Frequently Asked Questions - Takacat Inflatable Boats and Catamarans

Are Takacat inflatable boats available for sale?

Online Outboards offers the full line of quality inflatable boats from Takacat. The Takacat portable inflatable boat is perfect for recreational adventures, professional organizations, teams, rescuers, fishermen, and explorers. Takacat's open bow design makes boarding from the water easier than other types of watercraft. This makes it perfect for pets who love to jump off for a cool dip in the water and for boaters of all ages and abilities.
View inflatable catamaran boats for sale.

Can a Takacat inflatable boat be used with a motor?

Yes, the Takacat line of inflatable catamaran boats are designed to be used with an outboard motor.
Learn more about using an inflatable boat with a motor.

Do you offer accessories for the Takacat inflatable boat line?

Yes, we offer a full line of inflatable boat accessories.
Browse inflatable boat accessories.

Is a Takacat inflatable catamaran easy to set-up? 

A Takacat boat is designed for quick and easy assembly. No mucking around with heavy and complicated floorboard systems. Inflation with the supplied manual pump takes 8 – 15 minutes depending on the Takacat size and your fitness level. Inflation by our speedy electric pump takes 5 - 8 minutes, depending on the size of Takacat you are inflating.

1. Inflate main tubes to 3psi / 22.5kpa
2. Insert Tube Transom bars. Tip - rub down Tube Transom with soapy water as this will make sliding the transom bars in much easier.
3. Fit motor mount transom boards with supplied eye bolt 
4. Insert and inflate floor to 10psi / 65kpa
5. Use webbing straps to connect bow D rings
6. Attach oars
7. Fit outboard motor
8. Check required safety equipment, bylaws and weather conditions prior to departure.

How should I transport my Takacat boat? 

The Takacat LX Series offers true portability. It can be fully deflated and will fit into most cars, SUVs, etc. It can be transported either inflated or deflated on roof racks and can be stored easily on boat decks and duckboards because of their shape and lightness; they also take up little space when stowed away for storage. For boats of their size and performance, they are hard to beat.

Where are Takacat inflatables designed and made? 

Designed, developed, and tested by founder Greg Sowden in Auckland, New Zealand. These versatile inflatable catamaran boats are then CE tested and custom-built in our Chinese factory using quality components from around the world.

Welded vs. Glued Seams 

Our standard production uses a complete glued system for the following reasons. We do, however, offer welded seams on our more cost-effective L Series + special orders if required. Custom Hypalon tubes are also made to order.

In our Takacat LX design there is only one main seam running parallel down each chamber. Technically, yes, this can be welded (not the nose cone though), but like most if not all other manufactures, the floor, air deck floor, plus all fittings including handles, D rings, rubbing strips, oar locks, transoms can only be glued. We feel this rules out any advantage of a welded seam over glued.

A glued seam is also better for being folded and won't crack / split like a welded seam can. If a welded seam does split, it is near impossible to repair. If a glued seam splits it can be repaired. Like all aspects of production, there are pluses and minuses for each.

With 12 years of Takacat production, we are getting better and better and will continue to develop.

Easy replacement tubes/re-tube for my Takacat catamaran.

Unlike conventional ribs or inflatable boats, Takacats can now be re-tubed simply and cost effectively due to our revolutionary transom design. Our fully removable high pressure air deck floor system, and tubes are not fixed or glued to a hull or transom. Therefore, there is no hassle or costly process to have your aged of damaged tubes re-made and replaced. You just simply order a set of new tubes from Takacat.

Fabric type: PVC or HYPALON? 

There are a few key questions to ask you when it comes to making the decision of buying a PVC or Hypalon inflatable boat. From a price point, PVC is hard to beat.

If your usage of the boat is only a few months of the year, and/or you look after it and don’t leave it uncovered in the elements, then the extra price of the Hypalon is hard to justify.

You can expect to get between 5-10 years out of your PVC tubes depending on your usage. For customers in extreme conditions and climates such as in the tropics, Hypalon is recommended and will provide you with a longer working life.

Hypalon (Neoprene fabric) offers the best UV and abrasion resistance (also resistant against chemicals as well as high temperatures), color stability and air-tightness in addition to great suppleness and high adhesion values in order to enhance workmanship. The fabric is sanded and prepared prior to a cold gluing technique being used. This creates a very strong bond that will last as long as the fabric itself. PVC (Polyurethane fabric) offers a cost-effective entry into the benefits of inflatable technologies and design.

The bonding methods of Hypalon and PVC differ with PVC having the ability to be heat-welded or glued. Due to problems associated with heat-welding, such as cracked, brittle and hard to repair seams, we have chosen to use a gluing system (chemical/molecular bond) for most of the Takacat range. Both welded and glued tubes can only be glued to their hulls or transom. PVC is very easy and cost-effective to repair compared to Hypalon and in general we find is the best all round choice for the Takacat range and designed use.

How do I store a Takacat? 

Takacat inflatables can be stored either inflated or in a storage case. When stored in a bag, the bag must be dry. Take this opportunity to give your Takacat boat a good cleaning.

If being left inflated it's best to cover your Takacat inflatable catamaran. In high temperatures you will need to let some air out of the tubes to avoid over expansion. In the heat of the day, you don't want your main tubes to exceed 3psi or 10psi for the air deck floor.

Boat launching and retrieval 

Takacat's new quick release wheel system makes launching and retrieval easier than ever before. This opens up a wide range of launching locations where it is not possible with other types of boats. Takacats are light in weight for their size and are well balanced both on and off the water. You can now leave the busy and sometimes dangerous boat ramps behind.

We do suggest you research your launch area, prepare yourself and your crew, and take your time to get ready. For surf conditions, try to keep the bow pointing into breaking waves when going out, and when coming back in, sit on the back of a wave for a safe passage.

How do I know if I am buying a genuine Takacat product? 

Our products proudly carry the Takacat.com Logo and are only sold via our website. If in doubt whether a boat is genuine, be sure to contact us.

How do you handle warranty claims?

If you think you have a warranty claim simply get in touch with us here at OnlineOutboards.com. Please supply your details, the boat HiN plate details along with a description, and photo of the fault. Once we’ve received this information, we’ll review and make a decision on the best way to fix or replace the fault while causing you the least possible hassle.

This could involve us working with a local repair shop to solve any fault that may have occurred. Since you are dealing directly with the company that designs and produces the Takacat inflatables, we will be able to assist you in getting back on the water as quickly as possible.

Takacat boat maintenance

Regularly check inflation and that the over-pressure valves are in good working order, and that bolts and nuts are tightened correctly (be careful not to over tighten). Both of the above can be maintained by CRC, Inox lubricant, etc.

Pontoons are more alive than a plastic hull and their constant movement can cause fatigue damage. It is important to keep the pontoons sufficiently inflated. Under-inflation will cause more water resistance and thus slowing. Regularly check the pontoon mounts to the transom and hull and other joints in the tubes. In smaller inflatables between any loose floorboards and pontoons, it is important to keep areas clean from dirt and debris that could rub and wear down the pontoon.

Cleaning basically requires no more than a cleanser, a brush and a sponge for managing the cleaning and maintenance of the boat’s pontoons.

Soap: Mix a natural soap with water according to instructions on the package. Scrub the pontoons with a sponge. Rinse off with water. Never use high pressure when cleaning the boat, it can damage the stitches or fabric of the pontoons, etc.