Takacat - Page 2

jeffstevens763@g · 20 May 2019, 12:20

i suppose if rubber flaps were fitted to the transom it would go someway to stopping a lot of water ingress especially when a wave hits you up the jacksie or reversing

dek · 20 May 2019, 15:02

So a Takacat fitted with optional Catflaps !!

jeffstevens763@g · 20 May 2019, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by dek

So a Takacat fitted with optional Catflaps !!

Gazzamatazz · 20 May 2019, 22:12

Catflaps! Now there's an idea!

Transporting the Takacat inflated would work well as it is light enough for two blokes to lift onto a van roof. For a one man lift it won't be the weight that will make it awkward - more the height you're lifting it. You may find removing the inflatable floor and the transom will make it even easier (lighter and narrower). The floor makes quite a good SUP for a bit of extra fun.

It did take me a while to sort some ventilation that I suspect is inherent in the cat configuration. Moving everything to the bow worked best. A plastic box for the fuel tank and anchor (and lunch!) secured well forward solved that problem. With the extra weight of the 15HP expect to spend some time tuning your set up. Also check out the tips on the manufacturer's website (https://www.takacat.com/tips-support...flatable-boats)

The manufacturer recommends a Hydrofoil fitted aftermarket - I suspect to aid in reducing the ventilation. Greg, the founder is also very helpful - an email to the company will go to Greg if you need any support.

dek · 24 May 2019, 06:20

Hi Gazzamatazz yes the lift on to the van was no problem. Having looked around for a decent used 15 HP the price gap between a good used 10 year old against a new with 7 year warranty was so narrow we have dug deep and ordered new. A dent in the wallet but hey ho !
On a different note I have noticed the air floor has lost a little pressure over the 2 to 3 weeks we have had it. Is this normal ?

Gazzamatazz · 24 May 2019, 22:16

Let me know how that 15HP goes - I expect it will be quite thrilling as the Takacat gets up on a plane very readily - you may need a pilot's license! You're going to have a lot of fun

I have always deflated the boat to transport it, so don't know about the floor pressure. At least its never gone down while in the water.

I'll ask Greg at Takacat for you

dek · 25 May 2019, 09:50

Pilots Licence. Lets hope so! should be out on water in next 10 days or so.
Thanks re floor.

Gazzamatazz · 28 May 2019, 06:39

Hi Dek,
Greg has been doing some Antipodean boat shows and apologises for a delayed response. His reply is....

I would just check if the valve needs a tighten. Simply when inflated put some soapy water around it to see if there is a slight bubble around the outside edge. if so then it's a simple tightening of the valve (when still inflated) with one of the two grey tools in the repair kit. You can see this on our YouTube channel. If it's not leaking it maybe just due to high and low temperature fluctuations. You will want to un the air decks at 10psi during the heat of the day.

I hope this helps

dek · 28 May 2019, 09:23

Hi Gazzamatazz thanks for that info I will check the valve. Its nice to know you have the ear of the main man as they say.
Collecting engine on Thursday.

sveel1 · 15 June 2019, 12:18

Just thought I would add my experience. Have had a 340 Lite for two years. Initially with a 5hp Lehr propane which was ok but then with a Tohatsu 9.8 two stroke which made it a different beast altogether. Its well built, remarkably dry even with the open transom and bow and really stable. Only issue Ive had is with a launching wheel but the UK dealer was fantastic in sorting that out.

dek · 16 June 2019, 13:54

Hi guys just a little update. weather as we all know has been utter rubbish. Managed to take her out on maiden voyage last Sunday. Launched by captains club in Christchurch. free slipway and £4.00 ish for 4 hours parking. Went up river to Tuckton all very gentle as running engine in. Down to Mudeford spit for coffee then out through the run to open sea. Gave it a little third way up rev band for a minute. she is going to be a flyer. cheers Dek.

Fenlander · 16 June 2019, 14:17

Sounding good, look forward to some pics when the weather plays ball.

Gazzamatazz · 18 June 2019, 06:28

You'll have a lot of fun - let's hope the weather gets better soon.

There is some (lengthy) material posted on YouTube by one Ryan Withers about setting the Takacat up. It's quite useful and worth a search but you may wish to fast forward a bit. He launches with a 2.5HP outboard and upgrades it then finds he has a ventilation problem and works through that.

It will also show you what a proper summer looks like!