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  • Are Takacats easy to set-up?
    The Takacats are 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.
  • Inflating my Aideck
    All our airdecks are rated to 10psi max. On days where temperatures reach over 26 degrees, we suggest to inflate them to only 7psi or 8 psi as this allows for the expansion of the heat inside the airdeck. As temperatures change throughout the day, we recommend that you test your airdeck and let out air or top up with the manual pump accordingly. In some countries, temperatures can change dramatically over a day. NB: It is recommended to only use the manual pump or Takacat Electric pump to inflate and not a compressor. Any over inflation with a compressor pump will void any warranty claim.
  • Fabric type: PVC, TPU or HYPALON?
    There are a few key questions to ask you when it comes to making the decision of buying a PVC, TPU or Hypalon inflatable boat. From a price point, PVC is hard to beat however the introduction of TPU and its abrasion and wearing qualities makes this a great option that should be considered. 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 or in extreme cold, TPU and Hypalon is recommended and will provide you with a longer working life. TPU: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is incredibly resistant to scrapes whether wet or dry. In fact, NASA uses TPU as its go-to fabric since it’s even more abrasion-resistant than other fabrics on the market. It offers the most versatility in terms of the environmental conditions it is able to handle, as well as the best abrasion resistance of any fabric. TPU can be welded so it is an excellent choice in the tropical climates. Hypalon (Neoprene fabric): offers the best UV and abrasion resistance (also resistant against chemicals as well as high temperatures), colour 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. As standard, the boats are made of quality 5-layer PVC (0.9,, - 1000 denier - 1100g/m2 fabric from SIJIATEX, which has a very strong UV protection. Takacat boats are also available in Hypalon / CSM (1mm). The 10PSI high pressure floor including the additional 1mm thick PVC protective coating is made exclusively of PVC with Dropstitch technology. All Takacat PVC boats sold in Asia & Middle East have welded seams on the tubes. All Takacat airdeck floors are always glued (not welded).
  • Are Takacat CE marked or ISO Certified?
    Yes, all Takacat series have been 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. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to e-mail us at sales@takacatasia.com
  • Welded vs. Glued seams
    Our standard production for Takacats sold within Asia and the Middle East uses a complete welded system due to the tropical climate. Takacat Hypalon tubes always have glued seams. Like most if not all other manufactures, the air deck floor, plus all fittings including handles, D rings, rubbing strips, oar locks, transoms can only be glued.
  • Are Takacat boats easy to deflate and stow?
    Our innovative design with the fully removable transom enables the Takacat LX to be rolled-up smaller, easier and lighter than traditional inflatable boats that have a fixed transom. A big advantage when it comes to handling, transportation and/or storage. Takacat boats take around just 5 minutes to deflate before being able to be rolled away into our storage bags. Takacat boats are ideal for caravan, motor home and yacht/ tender markets. LX & Sport Models - 2 Storage Bags Go & L Series - 1 Storage bag Kayak - 1 Storage Bag SUP - 1 Storage bag TakaDock - 1 Storage Bag
  • How should I transport my Takacat?
    The Takacat LX and Sport Series offer true portability. They can be fully deflated and will fit into most cars, SUVs, etc. They can be transported either inflated or deflated on roof racks. They 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. The Takacat wheels are designed to transport the boat and outboard only - not a full boat load of gear. Even though the wheels are designed to be used on softer surfaces (i.e. soft sand) we recommend loading your outboard and additional luggage at the waters edge to not put so much pressure on the wheels and brackets.
  • 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.
  • Easy replacement tubes / re-tube
    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. Therefor 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 your local Takacat dealer or from Takacat Asia directly.
  • 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 a good clean. If being left inflated it's best to cover your Takacat. 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 not to exceed 3psi or 10psi for the air deck floor.
  • What size outboard shaft should I use?
    You should always use a short shaft outboard on your Takacat - 15" size on standard outboards If you are using an electric outboard (e.g. ePropulsion - Spirit 1.0) you should use an XS shaft. If you are unsure, please get in contact and we will confirm which is best for your Takacat model.
  • 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 in Asia and the Middle East via our Takacatasia.com website and a limited number of international distributors. If in doubt whether a boat is genuine, be sure to contact us at sales@takacatasia.com.
  • How do you handle warranty claims?
    If you think you have a warranty claim simply get in touch with whom you have first purchased your Takacat from. Please supply your details, the boat HIN plate details along with a description and photo of the fault. Once received this information will be reviewed and a decision on the best way to fix or replace the fault while causing you the least possible hassle. This could involve Takacat working with a local repair shop to solve any fault that may have occurred. Since you are dealing direct 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. ** Please note that our Takacat warranty is not transferrable
  • Where are the black velcro straps at the back of the transom?
    From 2020 the transom no longer have black stern flaps with Velcro fasteners, they have become obsolete by design. Only the black tab in the middle remained, it optimizes the flow of water under the transom plate.
  • I can see the stitching?
    When you inflate the tubes, you will notice a seam that looks like it has come loose. This seam is not a defect but a so-called fixing seam which is made during production so that the connection base can be glued at right angles to both air chambers. When the bladder is inflated, this attachment seam opens and one can see the seam threads separated. This fades over time.
  • Loss of Pressure
    The two tubes of the Takacats are equipped with pressure relief valves at the rear. Thus, in the event of strong sunlight, a dangerous overpressure is released in order to avoid damage to the transport hoses. If the outside temperature drops again, the air pressures may no longer represent the correct values. Therefore, always check the correct air pressure values ​​of the carrying hoses and the high pressure floor before each ride. If the heat changes during the day, always check the pressure values ​​of all air-filled components and correct them to the correct pressure values ​​to avoid damage. The high pressure floor is not equipped with a pressure relief valve. As a result, avoid too intense sunlight on the high pressure floor and check and correct the air pressure values ​​if necessary. If the tender is not in use, it is strongly recommended that it be stored in the shade or under a shelter to avoid excessive heating and an increase in the compressed air in the support tubes and in the high pressure bottom. An inflatable boat that remains inflated for several days can lose pressure. According to ISO 6185, a pressure loss of 20% within 24 hours is permissible. compressed air in the support tubes and in the high-pressure bottom.
  • What should I do if I need to get a repair done on my Takacat?
    Firstly you should contact the dealer where you bought the Takacat. Many of our dealers have access to repair facilities or can happily point out a local repairer if need be. If you do not have a local dealer and are located in Asia or Middle East, please contact sales@takacatasia.com for assistance including any replacement parts if required.

We understand that choosing and maintaining a portable boat can create a lot of questions. If you can't find the answer you are looking for on this page, feel free to drop us a line.

 

Our Tips & Support Page has a lot of helpful how to videos, performance tips and guides on how to look after your Takacat.

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