Frequently Asked Questions

A. Most inflatables in the U.S. market are boring. They all look and perform the same. Instead of copying everyone else’s design, we decided to innovate. The Takacat catamaran hull design is fast, stable, safe, and comfortable. The fast draining removable Tube Transom® is simple and portable, which makes Takacat one of the most versatile inflatable boats in the market.

A. The Takacat line of boats are designed for quick and easy assembly. No need to mess around with heavy and complicated floorboard systems, our high pressure air deck floor fits perfectly in place while it inflates. Inflation with the supplied manual pump takes about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the boat and your urgency. Inflation with an electric pump takes about 8-10 minutes

A. Our innovative, Tube Transom® enables the Takacat hulls to be rolled-up like a swiss cake roll which makes it easier to store & transport than traditional inflatable boats. The big advantage comes by way of weight savings which makes carrying the boat easier, but also makes the boat nimbler on the water and faster with smaller HP outboards.

A. The Takacat LX and Sport Series offer true portability. They can be fully deflated and will fit into most cars and SUVs. They can be transported either inflated or deflated on roof racks. They can be stored easily on boat decks because of their size and weight, they sit flat on deck without the need for a cradle. The LX and Sport models take up very little space when packed in their bags for storage. Takacat LX and Sport models offer an unparalleled experience from storage, transport to on the water, there is no better!

A. Takacat boats utilize a catamaran hull design, this means that the boats have far less wetted surface and are much more efficient on the water than flat-bottom or V-hull boats. You can use less horsepower than other boats to achieve the same speeds.

Electric outboards are more efficient when used on a Takacat and are a great option.

The most common gas outboard is the 6hp. It is lightweight and portable which completes the package for the Takacat. The longer the boat you choose, the faster it will be and it will be able to plane with more weight. For example, a 420LX with a 6hp will plane with 440 lbs on board.

A: We recommend cavitation plates for outboards greater than 6hp and less than 20 horsepower. Our dealers carry a wide variety of brands, we have tested and confirm the efficacy of the Permatrim and the Davis Dole-Fin.

We recommend having your propeller cupped if you experience any cavitation or ventilation. Cupping the prop will give the propeller more grip in the water and increase performance.

We recommend PowerTech stainless steel propellers for the best possible performance of your Takacat, although not necessary in 99% of cases.

A: You can use stainless shackles to attach to the lower transom bar through the holes in the top of the wheel brackets.

The bow attachment point can be easily attached by running a webbed strap under the bow and through the forward most handles. This is a non-invasive and secure way to lift the boat with davits.

You can use a towing bridle to lift the boat vertically (without a motor attached) with a halyard.

A: We recommend towing your Takacat making a bridle that attaches to the lower transom bar and runs inside of the inside lifeline D-rings finishing at a stainless ring that sits off the bow of the boat.

A: The Takacat LX, Sport and Explorer models are all designed by Greg Sowden in Aukland New Zealand. The boats are manufactured in Qindao, China by the same boatbuilder since 2007.

A: Welded seams are great for RIBs as they are cheap and easy to do. They are also easy to replicate on repetitive seams. RIBs are also inflated about 90% of the time.

Takacat boats are typically folded and unfolded hundreds of times in their lifetime. Welded seams will become brittle and start to leak. Welded seams are also not 100% repairable, they can only be patched over.

Glued seams are more flexible over time and can have higher holding power in complex shapes. Our house blend glue is specifically engineered to maintain its flexibility over many years and after extend exposure to UV.

A: Yes, All Takacat model boats are CE tested and are CE marked to the latest CE standards 2013/53/EU.

All Takacat boats are also manufactured to International Standards ISO 4892-3:2006.

A: Takacat LX, LX Hybrid and Sport models can be easily retubed by simply constructing your boat by simply ordering a replacement set of tubes

A: The vast majority of Takacat boats are of the PVC variety. Because most Takacats live not-in-use lives in their bags, there are few benefits but at the cost of added weight.

Hypalon comes in handy when you will be in tropics levels of UV and in a year-round type of usage. We mean 100% in the water all the time. Hypalon may also be desireable for use in arctic waters.

You can still circumvent the need for pricey Hypalon by electing to buy or make chaps. That will protect the boat skin from UV and even provide a bit more abrasion resistance.

Yes! Many of our dealers, and even on direct through our Takacat Americas store, you can purchase Extend (or other brand) extended warranties that last up to 3 years!

These warranties are great for added peace of mind and they even cover accidental damage that are not covered by the factory warranty.

A: You can send a email request for parts to contactus@takacatna.com.

Alternatively, we recommend Inflatable Experts in Annapolis for all inflatable boat repairs. Fred isn't exactly cheap, but he is the best.

A: Yes you can! We would recommend equipping your Takacat with chaps for UV protection (and to keep the bird poop off) and you may also need to apply Inflatable Bottom Paint (yes, that is a real thing) to contend with any growth in your waters.

Takacat boats are made with a UV stabilized PVC fabric, but ultimately the UV from the Sun will still cause damage over time.

To compensate for this damage, we recommend the following preventative measures:

- Pack the boat into the bags when not in use
- Cover with a boat cover when the boat is inflated but not in use
- Apply a Marine UV Protectant such as 303 Products' Aerospace Protectant at least once a year, but monthly may be required in high UV locations.
- Purchase or make dinghy chaps to cover the boat tubes, even when in use.