had it for 2 years now.
As for lots negative posts about faults on FB sites, as has been said any FB group is bound to list issues because people go on them to discuss any problems or queries they may have and to get solutions. I'm on two FB groups and by far the most common problems are operator error or simple resets.
In reply to Post #24
And all the better for it in my opinion. I would never join a UK club or lake that allowed bait boats.
Those with disabilities aside they are just another short cut to learning how to use a rod, reel and line properly. But maybe I'm just an old purist.
The thought of having to watch a bunch of toy boats chugging around a peaceful lake just isn't fishing for me. Never mind the owners standing and staring at some iPad on a big tripod. It's not the same pass-time when all that nonsense comes into it. I personally wouldn't even count a fish caught with a bait boat in the uk.
And all the better for it in my opinion. I would never join a UK club or lake that allowed bait boats.
Those with disabilities aside they are just another short cut to learning how to use a rod, reel and line properly. But maybe I'm just an old purist.
The thought of having to watch a bunch of toy boats chugging around a peaceful lake just isn't fishing for me. Never mind the owners standing and staring at some iPad on a big tripod. It's not the same pass-time when all that nonsense comes into it. I personally wouldn't even count a fish caught with a bait boat in the uk.
In reply to Post #26
I would imagine the majority of people who use a boat know how to use a rod and passed there watercraft apprenticeship. Ive been carp fishing 30 years and got my first boat 2 months ago. They definitely have a place if used responsibly.
I would imagine the majority of people who use a boat know how to use a rod and passed there watercraft apprenticeship. Ive been carp fishing 30 years and got my first boat 2 months ago. They definitely have a place if used responsibly.
In reply to Post #27
I've been carping since mid 80's so I think it's safe to say I've served my 'apprenticeship '! For a long time a boat boat was beyond me financially due to my circumstances. When I could afford one,for a very long time I didn't find one necessary. However the last few years have found me on a water where one is often beneficial as I'm fishing to very small holes on bramble covered far banks.. far safer to place by boat then risk casting and getting caught up or snapped off leaving baited rigs etc.. Bought a Boatman after they were suggested on here. Not a game changer as such but it's another method to use and develop.
I've been carping since mid 80's so I think it's safe to say I've served my 'apprenticeship '! For a long time a boat boat was beyond me financially due to my circumstances. When I could afford one,for a very long time I didn't find one necessary. However the last few years have found me on a water where one is often beneficial as I'm fishing to very small holes on bramble covered far banks.. far safer to place by boat then risk casting and getting caught up or snapped off leaving baited rigs etc.. Bought a Boatman after they were suggested on here. Not a game changer as such but it's another method to use and develop.
Slightly off topic, but definitely bait boat related, do any of you owning the Actor Plus ever use the hook dropping mechanism on the rear of the boat, if so how do you find it, I've seen it but not actually heard of anyone using it??
Cheers
Tel
Cheers
Tel
In reply to Post #29
Never used the hook release on mine.
Never used the hook release on mine.
In reply to Post #26
I used to think the same way as you . . . but then I also thought using an open fronted brolly in winter was a good idea, pods were for nods, anything other than bottom baits were cheating and using an unpowered barrow and a rucksack with nothing but pot noodles and digestives for fodder was carpy . . .
Bait boats are a tool; not the be all - they do not replace watercraft but can certainly cut time which in carp fishing is arguably the most valuable tool of all for todays non pro angler - totally your choice as to whether you use one but if a lake allows them then you'd be silly not to IMHO. . .
I used to think the same way as you . . . but then I also thought using an open fronted brolly in winter was a good idea, pods were for nods, anything other than bottom baits were cheating and using an unpowered barrow and a rucksack with nothing but pot noodles and digestives for fodder was carpy . . .
Bait boats are a tool; not the be all - they do not replace watercraft but can certainly cut time which in carp fishing is arguably the most valuable tool of all for todays non pro angler - totally your choice as to whether you use one but if a lake allows them then you'd be silly not to IMHO. . .
In reply to Post #31
I'll be straight with you Belch (feel bad calling somebody that
), I do use an open brolly year round, I have never used a rod pod and I push a small, unpowered barrow with a rucksack 
I do however use a stiff hinge occasionally and will top a snowman with a pop up, so maybe I'm on the turn! Certainly no pot noodles as I usually fish over nighters and eat on the way after work.
If people are happy using a boat to make it easier then of course that's their call, I dare say some people even prefer using the gadgets available these days as they like a gadget in general. I just avoid those waters.
If I'm actually going to be useful in this thread I can add that my mate used one of the smallest Actor boats next to me in France last month and he was over the moon for the money it cost him.
I'll be straight with you Belch (feel bad calling somebody that
), I do use an open brolly year round, I have never used a rod pod and I push a small, unpowered barrow with a rucksack I do however use a stiff hinge occasionally and will top a snowman with a pop up, so maybe I'm on the turn! Certainly no pot noodles as I usually fish over nighters and eat on the way after work.
If people are happy using a boat to make it easier then of course that's their call, I dare say some people even prefer using the gadgets available these days as they like a gadget in general. I just avoid those waters.
If I'm actually going to be useful in this thread I can add that my mate used one of the smallest Actor boats next to me in France last month and he was over the moon for the money it cost him.
In reply to Post #32
Belch is my nickname so don't feel bad - I got crucified at school for my surname so it was character building; these days I'd probably be in therapy . . .
Fact is waters that do allow bait boats and even the purists with time will struggle - its not about being able to present where you can't cast either; my current water even the splash of a miscast in an open water spot at 50yds can punish you for at least 12hrs before they return (let alone the wallop of a spomb) so a boat makes sense and gives you a fighting chance . . .
Belch is my nickname so don't feel bad - I got crucified at school for my surname so it was character building; these days I'd probably be in therapy . . .
Fact is waters that do allow bait boats and even the purists with time will struggle - its not about being able to present where you can't cast either; my current water even the splash of a miscast in an open water spot at 50yds can punish you for at least 12hrs before they return (let alone the wallop of a spomb) so a boat makes sense and gives you a fighting chance . . .
In reply to Post #33
But if bait boats were banned wouldn't fish get used to people casting?
But if bait boats were banned wouldn't fish get used to people casting?
In reply to Post #34
Possibly . . .!
Possibly . . .!
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