Joysway Australia
Fishing Surfer RC Boat
Joysway Fishing Surfer FP3251 V2 puts bait where the fish are, reaching up to 500 metres offshore. G…
$1,399$1,499
The full range
All Bait Boats
The full Baitboats range. Browse every model we stock — surf fishing boats, freshwater models, GPS-equipped craft, and accessories.
11 models in stock
GPS ready options
AU warranty support
Bait Boat Range
Joysway Australia
Joysway Fishing Surfer Bait Boat with Fish Finder
Everything the Fishing Surfer does, plus a Toslon TF520 colour fish finder so you can see what's…
$1,999$2,299
Jabo Bait Boat
Jabo S80 Highspeed Bait Boat
Brushless-motor bait boat for ocean and freshwater. 22,000mAh battery, 400-500m GPS range, and a wat…
$1,199$1,299
Actor Bait Boat
Actor Boatman Bait Boat
Up to 5 hours on the slow setting, dual hoppers, class 3 wave resistance. A solid workhorse for rive…
$1,200
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell Assassin Bait Boat
Manuowell's flagship. Middle-drop precision, 12V high-torque motor, 20+ GPS spot memory, and the…
From$559
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell V018
Dual rear hoppers, 7.4V Blade motor, GPS optional. Drop two baits in two locations on the same run.
From$455
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell D007
Dual side-opening hoppers cut hook tangles. The Classic hull's double-drop workhorse with a 7.4V…
From$455
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell D001
Single hopper, 7.4V 10,000rpm motor, 500m range. Manuowell's value entry into the Classic series
From$405
Beginners Bait Boat
Entry-level freshwater bait boat. Simple controls, durable plastic hull, rechargeable battery. Built…
$350
Jarvis Walker Double Luminous Rod Bell
Clip-on luminous rod bell with double bells. Attaches to rod tips and rings on the slightest bite. E…
$2
Joysway
Fishing Surfer Battery 9.6V 16.2Ah
Genuine replacement LiFePO4 battery for the Joysway Fishing Surfer FP3251V2. 9.6V 16.2Ah for extende…
$329
Buyer's guide
5 Things to Get Right Before You Buy
Bait boats range from entry-level freshwater tools to full-featured surf and GPS systems. The right choice depends entirely on where you fish, what you target, and how seriously you fish. These five considerations guide a purchase you will be happy with long-term.
Match the Hull to Your Water Type
Self-righting hulls for surf. Sealed low-profile hulls for freshwater and calm bay use. Buying a surf-capable model for freshwater is a safe choice. Buying a freshwater model for surf fishing is a false economy that risks the boat.
Get GPS Capability
Even if you start without using GPS functions actively, having the capability means you can grow into it. Auto-return alone is worth the small premium over a basic remote-only model. Every GPS-equipped model we stock includes multi-waypoint memory and auto-return.
Australian Stock and Warranty
Grey imports save money upfront and cost more in frustration. Local stock means fast shipping, Australian warranty support, and accessible spare parts. All models we stock are held in Australia with local support for warranty claims.
Range to Match Your Fishing
A 200m-range model limits you to close in-shore work. A 500m model gives you the full range of Australian fishing environments. Match your budget to the range your primary fishing actually requires, not the maximum possible specification.
Lithium Battery Chemistry
Lithium cells deliver better weight-to-capacity, faster charging, and longer service life than older NiMH designs. Look for LiPo or LiFePo chemistry on any model you consider. NiMH is dated engineering that limits the practical value of any boat.
Why Baitboats
Why Australian Availability Matters
Importing RC bait boats from overseas leads to high shipping costs, complex warranty claims, and long waits when you need spare parts. Buying from an Australian supplier gives you:
- Rapid, affordable shipping direct from Australian warehouses
- Local warranty support for fast, hassle-free resolutions
- Immediate access to spare and replacement parts
- Australian-based setup advice and troubleshooting expertise
★ Limited deal
Special offer
Fishing Surfer + Fish Finder
Everything the Fishing Surfer does, plus a colour Toslon fish finder so you see what's beneath the boat before you drop. $300 off while stocks last.
$1,999$2,299Save $300
Shop the deal
Get the most out of it
Tips for Every Bait Boat Angler
Match the Boat to Your Primary Environment First
A surf-rated self-righting model is the right choice for beach fishing. A quiet GPS freshwater model suits lakes and rivers. Matching hull and motor spec to your primary water type matters more than any individual feature comparison between models.
Understand Your Warranty Before You Need It
All models we stock include 6-month warranty on Manuowell, Jabo, and Actor boats, and 12 months on Joysway. Knowing what is covered and who handles claims locally sets clear expectations before you ever need to make a call.
Budget for a Second Battery Upfront
Most models ship with one battery. A second battery roughly doubles your session length and is substantially cheaper than the boat itself. Buying it at the same time avoids a frustrating wait when you discover your session ends mid-morning.
Read the Manual Before Your First Session
All the features you paid for are controlled through specific button sequences. Spending 30 minutes with the manual means you use the full capability on day one rather than discovering GPS functions and auto-return months later by accident.
Verified buyers
What our customers say
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Got it out past the second bank at Stockton and dropped a bait right on a mulloway I could never have reached by hand. Worth every cent."
Mark D. · Surf fisherman, NSW
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Sent a big shark bait 400m off the beach at Mandurah on my first session. Had a bronze whaler on within the hour. Could never have done that with a rod."
Pete R. · Mandurah, WA
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Had a cheap one pack it in after a season. The Joysway is a completely different animal. Been using it for snapper and flathead out in the bay. These blokes know fishing."
Sam T. · Hervey Bay, QLD
Common questions
Bait Boat FAQs
What bait boat should I buy as a beginner?
The Manuowell D001 is the best value starting point with GPS, dual hoppers, and an intuitive remote. The Beginners Bait Boat is the cheapest entry point if budget is the primary constraint. Both handle calm freshwater environments well and come with 6-month Australian warranty support.
What is the difference between the brands?
Joysway is purpose-built for surf and saltwater with the highest build quality and a 12-month warranty. Manuowell and Jabo focus on freshwater and calm saltwater use at more accessible price points with a 6-month warranty. Actor is an entry-level freshwater option with a straightforward design.
Are bait boats worth the investment?
For anglers who fish regularly and target specific structure or offshore water, yes. The ability to place bait at exact GPS coordinates at distances beyond casting range changes the quality of fishing fundamentally. Occasional casual anglers may not use enough of the capability to justify the initial cost.
How long do bait boats last with proper care?
Four to seven years is a realistic lifespan with regular cleaning, battery management, and component replacement as needed. Props, batteries, and release mechanisms are all replaceable. The hull and electronics typically outlast these wear components significantly.
Can I use a bait boat for lure fishing or is it just for bait delivery?
Bait boats are specifically designed for bait delivery and are not set up for lure fishing. The hopper and release mechanism are designed for static bait presentation at a target location. For lure fishing, a standard rod and reel is the appropriate tool.
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