Ridgemonkey Bait Boat Problems

In the ever-evolving world of fishing technology, bait boats have carved a niche for themselves among the modern angler. Recently, there’s been a buzz in the angling community about the new RidgeMonkey bait boat. This article delves into the feedback, issues, and sentiments shared by users on a popular fishing forum.

The Problem

A significant number of anglers seem to have concerns about the control and functionality of the RidgeMonkey bait boat. The main points of contention include:

1. Joystick Control: Many users find the joystick challenging to manage. Unlike some other bait boats in the market, like the Actor bait boat, RidgeMonkey’s joystick appears to be hyper-sensitive, making the boat veer off course with minimal movement.
2. Hopper Issues: A recurring issue is the misalignment of the hopper and its failure to release, a basic yet critical function for bait boats.
3. Quality Concerns: From strange motor sounds to overall flimsiness and discolouration, the boat seems plagued with what could be manufacturing or quality control issues.
4. Origin of Manufacture: There’s debate about whether the boat is a product of China, with some suggesting that the issues might stem from a lack of quality control in the production phase. However, others have hinted that UKBB might have had a hand in its design, even if the final product was produced and shipped from the Far East.

The Public Perception

• Price vs. Quality: At a price point of £500 and given the delays in delivery, many users expressed disappointment in the issues faced. Comparatively, bait boats like the Actor and ND2, both priced similarly or slightly higher, seem to offer better features and reliability.
• Brand Reputation: RidgeMonkey, while popular for certain products, doesn’t seem to have won the confidence of users with this bait boat release. Comments like “rebadged Chinese tat with a huge mark up” highlight the community’s frustration. A prevailing sentiment is that some might be purchasing the boat because of brand loyalty rather than product merit.
• Looking Elsewhere: As discussions evolved, many users highlighted the positive attributes of competitors, particularly praising the Actor bait boat for its specs and user-friendly controller.

Potential Solutions and Takeaways

1. Wait and Watch: As with any new product, there might be teething issues. It might be wise for potential buyers to hold off until the company addresses these concerns or releases an updated model. As a user rightly pointed out, “Never buy the first released model of anything!”
2. Refunds and Returns: If someone has already purchased the boat and is facing issues, approaching the retailer for a refund or replacement seems like a feasible option. Based on user experiences, it’s clear that some retailers are willing to refund given the product’s evident flaws.
3. Research Before Purchase: This saga underscores the importance of doing thorough research before investing in new fishing tech. A combination of product reviews, forum discussions, and user testimonials can guide potential buyers.

In conclusion, while the RidgeMonkey bait boat promised a compact and efficient baiting solution, its current iteration seems to fall short of expectations. The company might need to go back to the drawing board, address the problems, and win back the trust of its customer base. Until then, anglers might find better value and functionality with other brands in the market.