Question about TAKACAT 380

[Kroaz Du]

Hello .

I did not find the answer on the number of inner tubes for TAKACAT 380 LX and TAKACAT 380 S (sport).

I've been told 5 air chamber for TAKACAT 380 LX . I mean 1 for the floor and 4 for the float. And i guess it is ok since i can see this in video and pictures ...

And same thing about TAKACAT 380 S (sport) : 5 air chamber, 1 for the floor and 4 for the float. But here, I doubt !!! I can't found any pictures nor testimonial which would confirm this...
I've seen 4 chambers, 1 for the floor and 3 for the float ...

Can someone know for sure how many air chamber for TAKACAT 380 S ??
( those that are for sale this year.)

[Old seahorse]

Hi Koraz Du, I have a300 lx. Looking at the Takacat NZ website, they are stating 4 tube chambers +1 ( air floor).
I assume the S model would be same, but perhaps an email to Takacat should confirm. From my limited experience of ownership, I would say the specifications , and design have altered since they were first produced.

[Kroaz Du]

Hello Old seahorse.

You said :"the specifications , and design have altered since they were first produced."

Well, i must agree ... !!

And i can not find anymore the email of takacat NZ !!
I have so many questions to ask !
About air chambers ...
About new solid floor !!! ???

[Old seahorse]

Have a look at takacat.co.nz. Go into contact page, and you can send message. As the company is based there, they should be able to help..
There is also a website for takacat europe, they may be able to help.
Sorry, I don’t have any knowledge of any solid floor models.
You may be able to locate a dealer in France, and look at the boat, and find out what you need to know. Good luck!

[Kroaz Du]

Hello Old seahorse.

I have juste visit takacat.co.nz. and finally found the contact page and an email address too :sales@takacat.co.nz
( a few days back, i could not see this contact page nor the email address !!)

I already contacted several dealer, but not all have wide knowledge of technical data ... In France , we said something like : it is better to address god than to his saints.

Then i guess i'll receive soon answers that i need to make my mind to place my order .

Let's write to them right away !

[Kroaz Du]

Hello .
A weeks later , i succeeded to get answers !!!!

I started with takacat.co.nz. , of course , who quickly redirected me to an European dealer ... Quickly and without explanation

( this let me thinking that trying to communicate with people who create the boat is forbidden , now . )

The European dealer answered my questions really quickly too. So quickly, that they had forgotten some questions and/or make mistake ...

Well, after several email , then i gathered informations !!

"260LX to 340LX = 1 air chamber in each tube = 2 air chambers total + the middle high pressure floor which is an additional air chamber

380LX to 460LX = 2 air chambers in each tube = 4 air chambers total + the middle high pressure floor which is an additional air chamber

340 LX and 340 S have 2 air chambers
380 S and 380 LX have 4 air chambers

The weight of a solid floor(GFK floor) for TAKACAT 340 and 380 LX:
approx. 11 kg for 340 LX and 14 kg for the 380 LX

Solid floor (GFK floor) only for LX models not for S-models .
And all available picture and videos are on the website takacat.eu


Well i did get all data i need , and soon France will soon be confined again.
I guess this is not a good omen for the future.

...

[Old seahorse]

It looks like you have now got the definitive answers!
Hope you enjoy owning one. Mine is suiting me fine. They are very stable, and fun to use.

[MaddogShady]

So what is the difference between the LX model and the S model?

[Old seahorse]

The LX model has an open bow. This allows easy access to and from the water. The air floor rises slightly towards the bow. Any water which gets in( from my experience only in very rough or surf conditions), is quickly lost through the open transom.
In the the S ( sport ) model, the inflatable tube continues across the bow, enclosing the air deck. Some boats are also available with a solid transom.

[MaddogShady]

Originally Posted by Old seahorse

The LX model has an open bow. This allows easy access to and from the water. The air floor rises slightly towards the bow. Any water which gets in( from my experience only in very rough or surf conditions), is quickly lost through the open transom.
In the the S ( sport ) model, the inflatable tube continues across the bow, enclosing the air deck. Some boats are also available with a solid transom.

Thanks! So does the sport offer a drier ride or a firmer platform to stand? Any advantages/disadvantages?

[Old seahorse]

I’ve not tried out the S model, but the bow tube would offer some sense of security for passengers and kit ( though it is a smaller diameter than the hull tubes).
For me, the ability for me to get back in the boat , via the open bow, if I went overboard is a major factor, especially as I often go out alone. It’s also great for passengers to swim from and re-board. The boat is very stable, and offers a very comfortable ride, and runs well on a small outboard ( I have Suzuki 6hp).
Like any boat, it’s down to personal choice. If I was doing long trips with a lot of kit, I’d go for a closed bow, but as I use it for a few hours on day trips, it is ideal for me.

[Old seahorse]

Have a look at the Takacat website. They are making other models now, so plenty of choice

[chipko]

So what are Takacat actually making now?

Looking at their Nz website can only see LX (now up to 460), GO (closed bow but only up to 3m), paddle boards, kayaks, and now tunnel hull ribs. No S series any more as far as I can see!

[Old seahorse]

I looked at the Takacat eu website. The s model is still shown on there, plus some other variations, including a twin hulled kayak. Prices have gone up too.

[MaddogShady]

Interesting...what is offered varies greatly by country.