Ever wish there was a list of commonly asked questions about bait boats? Well, wish no longer, as everything you need to know about bait boats, repairs, features and anything else can be found below in our FAQs!
What is a Bait Boat used for?
Bait boats are used for transporting bait and your fishing rig from the bank, to where you want to fish. Often, this is used for hard-to-reach areas such as under overhanging trees, in tight margins or at massive distances. However, in recent years, the benefits of the bait boat have been recognised, and anglers are utilising them to fish more efficiently and effectively by keeping their bait and rigs in an accurately targeted area.
How does a Bait Boat work?
Bait boats work similar to a remote-controlled car, but on the water. You load up your boat with bait and your rig, before directing the boat to your desired spot with the remote controller. Once you are happy, you click a button on the controller to open the ‘hopper’ to drop the bait and the ‘rig release’ for dropping your rig. Now, more high-tech bait boats, such as the CatchX Pro, can be armed with technology such as sonar and auto-pilot for even more accurate angling.
How far can Bait Boats travel?
Most bait boats will usually be capped at around 200m-250m, as this is when the signal will start to drop between the controller and the bait boat. However, some superior bait boats can reach distances of up to 800m with clear conditions.
Can Bait Boats be used in bad weather?
Bait boats are built to withstand the fiercest of conditions whether it be rain, hail or snow. The only condition that may cause some issues for you or your bait boat will be strong winds. This isn’t to say that you won’t be able to set sail in high winds, just that you will need to adjust your direction controls accordingly. Sailing into the wind will drain batteries quicker and the journeys will be longer – but if you’re up for the fight, fish on!
How much do Bait Boats cost?
Bait boats range quite dramatically in price from as little as £100 to as high as £3,000. The key when purchasing a bait boat is to ensure that you get the right combination of quality and value. To make this question clearer, we’re going to split it into two: Boats with GPS and boats without GPS.
Boats without GPS are most often the cheapest options, and can be found for as little as £100 across the internet, although these may not be the best option for longevity! Some good examples of boats without GPS are the Future Carping Intrepid boat, coming in at around £495, and the Waverunner Shuttle at around £650.
Boats with GPS naturally garner a higher price, but you may be surprised how inexpensive they can still be. The Rippton CatchX Pro comes in at £1499 and features everything from GPS to Autopilot controls. The ND Tackle Smart Bait Boat is another feature and tech-rich boat that features GPS, and this boat comes in at around £950.
Can I control a bait boat with my phone?
The short answer to this is – yes you can. Typically, bait boats that feature GPS technology can be controlled via an app on your phone. You can usually do other things like log popular spots for your boat to return to and view data from the fish finder here too. However, on boats that do not feature GPS, you will not benefit controls via mobile phone.
Can you use a Bait Boat anywhere?
Bait boats can be used on any water, however, not if it is against fishery rules. But, it is always worth querying with the fishery. For example, while a fishery may advertise a blanket ban on bait boats, this may be relaxed for certain pegs or times of year when the fish are less pressured. Similarly, a fishery may welcome bait boats, and more fisheries are opening their doors to the new technology of the fishing world. Small waters often place a ban on bait boats, just due to the logistics of keeping other anglers happy on smaller waters and a reduced need for such technology. As always, avoid any trouble by asking questions before loading up the hoppers.
What part of a Bait Boat gets broken the most?
Bait boats are unique, meaning that their components are different across the board. However, there are some common issues that most bait boats succumb to. The first is the engine. Bait boats are used and abused, from fishing in torrential weather to having the sun beat down on them all day, and they work hard. So, it is inevitable that eventually the engine will show some signs of wear and require some repair work.
Next, the hopper and steering ‘flaps’ can take some damage, whether becoming tangled in weed, to catching on banks and margins. These are often easily fixed and the parts are also fairly inexpensive, but of course, this can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Ultimately, anything can fail on a bait boat over the years from wiring to motors and everything in between. The important thing to consider when purchasing your bait boat is how easy it will be to find parts and how easy it is to have repair work completed on your boat.
Where can I buy spare parts for my Bait Boat?
You can find spare parts for your bait boat pretty much anywhere. eBay and Amazon will have certain parts, but your best bet is to head for your boat manufacturer who will have parts that are purpose made for your boat. This is where some owners come up against problems as the boat, they have opted for doesn’t have this service. Companies like Rippton have a dedicated service for boat repairs which proves invaluable over the years and ultimately prevents you from needing to purchase a new boat each time you have a mechanical problem.
Can I fix my Bait Boat myself?
For a lot of issues, you can certainly rectify them yourself with some basic tools, some patience and the correct replacement parts. Issues such as broken flaps and damaged wiring can be easy fixes. However, some engine or motor faults and replacements may need the help of a professional. On the whole, manufacturers tend to make DIY repairs as easy as possible to help their customers.
A great place to look for help with DIY repairs is places like Facebook, where there are forums dedicated to helping people repair commonly found issues on boats, and where you can ask questions to diagnose any mechanical issues.
