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In reply to Post #29
Brilliant!, thanks.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4311 |  | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #28
Two solutions -
1 - Get on the FB page (Carptechnics SB3 & SB4 Owners page) and PM Steve Lloyd who is one of the founders (they still do make the boats). He's usually pretty quick and is helpful
2 - Contact Nathun at SW Baitboats (FB page)
(Southwest Bait Boats Service repairs & upgrades) - he is the official servicing partner of Carptechnics and / pimps / updates them etc.
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Hi all.
Some help needed if anyone could possibly help me out please. I have a sb3 which has served me well for some time but developed a problem with one of the hoppers not opening up. Now I know that carptechnics have ceased trading so I decided to have a go at repairing it myself. I managed to carry out the repairs ok ( there was a broken stranded wire on the release mechanism).
I’ve rebuilt the boat but somehow, stupidly lost the external antenna during the process. I’ve ordered a replacement which is slightly different but been told it will do the job.
For the record- the original was a longish but flexible job. The newer one is shorter and rigid (albeit with joint near the bottom).
I can now steer the boat and use the hopper release from the handset but when I come to use any of the preset coordinates in my toslon x pilot unit, the boat sets off in what appears to be the correct direction and I can see the distance (in mts on the handset) counting down but when it gets approx 10 mts away, the distance reading stops counting and I eventually get a “radio link failure” error message.
It seems likely to me that the problem lies with the antenna but I just cannot identify one online anywhere.
It’s obviously possible that the antenna isn’t the problem but any help/suggestions gratefully received.
T. I. A.
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In reply to Post #25
A good decision. I have had an SB3 for over 13 years now; had a few upgrades and still going strong. A great bait boat.
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In reply to Post #25
You will not be disappointed, they are awesome.
Tel
👍👍
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In reply to Post #24
Made a decision and picked up a nice SB3 pro-x with lithium battery yesterday. Will be a good while before I can actually use it but looks a great design, well thought out, compact, lightweight and very well made. Some of the boats out there are massive. This seems perfect for me👍
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In reply to Post #23
Thanks for that. Good to know someone who can compare the two. It does seem the SB3 is the way to go. Just trying to do my man maths to justify the cost🤣
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In reply to Post #19
You won't go wrong with the SB3 pro, I have one with the Tolson 740 and never missed a beat, having owned several boats its by far the best I've had. A friend of mine has the SB4 and its fine on small waters but struggles on the bigger waters.
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In reply to Post #21
👍 on the boat advice
🤣🤣 on the witch
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4311 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #19
. . .have also been going through exactly these dilemmas . . .however when you spk with Carptechnics they will tell you they sell a lot more SB3's than SB4's . . . the price jump is a big one, however if you are in 'for the long haul' and don't want to be looking at another boat for the foreseeable / lugging several heavy batteries then the litho SB3 probably makes sense considering all other factors . . .just my view!
PS. My missus is right handed - she's also a witch . . . .probably actually left handed but has done a spell to convince me otherwise . . . 
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In reply to Post #18
😆😆😆 I’m with you there, my missus is left handed🤣
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In reply to Post #17
Yeah I’d prefer to speak with Jules directly and chat through the best options and see what the prices are. Now I’m looking into it of course I want the bloody SB3 pro x😆 just not sure it’s worth the extra over the standard SB3 pro. SB4 still not out of the equation though as that was my original first choice and it’s cheaper. Looks like the ‘x’ version of the SB4 is about same price as the non ‘x’ version of the SB3. I just need to get my head round the one sided motor and uneven turning.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4311 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #14
. . .its well known all left handed people were burnt alive for being witches back in the day . . .the end
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4311 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #12
speak with Carptechnics re pricing - methinks the website pricing is out of date so get a quote direct if you want best value / can pay outright / use a credit card etc. Todber is def more expensive but they presumably have a margin to make at retail and can also offer finance . . .
SB3 looks a great bit of kit . . .FYI Actor Plus is 3.8kg with battery . . SB3 is only marginally heavier at 4.1kg. Footprints are similar (SB3 is wider but shorter than Actor) . . .colours options with Pro X are carbon, black and white . . .quite like the white as it will be easier to see at range!
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In reply to Post #15
Cheers - same as Belch said earlier. I just checked the small single hopper on my procat and it’s 140mm x 43mm, so even though the SB3 hoppers are shorter than I’d ideally like they’re still significantly longer than what I’m using now.
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In reply to Post #8
Give or take a bit
SB3 Hopper Size (x2 hoppers) - 210mm x 70mm
Cheers
Tel
👍👍
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In reply to Post #11
rather than holding and steering with your left hand thumb (if that makes sense) . . .you could of course hold your rod in your left hand but that would just be weird
Not weird if you're left handed 😬
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In reply to Post #10
Think I paid £1175 for the pro x but that was with the sabre bait boat bag as well. I bought mine direct from joules at carptechnics .
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In reply to Post #11
Cheers Belch - great info. Shame the hoppers aren’t a bit longer as 210mm is pretty short once the lead is taken into account in the hopper as I tend to use inline leads most of the time.
So you’re thinking the lithium version is worth the extra cost then? I saw the boats on Todber website. The SB3 pro x is showing as £1146 and say it’s a G7 so that’s about £143 less than direct with Carptechnics. They also have the SB3 pro at £896 but that says it’s a G5, whereas on Carptechnics website it says the SB3 pro is £996 but says G7. I’ve no clue what the differences are between G5 and G7 though. I don’t care about lead times as I’m in no rush.
I know what you mean by the controller, but not sure if that would bother me or not. Currently I have to use both hands on my current controller anyway.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4311 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #1
. . .I've got an Actor Plus and am thinking of ditching it for an SB3 Pro X (Litho) as the Plus steering is a pig IMO. . have been speaking with Carptechnics and here are my current findings . . .
Actor Plus Hopper door size (with vertical divide) 200mm x 50mm. The hopper is actually slightly longer (240mm) but tapers at the rear behind where the line/leader runs up and into the hopper bay, so the effective length for hooklinks etc is 200mm.
If the divider is not utilised the effective 'single' hopper (bomb bay doors) is 200mm x 100mm (useful for large method / ground bait balls / monster PVA bags etc
SB4 Hopper Size - 210mm x 65mm (not sure if its a single door or split bomb bay) Either way it has a single hopper
SB3 Hopper Size (x2 individual hoppers) - 210mm x 70mm
So hopper wise not much in it . . .you could argue Actor Plus has more 'options' as it can convert to either 2x or one single wide hopper.
FYI only thing with Carptechnics I've discovered is the steering controls on traditional radio gear style handset is on the right stick . . .they will swop it to the left stick on order but stock is RH stick controls. IMO this is annoying if you are right handed and like to hold the the rod in your right hand when boating out as you would either need to rotate the handset (when holding in your left hand) and or reach across to control it when balancing it on a strap around your neck, rather than holding and steering with your left hand thumb (if that makes sense) . . .you could of course hold your rod in your left hand but that would just be weird . . .!
Carptechnics available on 12 months %free credit via Todber Manor . . cheaper direct with Carptechics by £30 approx, 4-5week lead time with 50% deposit on order . . . . . . . . . . .
Decisions decisions! Really like the Carptechnics offer if you want a long term reliable British built product with simple electronics. Lots of users have their boats for over 10yrs . . .they are also easily updateable (adding Tolsons etc)
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In reply to Post #9
Yeah I now think the SB3 is the way to go. I can’t get my head round the cost difference for the lithium pro x version compared to standard version. Obviously the battery lasts longer and is lighter but the cost difference is pretty big. Whenever I’ve been to France our group tend to go for exclusive lakes with some form of chalet or accommodation that has power so I’d be able to charge batteries and obviously could get a spare standard battery for far less cost than the lithium upgrade. I need to understand it more I think to make a decision. Its like everything, originally I thought I’d set a budget of say £750, then thought ok set it at a grand and now……. I really can’t justify spending much more just because I wouldn’t get the use out of it. I really like the Carptechnics concepts and how compact they seem to be compared to others. Build quality looks good too but I’ve not actually ever seen one in the flesh. Seen plenty of AT boats on the bank, but the SB3 and SB4 seem pretty rare in comparison.
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In reply to Post #8
I was in the same situation. Was originally looking at the sb4 . Did a bit of research. And decided on the sb3 pro x . The lithium battery on paper should see you for a week in France without charging .
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In reply to Post #7
Cheers - if you don’t mind measuring a hopper it would be great. I have already emailed Jules, so won’t bother him by phone if he’s away.
The more I think about it, the more I think the SB3 is the best option long-term for me. I have to say I like the autopilot idea if it works similar to the others I have seen on videos like the ND boat. I’m not sure if the lithium upgrade is really worthwhile or not for me so need to decide on that too.
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In reply to Post #1
Can’t help you with the SB4 but will measure my SB3 hoppers tomorrow, actually I’ll measure one as they are a matched pair 😂😂😂
Otherwise I’d say give Jules a call, I know he’s away this week but he knows these boats inside out, had mine for years and love it, only difference from standard is Toslon GPS Autopilot that’s pretty useful.
Cheers
Tel
👍👍
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In reply to Post #5
Give them a call,they are very helpful
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In reply to Post #2
Cheers for the input. Useful to have some feedback from someone who has owned an SB4. I had read about the one sided single prop and wondered how it would operate in reality. I haven't considered the Actor boatman, just because it appears to be a far east production. I know that doesn't mean it won't be any good and I have heard good things about them, but I just want to stay closer to home if possible.
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In reply to Post #3
Thanks for the info. Maybe the SB3 would be the better option as it still looks pretty compact. I have emailed Carptechnics to see if they can give me actual hopper length dimensions.
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In reply to Post #1
The sb3 is a better boat with a more powerful motor that runs a single central prop . So doesn't have the sort of issues highlighted in post 2
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In reply to Post #1
having had the sb4 its a good little boat, but the downside is that it only has 1 prop and tiller so it turns fast when turning left but takes ages to turn right,
I sold it and got the actor boatman and to tbh I think its a better boat and a lot cheaper.
I have just bought the actor plus as its a bit bigger and has better hoppers.
I got a week from 1 10000amp battery, I think lipo is the way forward, a lot lighter and last a lot longer than lead acid, plus they don't need to be maintained like lead acid batteries.
yes the carptechics are uk based and if you have a problem they will sort it, but for under £240 the actor mk 4s cant be beat imo jury is out on the actor plus but at £350 with a 10000aph battery it seems a cracking boat.
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Hi All
I'm looking for some info on the Carptechnics bait boats. Not that much comes up on searches, but what does, all seem pretty positive. I currently have an early Angling Technics Procat which was given to me by a friend a few years ago. I’m not a prolific user and only really use a boat on annual French trips as boats aren’t allowed on my current UK water, but that could change if and when I go elsewhere here.
I have just returned from a French trip where all 4 of our group were using different bait boats. Whilst I was fortunate enough to have a few decent fish, I could clearly see I was outgunned on the bait boat front, especially as I was fishing at reasonable distance (110m -140m) on what proved to be a difficult water. The other lads all had different boats, one was using a reaper which seemed ok and was faster and better at distance, the other had a BSA lakestar with sonar etc which was a good bit if kit but massive, the other lad had a brand new AT technicat which overall I think was probably best of the bunch.
I don’t want to spend stupid money as I just wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost. I also do not want a massive boat and also don’t really need massive capacity, as I generally don’t like big beds of bait, but want more than the Procat offers. A couple of things that bother me about the Procat are its pretty slow and the hopper is far too short meaning most rigs cannot be laid out straight which is a particular problem when using stiff booms etc. I would therefore want a decent size hopper length wise. I cannot see any info on the Carptechnics website about the actual hopper sizes on their boats, so would one of you who owns one know?
There is clearly a myriad of bait boats on the market now. Wherever I can I will always try and support British design and manufacturing, so most of the boats out there I rule out, which is why Carptechnics are at the top of my current list.
Any info/advice/suggestions appreciated.
Cheers
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