Fishing Surfer RC Boat
FP3251 V2
Joysway Fishing Surfer FP3251 V2 puts bait where the fish are - up to 500 metres offshore. GPS navigation, self-righting hull, and long battery life makes it one of the best RC bait boats available.
Australian stock. Fast shipping. Local support.
The Joysway Fishing Surfer RC Boat FP3251V2 is a purpose-built RC bait boat designed for surf fishing. It delivers your line, hook, and bait up to 500 metres offshore - well beyond casting distance - then releases on command so you can target fish that would otherwise be out of reach.
Built with twin brushless motors, GPS navigation, and a self-righting hull, the Fishing Surfer handles Australian beach conditions including moderate surf up to 1 metre. Whether you're chasing tailor off the beach, targeting snapper from the shore, or dropping baits for mulloway, this boat gets your gear where the fish are.
Not sure if the Fishing Surfer is right for you? Read our guide on how to choose the best RC bait boat for surf fishing to compare features and avoid common buying mistakes.
Key Features
500-Metre Range
Deliver bait far beyond casting distance. The 2.4GHz radio system maintains solid contact up to 500 metres from shore.
GPS
Mark up to 4 fishing spots and return to them precisely. If you lose signal, the boat automatically returns to its launch point.
Self-Righting Hull
Handles waves up to 1 metre without a problem. If it flips, it rights itself automatically and keeps going. Watertight hatch keeps electronics dry.
Twin Brushless Motors
Reaches speeds up to 3 metres per second (approximately 11 km/h). Powerful enough to punch through surf and wind chop.
45-Minute Runtime
The 9.6V 16.2Ah LiFePo battery provides approximately 45 minutes of continuous use - enough for around 14 bait drops within 200 metres.
LED Navigation Lights
Front and rear LEDs let you track the boat in low light. Built-in low-voltage warning tells you when to bring it back.
Dual Bait Release
Two radio-controlled release points let you drop bait and hooks precisely where you want them.
Also available
Need a sonar too? Fishing Surfer + Fish Finder adds a Toslon TF300 colour fish finder. From $1,999.
Full Specifications
| Model | Joysway Fishing Surfer V2 (3251V2) |
| Dimensions | 850mm (L) x 205mm (W) x 230mm (H) |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
| Hull Material | ABS Plastic |
| Motor | Twin water-cooled brushless motors |
| Top Speed | 3 m/s (~11 km/h) |
| Radio Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Radio Range | 500 metres |
| Battery | 9.6V 16.2Ah LiFePo |
| Runtime | ~45 minutes continuous |
| Bait Hopper | 180mm x 60mm |
| Wave Handling | Up to 1 metre |
| GPS Features | One-button return, 4-spot memory |
| Lights | Front & rear LED navigation lights |
| Self-Righting | Yes |
| Fish Finder Compatible | Yes (mount & power port included) |
What's in the Box
- 1×Joysway Fishing Surfer V2 RC Boat
- 1×9.6V 16.2Ah LiFePo Battery Pack
- 1×High Current Fast AC Charger (Australian plug)
- 1×2.4GHz Radio Transmitter with GPS Function
- 1×EVA Boat Stand
- 1×Carry Bag
- NoteRequires 4 × AA batteries for the transmitter (not included)
How It Works
Set Up on the Beach
Place your surf rod in a rod holder. Attach your line to the boat's bait release mechanism. Load your bait and hook into the hopper.
Launch and Navigate
Drive the boat out through the surf using the radio controller. The twin brushless motors handle waves up to 1 metre.
Mark Your Spot
When you reach your target area, press one of the 4 GPS memory buttons to save the location. You can return to this exact spot on future drops.
Release Your Bait
Use the radio controller to open the bait hopper and release your line, hook, and bait. The boat drops everything exactly where you want it.
Return to Shore
Press the GPS return button and the boat navigates back automatically. Or drive it manually if you prefer.
Wait for the Bite
Your bait is now 500 metres offshore where the fish are. Sit back and wait for the action.
Ideal For
Deliver baits beyond the breakers where snapper, tailor, mulloway, and sharks patrol
Reach offshore structure without risking dangerous rock ledges
Drop baits into channels and holes that are impossible to cast to
LED navigation lights keep the boat visible in low light conditions
Get your bait out far without the hassle of paddling out
Run baits 200–500m offshore for bronze whalers, bull sharks, and hammerheads straight from the beach
Fishing Surfer vs Fishing Drones
Thinking about a fishing drone instead? Here's how they compare:
| Factor | Fishing Surfer RC Boat | Fishing Drone |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 500m | 1000m+ |
| Payload | 2kg | 1-3kg |
| Runtime | 45 minutes | 15-25 minutes |
| Surf Handling | Excellent (self-righting) | N/A (airborne) |
| Wind Handling | Good | Poor in strong wind |
| Price | $1399-$2299 | $2000-$5499 |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate |
| CASA Regulations | None | Yes (drone rules apply) |
Fishing Surfer vs AquaCat
The AquaCat is another reputable RC bait boat. Here's how they stack up:
| Factor | Fishing Surfer V2 | AquaCat |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 500m | 550m |
| Top Speed | 3 m/s (180m/min) | 2.8 m/s (170m/min) |
| Payload | 2kg | 9kg |
| Weight | 3.9kg | 14kg (loaded) |
| Wave Handling | 1m waves | 1m-2m waves |
| Runtime | 45 mins | 60+ mins |
| GPS Spots | 4 | 10+ |
| Price | $1399-$2299 | $1900 – $4315 |
Tips for Using Your Fishing Surfer in Australia
Rinse After Every Use
Saltwater will corrode electronics over time. Rinse the hull and motors with fresh water after each session.
Check Conditions Before Launching
The Fishing Surfer handles waves up to 1 metre. In bigger surf, consider waiting for calmer conditions, utilising rips or waiting for a lull in the set of waves.
Use Quality Bait
Larger baits like whole fish, Eel, Ray cubes, squid, or pilchards work well. Make sure they're secured so they don't fall out during the run.
Charge the Night Before
A full charge takes a few hours. Don't leave it until the morning of your session.
Mark Productive Spots
Use the 4 GPS memory slots to save spots where you get bites. Return to them on future trips.
Replacement Parts & Accessories
We stock genuine Joysway replacement parts for the Fishing Surfer V2:
- Spare batteries
- Propellers
- Chargers
- Bait release mechanisms
- Hull components
Popular with Aussie anglers
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch with the Fishing Surfer?
Any species you'd target from the beach. Australian anglers commonly use it for snapper, tailor, mulloway (jewfish), sharks, tuna, and kingfish. If you can rig it on a surf rod, the boat can deliver it.
How far can it actually go?
The radio range is 500 metres. In practice, most anglers drop baits between 200-400 metres out - well beyond casting distance but still easy to monitor.
Will it handle Australian beach surf?
Yes, it's designed for surf conditions up to 1 metre wave height. The self-righting hull means it recovers automatically if a wave flips it. In very rough conditions (1.5m+), it's better to wait for calmer weather.
How long does the battery last?
Approximately 45 minutes of continuous driving. If you're doing shorter runs (200m out and back), you'll get around 14 bait drops per charge.
Can I add a fish finder?
Yes. The Fishing Surfer V2 has reserved mounting and power ports for a Toslon TF300 fish finder (sold separately). We also stock the Fishing Surfer with Fish Finder model.
Do I need a licence to use it?
No. Unlike fishing drones, RC bait boats don't fall under CASA regulations. You can use it anywhere you're legally allowed to fish.
Is it hard to learn?
No. Most people are confident after a few practice runs. The GPS return function is a safety net - if you get disoriented, just press the button and it comes back.
What happens if the battery runs out?
The low-voltage warning system alerts you when power is low. If you ignore it and the battery dies, the boat will sit in the water until you retrieve it manually (hopefully the tide brings it in). Always return when you see the warning lights.
Can I use it in freshwater?
Yes. It works well in lakes, dams, and rivers. Some anglers use it for carp, bass, and Murray cod.
What's your warranty and return policy?
Why Buy from Bait Boats Australia?
Australian Stock
No waiting months for international shipping. Your Fishing Surfer ships from Australia, is normally dispatched within 2 days and fast delivery nationwide.
Local Support
Got questions? Need parts? We're here to help. Australian-based support that understands local conditions.
Genuine Joysway Products
We're an authorised stockist. You get the real thing with manufacturer warranty.
Parts Availability
We stock replacement parts so you can keep your boat running for years.
Ready to Reach Fish You've Never Reached Before?
The Joysway Fishing Surfer FP3251 V2 puts bait where the fish are - up to 500 metres offshore. GPS navigation, self-righting hull, and 45-minute runtime make it the best RC bait boat for Australian beach fishing perfect for both beginners & expert fishing people.
Australian stock. Fast shipping. Local support.