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Just popping on to vouch for the Vulcan V2 with GPS.
Cracking boat so far, used it 3 times now, including a week in France, and the only small issue I have with it is that it seems to yaw or lean to one side ever so slightly when on auto returning to 'home'. I know there is a fix for this but I've yet to be majorly bothered by it, so I'll just leave it as is for now.
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In reply to Post #93
Yes the Velcro one. I stick it to the little door that opens at the rear and it sits central to the boat. Just means when you are dropping your rig you have to remove the arm. At some point I'll need to replace the Velcro but that's a small price to pay! Make sure you use a lanyard/tether too just in case the Velcro was to come off
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| | | Jon | | Posts: 4282 |  | |
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In reply to Post #92
That's what I was thinking of using, as it works out cheaper when bundled with the range extender kit. Is that with the velcro fitting? Thanks.
I've seen the front mounted GS Tackle system, but thought that removing and refitting three hull screws might invalidate the warranty, anyone got one?
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I have a V1 Vulcan and mount my sonar using the arm sold by Deeper. Had no fundamental issues so far when I have used it including when dropping rigs (I did get tangled up once but that was my error). The only annoying thing is turning the boat whilst it's towing the arm but that's just physics therefore fully expected
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In reply to Post #89
I've just come back from a week in France using mine and it was spot on. Used it with a deeper chirp on a back mounted bracket from GS that slots into the top mounting line slot. Had one very weird occurrence when I first took it out that the boat lost signal and proceeded to sail off into the far bank on its own, then after that it was fine. I still have no idea what caused that isolated incident??
Was fishing up to 20 wraps and I only went for a cursory battery charge on day 5 to be on the safe side. The deeper worked fine at that distance without the range extender as well.
Only minor issues I can recall that were user errors, were the line getting caught around one of the motor weed guards and me bringing the rig back in once and also the tubing getting trapped once under the plastic plug that's used to seal the gap where your line goes into the boat. However, both of these were my fault for not paying attention.
Also used it twice to rescue my mates boats that died out in the lake due to batteries running out, it's a great little tug boat
Overall well impressed, dumps plenty enough bait for me, and batteries lasted as long as I would have hoped.
Mine is the standard V2.
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In reply to Post #89
If you want a mount look at GS tackle. He has just brought out a front mount for it so nothing gets in the way.
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| | | Jon | | Posts: 4282 | | |
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In reply to Post #88
Didn't want to start a new thread, but wondered how people ar getting on with their V2 Vulcans.
I'm considering the GPS model as I already have a Deeper, any advice re mounting the arm on the back? If it's not in the centre does it make the boat more difficult to steer? Can it be attached to the rear door without interfering with the line if taking out a rig? Any other useful info before I fork out?
Cheers all..
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In reply to Post #86
Seems to be the best explanation i have seen.
Thanks for that 👍
I think people get confused by being told to discharge the battery and assume it needs to be flat.
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In reply to Post #86
Thats how I've stored my RT4 batts too 
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No expert here, but for the Carplounge RT4 I have, it is not recommended to store the batteries fully charged for long periods. They recommended reducing the battery voltage should the boat not be used, for example, over the winter period.
Discharge does not mean to run the battery flat, but to discharge to around 50-60% of its fully charged voltage.
This might help:
Why is it important to storage charge lithium batteries?
Storage charging is charging your lithium battery to 60% voltage so you can leave it on the shelf for an extended period. Leaving your lithium batteries fully discharged or fully charged will cause the cells to deteriorate and get out of balance. This will cause your lithium battery to lose life cycles or even be rendered useless.
What voltage should you store your LiPos at?
You should store your LiPos at around 60% of the rated capacity or 3.8v per cell. For a 2s pack, that would be 7.6 total volts(2 cells at 3.8v per cell = 7.6v). An 8s pack would be 30.4 volts(8 x 3.8v = 30.4v).
What voltage should you store your Lithium-ion batteries at?
Similar to LiPo batteries, you should store your Li-ion batteries at around 60% of the rated capacity or 3.8v per cell. For example, a 4s or 4 cell battery should be stored at 15.2 volts (3.8v x 4 = 15.2v).
What voltage should you store your LiFePO4 batteries at?
You should store your LiFePO4 batteries at around 60% of the rated capacity or 3.2v per cell. Store your 6 cell (6S) LiFePO4 battery at 19.2v (3.2v per cell x 6 cells = 19.2v).
What is the storage function on my charger?
The storage function on your charger will charge or discharge your battery to the proper storage voltage for you, depending on its current voltage. If you plan to leave your battery on the shelf, plug it into your charger and select the storage function before leaving it on the shelf.
How often should I cycle my lithium battery?
For the best performance and to maximize cycle life, you should use or cycle your lithium batteries once per month. When cycling, perform a full charge and a full discharge cycle. Then charge it back to storage voltage and you're good to go for another month. This process is essential to prolonging the life of your lithium batteries, keeping them from getting out of balance and becoming dangerous, and will definitely pay off in the long run.
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In reply to Post #83
I'm new owner too...
I'm going to do what boatman recommends only takes couple of hrs would of thought...
Come home from work then use the battery as a power pack to charge phone
Then recharge battery to full then store for a 3 mths then do the same again
Two nights doing this job done
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AI response:
"No, you should not fully drain a lithium phosphate battery; instead, keep it in a shallow discharge state (between 20% and 80% is ideal) to maximize its lifespan. Over-discharging can damage the battery, and while a battery management system (BMS) usually protects against complete discharge, letting it stay in a low-charge state for a long time is still harmful."
I'm not sure why Boatman suggests draining the battery, based on this.
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In reply to Post #82
Very intersting topic as a new owner of a vulcan I was struggling a bit with this concept too. A quick google check on lithium ion v lithium phosphate suggests the latter are actually more suited to long term storage? I have zero knowledge on this topic I hasten to add, other than a quick internet search! Anyone that has owned one and not drained the batteries had issues?
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In reply to Post #81
Most devices are now lithium ion and the boatman batteries are lithium phosphate.
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In reply to Post #80
Not questioning you as i know this is what boatman recommend, but...
Is this actually necessary to do?
I can't think of any other battery powered device I've actually done this for, ever.
Should batteries not have a standard life span anyway, without having drain and charge to keep them in good condition?
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In reply to Post #79
https://boatmanuk.com/product/boatman-actor-battery-to-usb-charger-lead/
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In reply to Post #78
Where are the battery draining adapters you mention?
I can't seem to find them on their website.
Recently brought and used my bait boat but won't be using it for another 5-6 months now, so need to look after those batteries.
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In reply to Post #77
I'd recommend watching the videos that Boatman have made around care for the boat and its batteries. Oh and order one of those little adapters (about a tenner) so you can drain the batteries when you aren't using the boat as this helps with prolonging the battery lifespan
Cracking boats I love mine
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Any hints or tips guys Just ordered a V2 unit 
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In reply to Post #73
Chirp 2 and 3 max 100m so range extender needed at distances
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In reply to Post #72
The main reason I bought Deeper as opposed to 'built in' echo is because I want the ability to use it off bait boat, with rod where bait boats aren't allowed or useable, or rowing boat if required.
Would I use a Deeper with a bait boat without extender...not with my RT4.
Quite often turning the boat grid pattern style I'd lose signal. That might not be a issue with other boats, I wouldn't know, what I do know is it's less of a problem with a extender though I can't comment on further range as I haven't used it far out....yet
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In reply to Post #73
Good point
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In reply to Post #72
And is the Deeper on a bait boat any good without the range extender kit?
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In reply to Post #70
Wondering how many use a deeper with a baitboat now ....
Views & the main reason why plz guys
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In reply to Post #70
Defo agree with this.....
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In reply to Post #69
From my experience, the supplied sonar is ok, provided the water is deeper than 4ft, its shows up changes in depth/bottom, so is ok for feature finding.
However, I would say best value is to go for the GPS version and add on a Deeper Chirp 2, which is significantly better at providing detail on what's below the surface.
The GPS so far has worked quite well and in my opinion worth the extra cost over a basic boat.
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So which version basic or with GPS system ?
Or basic add your own system or is the boatman version worth the extra cost ?
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I took the plunge and went for the pro version.
After a few initial frustrations until I got my head around the operation of the boat on the water, it's actually a really good boat for the money.
I still need more time with the sonar, especially with the settings to suit where I fish, but yes it's not great in heavy weed when the lake is below around 3ft, but outside of those limitations it actually works well, although due to the small screen its a real guess on how thick the weed might be (my WiFish was not great either under the same conditions)
Since I already have a Deeper Pro+, I will get a mount which will give me the option to switch between the in-built sonar and the Deeper should I find it necessary.
Big plus points:
Ease of operation(once familiar) with a one hand controller with sonar screen
Ease of sending to home point after manually driving to drop bait and rig.
So much lighter and compact than my RT4
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It is described as a ‘compact' boat - so yes it will be small
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In reply to Post #65
Agree looks even smaller than the MK4 from the pics
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In reply to Post #64
It looks tiny the mini. The normal vulcan isnt very big to start with
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I saw yesterday they are releasing a Vulcan mini. Only saw a quick little video of it but it looks good at first glance
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In reply to Post #62
I will second that. I bought an Actor Plus cheap from a mate when he upgraded to a Vulcan Pro. I never had a bait boat before and it was very easy to get started with the Actor Plus. Great boat and very easy to use. Easy to place rigs with the remote in one hand and rod in the other.
Mine is the first version without compass and I think the later models are even better.
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In reply to Post #61
I've got the plus, and I can't fault it. I'm not a fan of bait boats but for French trips its very useful. I love the single handed remote, it makes life easy to get the rods out and still feel the lead down. Battery life is good and the service from Boatman has been great. Not used the basic but highly recommend the plus, and you can pick them up 2nd hand for not a lot (which is what I did)
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In reply to Post #60
Whats the actor like?
I'm looking for a basic boat, no bells or whistles for a small water
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In reply to Post #59
I think the general suggestion is that the sonar is fine, but if you used a Deeper attachment it is better for that purpose. I have the Actor Plus and the sonar is fairly basic but more than does the job I want, which is to determine depth changes and features.
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Any further feedback on how well the sonar is working on this boat, particularly in comparison to say other lower cost sonars?
Also the all in one screen on the handset looks rather small, how easy is to read and how good is the definition and brightness in sunlight?
Just about to give up on my RT4 V3, so looking at cost effective options
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In reply to Post #57
You'll be pleased
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Thanks chaps.
Just ordered a Vulcan!
First ever Bait Boat, looking forward to giving it a go.
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In reply to Post #55
Won't go wrong...make sure you read the manual and keep the batteries under their suggestions.
You'll love it
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In reply to Post #54
Good to hear, I had one delivered this morning. Will get maiden voyage next week.
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In reply to Post #53
I'm still loving my Vulcan.
I haven't needed to send anything for repair but I've had numerous questions for them and they always respond quickly on Instagram. When ordering extra parts/accessories they have always arrived quickly too. Hopefully it stays this way
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In the market for a Bait Boat mostly for French trips, so probably won't get used an awful lot.
Really taken with responses on here regarding customer service from the company, so just checking the majority are still happy with the service they receive and the actual bait boats themselves?
Looking at buying the Vulcan V2.
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In reply to Post #50
Had the V1 and now own the v2
No issues whatsoever with either so far.
Boatman are so brilliant at helping anyway and fast turnaround times too...
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In reply to Post #50
I ordered one last month but not used it yet. I wanted a deeper quest bit couldnt justify the outlay for how often i go. I havent really heard of any issues with the remote and im in a couple of boatman fb groups. There customer service is great if you do get a problem.
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I'm condsidering one of these. Has anyone had issues with the V2 model before I order one?
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In reply to Post #48
It was a bad year for retail and this year with nics increases not helping probably going to worsen.
I would say more retailers held their margins to try and hold on to more cash
https://news.sky.com/story/almost-170-000-retail-jobs-lost-in-2024-and-there-could-be-even-more-next-year-13281208
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In reply to Post #46
I was very surprised there were no new year sales. The shops must be doing a lot better than expected if no discounts to encourage people to buy.
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People tightening their belts as it's going to be a tough 18 months ahead in the Uk economy.
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In reply to Post #45
No boxing day or new year sales on these which was a shame
Sales this year was poor with all company's
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In reply to Post #39
That's good to know
Cheers for the update on refund
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In reply to Post #41
Very reassuring to those with and looking to buy 
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Their website has their history and shows their dealer network albeit a bit dated though you can buy them pretty much from any country now
https://www.boatmanboat.com/newsinfo/861582.html
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In reply to Post #40
Yes mate, thats what I was referring to as both my mates were outside of the warranty.
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In reply to Post #39
That's fair enough, I'd expect no less tbh if under warranty, much like my experience with Carplounge.
Do you know if they offer out of warranty repairs as per my query below?
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In reply to Post #37
Boatman uk fix any warranty issues. I believe they hold a good supply of spares so can fix just about anything here in the uk. There customer service is spot on as know a couple of people who have had issues with other boats they sell and they sorted it straight away which is a lot better than most of the other boat manufacturers as the majority dont want to know going from feedback ive read. I returned my vulcan this wk and they refunded it straight away. Boatman always respond very quickly to anything ive asked. I would happily buy the latest v2 version but going to get a deeper quest now as dont like towing a deeper behind a boat at all.
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Repairs - depends where boatman sourced the internal electronic components they made the boats with, if they are Chinese will be a bugger to rework / repair / replace as all the data sheets are likely to be written in Chinese
There is a big push by companies /organisations /Governments in US & EMEA to move away from using products with Chinese semiconductors.
With trump in charge in the US it will probably accelerate.
Some of the tackle companies may get their boats build in China but on the whole they use western semiconductor manufacturers.
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In reply to Post #36
If they follow the Fox model they'll not offer any after warranty anything, and third party repairers will become busier
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In reply to Post #33
I guess the challenge is boatman uk are merely a distributor of a boat designed & manufactured in China.
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In reply to Post #33
I'm still going to buy one of these but now at a later date
Was going to get one in Jan sales but now I'll wait until mid season nxt yr to see what version it on
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In reply to Post #33
Sent mine back yesterday.
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In reply to Post #22
Poor show this and defo annoyed many a loyal and patient customer who waited for the more orders and then already updated
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In reply to Post #31
They did say that was ok as long as i hadnt used it. There customer service is excellent as used them before with the actor plus i had. They also chased up dhl as they failed to deliver the vulcan on 3 separate occasions.
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In reply to Post #30
Will test customer services let us know how you get on plz
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In reply to Post #29
I emailed them today saying im sending it back as im well inside the 14 day cooling off period. Might just get a deeper quest boat as they get good reviews and look simple to use.
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In reply to Post #28
Would have thought you should be able to return within 28 days with no problems
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In reply to Post #22
I believe the v2 only applies to the gps boat and not the basic vulcan with no gps at the minute. They have now done away with the strengthening bar, rear lights, battery covers, on on/off switch have been changed on the v2 so i would imagine the standard boat will change as well. Only got mine a week ago but i may send it back as i havent even opened the box yet.
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In reply to Post #26
most people just use a deeper on the back www.gstackle.co.uk do deeper mount
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In reply to Post #25
Which sonar/fish finder will work on this boat without any problems ?
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In reply to Post #23
Yeah it's not very good considering the upgraded boatman gps module unit they have just released for £299 that you can fit yourself in the basic Vulcan model so it has gps will only have up to 12 satellites But if you buy the complete new v2 Vulcan gps boat that has 60 satellites
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In reply to Post #23
I was seriously considering the Vulcan, until I saw that the only Boatman dealer here in the U.S. offers NO warranty on the boats. A bit of a dodgy geezer all around, he likes to mark up rods, reels etc an extra 50-80 % too and double anyone else's price on boilies etc.
Ah well, therr are alternatuves available here, but mostly more expensive....
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In reply to Post #22
Wow that didn't take long for V2 to come out may be worth holding on for 6mth + to see if anymore versions come out or the v1 goes down in price
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In reply to Post #16
Boatman have now released a gps upgrade for the Vulcan from the basic to gps easy to fit yourself and they have also just released a Vulcan V2 with 4 to 5 different changes and upgraded gps with a lot more satellites over the original gps . Pissed a good few people of that has bringing out a v2 model with upgrades only 5 months after releasing the v1 Vulcan
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In reply to Post #14
have the actor plus and I would imagine the gps system is the same. Very impressed with the accuracy. Mate next to me fishing in France this summer was using a marker pole, I programmed my boat to the pole so he was not faffing about in the dingy and it went to the same spot every time easily within a metre, pole was about 25 wraps (he cannot cast distance!)
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In reply to Post #18
Not fully waterproof & load rig from the bottom doors
So not for me
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In reply to Post #18
I don't mind fella the more input on different boats is all good I'm still I the planning stage
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In reply to Post #1
sorry to hijack this thread,mods start another if its not allowed please.
anyone seen the new Saber hydra bait boat in the flesh,similar money to the vulcan?
is it just a generic chinese baitboat with a different name?
is there already something with the same specs on the market?
appreciate any thoughts as in the market for a budget baitboat new or secondhand,cheers
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In reply to Post #16
Do you fish at night what if you need to put the boat back on a spot after catching ?
Doddle with autopilot - it's fun sending the boat out in the dark and watching it reappear when you hit home
Or another scenario you go out too far and the boat looses signal.
If you fish puddles then of no use.
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In reply to Post #14
No upgrade to gps from basic version can't see the add-on on website ...
£250 price difference is it worth it ?
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In reply to Post #14
Post 11 mate
And a link on YouTube
https://youtu.be/trCSVhR353M?si=9JLsKUL77kZmTdPM
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In reply to Post #1
I'm after one of these aswell, anyone in here comment on the accuracy of the gps? Would like it solely for baiting up midweek to make the job a bit quicker.
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In reply to Post #12
It looks like the Vulcan autopilot has a compass fitted so going out to stored spots or returning home it should be able to maintain a straight course
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In reply to Post #11
How does it handle in the wind with the waves etc
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In reply to Post #1
Vulcan is a great bit of kit for the money
Got the GPS and it's spot on...
Boatman service is superb if ever needed too.
No brainer IMO
Loved my ND2 but when I needed help they weren't interested.
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In reply to Post #1
I've got the Actor Mk4i compass. Can't fault it whatsoever, used it on a few sessions and it was perfect for me. From all reports, the Vulcan is better still (like an upgraded plus model with top loading)
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In reply to Post #7
I haven't used one but take a look at Big Lake MK4, £440 for the basic model, which is upgradeable. Made in the UK too
That or the Vulcan are on my possible list!
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In reply to Post #3
Have you got the GPS model does it make that much difference for the price hike ?
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Many thanks for the input so far guys
Any other makes in the same league as the the vulcan in the same price range ...
It should be good for piking & deadbaits do you think ?
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I had the boatman actor plus and have just bought a vulcan after seeing my mates. The vulcan which is cheaper than actor feels in a different league. It looks much better feels much more solid and the biggest bonus is its totally waterproof. Even the remote is totally waterproof. You can fully submerge boat underwater and remote under water and keep it totally submerged for a minute and no water gets in. I dont know another boat that you can do that with and its only £350. Absolute bargain as far a baitboats go. There custom service is superb as well. Buy with 100% confidence. An iphone plug is rated at 5 amps so use one of those if you have an iphone.
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The battery packs are going to have a charge rating that should be followed. The Actor plus remote battery packs are 2000mAh batteries and the rapid charging rate current is likely 1C or 2Amps (1amp is 0.5C). Personally I would not exceed 2AMP charging rate as this will likely overheat and ruin the battery quite quickly.
I charge my remote with a 400mA charger which is 0.2C. Takes a little longer but improves battery life.
They say do not exceed 1A for a reason - if you do over a period of time the battery will degrade and best case not hold as much charge or worst case, swell and potentially catch fire.
LiPo batteries should be charged correctly and in a fireproof bag. These are not the same as the batteries in your phone with much more sophisticated management software controlling the charge.
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In reply to Post #3
Hi, 5v is the standard USB voltage, supply as to be 5v.
Regards ampage, don't worry about a specific number, it could be 1 amp or say 500 amp.
What device your charging, will only take what it can take/ needs.
If the charger cannot supply the ampage/ current what your device needs, charging will just take longer. Or if it needs that ampage when connected to run, it prob won't work.
If the charger can supply alot more ampage/ current your device needs, don't worry, it will just take what it needs.
Use any USB 240v, 3 pin, 2 pin charger, with a std USB connector on it.
Thats why alot of devices now come with just a cable.
For devices that do need more power, there's a new USB standard, connectors on mains plug are USB C, other end on cable USB C. USB C is the connector thats oval ie you can plug it in any way around.
If you have a New Direction Baitboat ND2, that were supplied with mains charger, were some were faulty. You were sent a free USB charger, it needs as high a ampage as you can get supply wise, to charge BB Li ion batteries reasonable. So mains charger with USB C to USB C, as higher ampage it can deliver.
Or charge faster buy mains charger from other supplier (and hope its a good chinese one).
Bob
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In reply to Post #1
Yep very good boat for the money best about in its price range have one myself after upgrading to it from the actor plus and can't fault it .Just one thing to be aware of if you do buy one you will need to buy a 5v 1amp usb mains plug for charging the remote needs to be that output boatman say as it only comes with the usb lead for charging it for some stupid reason
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In reply to Post #1
They do look incredible for the money, I've got the Actor and that's very decent, so the Vulcan only looks to be better! If I was to replace, I'd be getting the Vulcan.
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Hi guys
After a bait boat but I don't want to spend loads
Anyone got the new model from boatman ?
It seems OK for the money
Any views would be helpfull guys
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