Frequently asked questions

Latest developments

Our exciting new developments make the Aquacat an even more powerful fishing tool than she already is. The Cat’s existing Autopilot can now be integrated with Bluetooth functionality so that you can easily set up and store missions using an app on your Android device. Where you would previously have had to sail to a destination waypoint to mark and store it you’ll now be able to do it all on your phone before your boat even hits the water.

The most advanced new tech upgrade available is the wired Telemetry link which offers an impressive three upgrades rolled into one! You’ll be able to conveniently set up and store missions on your smart device as well as receive long range real time monitoring of your mission. You’ll get data on your boats heading, speed, distance from shore, distance to waypoint, total mission distance, etc up to 750 yards. You’ll also be able to sail your boat further than the remote controllers limit because your boat will be sailing autonomously in Auto mode.

Both of these upgrades are available as optional accessories when ordering a Fish More Kit or a Fully Loaded Kit.

What's the difference between the Aquacat Turbo X and the Turbo (previous model)?

The third and current generation Aquacat – the Aquacat Turbo X – was launched in 2015. Sporting a redefined, lighter body shell, higher rated brushless motor designed to work with higher performance lipo and li-on batteries as well as seamless GPS autopilot and fish finder integration, the Aquacat Turbo X is lighter, faster, more powerful, more intelligent than ever before.

This amazing 8,5kg, 1m long craft is ready to go fishing whenever you are. Tow much bigger baits than you could with a drone in conditions that wouldn’t be safe if you were on kayak, jet ski or ski boat. Designed to be in the ocean, when this phenomenal little bait boat hits the water, she’s exactly where she wants to be. Fully submersible and totally self righting, the Aquacat Turbo X is the most effective, robust, reliable bait hauler on the market today.

Using your Aquacat

How far can I sail my Aquacat from shore before losing radio signal?

The operating range of the standard radio equipment included with every Aquacat Turbo X is up to a maximum of 600 yards using depending on how high above sea level you are standing. Adding the telemetry link to your Aquacat increases the maximum range up to 900 yards.

TIP: Position yourself higher up the beach if possible and hold the remote controller at chin level with the remote aerial orientated vertically to optimize range.

Is Auto Return / Return To Launch Feature available and will it kick in if my Aquacat sails out of radio range?

GPS Auto Pilot which offers both Return to Launch (RTL) and Saved Waypoint Sailing features (SWS) is included with the Fish More and Fully Loaded kits. This system does not require Bluetooth or telemetry link to function. It is linked directly to your remote controller and offers simple, affordable, entry level access to Auto Pilot technology.

The RTL function can be activated manually and will kick in automatically if radio signal is lost for more than 20 seconds.

Can I control Auto Pilot missions on my smartphone? What happens if the mission I plan is outside of the radio range?

Our new Bluetooth Integration and Bluetooth to Telemetry link add-ons will allow you to set up and store Autopilot missions on your Android device. (IOS not supported at this stage). Provided that the route is within radio range you will be able to interrupt the mission with the remote controller if you have opted for standard Bluetooth Integration or using your smart phone if you have selected the Bluetooth to Telemetry Link Kit.

If the mission is outside of signal range you will not be able to interrupt the trip as the boat will now be sailing autonomously by time and not by radio signal. The default mission time is 5 mins. The boat will complete the route and return to home provided it is within this preloaded 5 min limit. If the mission has not yet been completed by the 5 min mark the boat will return to home. Once the boat is within radio signal range again you will again be able to interrupt the mission. The default 5 min mission time can be changed by the user although as a precautionary measure we advise against this in most instances.

What does the Fish Finder included with the Fully Loaded Kit do?

Our long range Fish Finder provides precision detection of reefs, underwater obstacles, the presence, depth and relative size of fish. Here are a few helpful specs:

  • Depth capability: 130ft
  • Range: 700 yards (640m)
  • Display: 4.3″ TFT color LCD;
  • Sunlight Viewable
  • Sonar Alarms: Fish / Shallow / Low Battery
  • Sonar unit size: 153 x110 x 44mm

What size bait can I tow with my Aquacat?

Your Aquacat Turbo X boasts an impressive thrust of 33 lbs. That’s enough torque to tow up to 20lbs (9kgs) of hydrodynamic weight. It’s extremely important that the baits are hydrodynamic (ideally a whole fish or slender cuts) so that they are able to plane behind the boat once it is moving at sufficient speed. The bait should also be towed up close behind your boat. We recommend 2 inches / 5cm behind to help reduce drag and preserve your battery. You’ll also want to be sure that you don’t have your sinker or weight dragging in the sand a couple of meters behind the boat. This will act as an anchor creating excess drag that will put your boat and batteries under unnecessary strain. It should hang off the left pin on the bait flap.

Towing non-hydrodynamic bait too far behind your boat is the quickest way to deplete your batteries and risk overheating your speed controller. The speed controller supplies power to the motor so it’s vital that you avoid overloading it. If it overheats the thermal trip will kick in to protect the motor and cause the boat to cut out. If you’ve overloaded the speed controller to this excessive extent it’s likely you’ve also greatly depleted your batteries which will make powering up your boat again potentially problematic, particularly if you are using lead acid batteries. This scenario can easily be avoided by simply following our bait recommendations and operating instructions.

We strongly recommend spending a few days familiarizing yourself with your new Turbo X, reading the instructions thoroughly and taking her for a few test runs before venturing out on a massive fishing expedition.

If you have towed a particularly large bait we recommend opening the hatch for 5 – 7 minutes to allow hot air trapped in the hull to be expelled before running the next bait.

If you plan to run your boat very frequently we recommend reducing the hydrodynamic weight of your bait a little for longevity of the drive train and battery life.

Is the enclosed bait compartment standard and can I transport live baits in it?

The bait compartment is standard on all boats and live or dead baits up to 10″ long x 5″ wide x 2″ high (25cm x 12cm x 6cm) can be transported in the tray.

I've lost my Turbo X instruction manual. Where can I get another copy?

Download the instruction manual here:

Aquacat Turbo X Operating Instructions PDF

Batteries

What batteries do I need for my Aquacat and are they included ?

Required battery pack*

22.8 Volt 22000mAh or 25000mAh Lipo pack with XT90 connector. Potential lipo pack options available here:

Tattu** 
Foxtech**

** We cannot guarantee stock levels of these products as they are sold by independent 3rd parties. Links are provided as an example only. 

Required charger*

Balance Lipo charger with AC input socket capable of charging an S6 pack at a charge rate of 5 – 8 Amps

*Batteries and charger NOT included due to IATA restrictions. Must be purchased separately

What is the run time / run distance on a single charge?

  • S6 16Ah Lipo or Li-on pack  – run time 55 minutes / 6000 yards run distance.
  • S6 30Ah Lipo or Li-on pack  – run time 115 minutes / 12000 yards with no recovery time required between trips.

Aftercare, servicing and warranty

What are the basic service requirement and what should I do after use?

Rinse the outside of your boat with fresh water with the hatch still fully tightened, wipe down with a soft dry cloth then release hatch.

Which components wear out with frequent use?

The drive shaft seal should be changed every 100 – 150 running hours. We recommend including a Driveshaft seal replacement kit when placing your order. Changing the seal is quick and easy. We’ll also be happy to walk you through it when the time comes.

Do you offer aftersales service?

We offer after-sales support Monday through Saturday 08:00 – 18:00 GMT +2. Email us at info@aquacat.co.za or use the form below to reach out to us. Should you need urgent help on a Sunday or Public Holiday we are available on WhatsApp in case of emergency. Click here or use the QR code below to send us a WhatsApp message. Remember to include your name and as much detail as possible about the issue you’re having.

Aquacat WhatsApp QR code

Does my Aquacat come with a warranty?

We offer a 12 month carry-in warranty in the unlikely event of latent product defects. We are committed to upholding Aquacat’s sterling reputation and put each boat through a series of tests and trials prior to shipping to ensure every boat is in perfect working order.

Please note this warranty is only valid on new boats purchased directly from us. If you are considering purchasing a second hand boat the warranty will fall away as we cannot be sure that the previous owners operated their boats correctly or whether their boats sustained any damage.