I’ve got a Takacat 300 with a 4HP Suzuki, and I love it to bits. It packs down into the boot of my car (SsangYong Rexton) and the motor goes into a box I made on the drawbar of my caravan. We are currently camped up 10m (30 ft) from a lake in New Zealand, and my setup is superb for exploring on the lake, swimming/diving and fishing. I’ve packed and unpacked it about 7x since I bought it new 2 years ago, and no problems at all.
That,s Awesome, just got a 340LX and plan to do some rough water tests on it also. Its a little shorter then my 420LX so super excited to try it out. These things are awesome little boats.
Thanks for the great video! You mentioned wheel issues. I've heard that the wheel kit from Takacat does not mount in the upright position on the T420LX because the hulls are too large in diameter for the wheels to mount properly upright while you're out on the water. Have you found that to be the case?
I believe you are correct, I do not use the wheel kit upright when on the boat. I will test it this weekend as I am going to be breaking in the new 15hp motor and will let you know. I will also add it to my next video so you can see how it works for me.
@@deckswateradventures9201 thanks so much! I just bought a 420lx and I am trying to decide whether or not to buy the wheels. Do you detach the wheels when the boat is on the water?
@@mattmoffa1360 I agree Matt, the wheels make it nice to cart down to the beach or boat ramp, however I put them back in the truck. Congrats on getting Takacat... I love mine and the portability.
good info! thanks, takacat is nice, I always researched light boat for my ocean trips, but i realized that light boat has its cons, in choppy waters it is not stable, so its better to have heavier boat although more difficult to transport, so far using saturn inflatable, and so far i'm satisfied. Qs what launching wheels do you use?
I use the factory wheels, I do wish they were stronger to allow me to use a heavy motor. I noticed the wheels work fine with my 6hp. I also love the Saturn boats, even thought of getting one before next summer.
Great video, thanks! Just curious, in what scenarios do you use that aluminum v-hull boat instead of the Takacat? We are debating between an inflatable or an aluminum v-hull... most common use would be tooling around local lakes and rivers, and occasional fishing. Thank you!
Matt, I use my inflatable for everything. I purchased the aluminum boat to reuse and sell the 25hp motor I purchased. the way I look at it is find the boat that works best for what you will be using it in the most. I do lakes, oceans and some rivers and the inflatable is so nice to be able to bring it anywhere without needing to trailer it. Portability was number one for me. mdcker69@msn.com is my email, lots more I can tell you if you wanna reach out to me. Also, if you are looking for a great inflatable, hit up Monica at www.bobjohnsoncity.com/ they can tell you everything you need to know about Takacat.
Thanks for the vid. I have the same boat running a short shaft 20hp tohatsu. Did you have much splashing with the 25 horse under way? Mine is bad enough it will get your arm wet over around 15mph. I have the upgraded square tubing transom like yours. I really like the boat since taking it out on lake MI and the gulf. I'm going to order a hydrofoil and see if that does the trick. I also think the wheels could be improved. I can't turn my outboard with the wheels in the up position.
I agree 100% with you, I didn’t have much splash at all with the 25hp or the 6hp. I just purchased a new 15hp and will tell you if I get any splash!! Wheels are horrible and weak!!! Love the boat and ability to take anywhere. Planning another trip in July!!!
@Deck's Water Adventures Yeah man, the ability to have a 14'boat pop out of your trunk that can take you wherever you want to go is awesome. I rented a place on a channel with a dock in Fort Myers the summer before the hurricane hit. Dolphin watching, cruise to the beach, go to a restaurant...saves $$ bringing one of these.
Thanks for your review! I have a 420LX with a Yamaha 9.9 on it. I want to transport on the highway with a trailer that I retro fitted for the boat. Do you have any advice for trailering the boat with a motor on the transom? Is that safe (provided the boat is well secured to the trailer)? Thanks!
I would just make sure the transom has some type of protection from the motor bouncing back and forth. Not sure it will hurt it as I have never done it, however just a thought.
@@mbapodaca5058 I max out at 15 it’s solo. With passengers much slower, maybe half. If you are going to always have a full load a 15 might be better . The trade off is transporting a bigger motor!
My Takacat is rusting! The transom tubes of the open transom are made of stainless steel 304 (V2A) (also for cost reasons). The pipes show ugly rust after a short time in a salt water environment. From my point of view, the maintenance is very time-consuming and is not reasonable for me. Unfortunately, I only found out about this disadvantage of the high maintenance effort after the purchase. For me, this product is not recommended for salt water environments. I am very dissatisfied and disappointed with the Takacat 340 LS for the above reasons. It does not meet my expectations and, in my opinion, is only partially suitable for my application as a full time yacht tender. I quote from Takacat's care instructions: 1. A first care step when driving in salt water is washing the transom tubes at the end of a trip with fresh water (fresh water) including thorough drying. 2. The insides of the transom tubes can be pulled through with an extra-long bottle brush. 3. If corrosion has formed, it can be removed with a stainless steel cleaner. 4. If you drive permanently in salt water, it is advisable to spray the transom tubes and optional slip wheels with a seawater-resistant stainless steel protector. Did you experience similar issues? Best regards Xaver
No I dont have this issue as with anything in salt water, it will corrode fast. I use a Xps Anti-Corrosive Multipurpose Lubricant anytime I put any of my boats, jetskis or paddle boards in salt water. If you google it you can find it online and it works well for me. I know there are many of types of sprays you can purchase to help with preventing corrosion. I have seen this with sailboats, powerboats and many of style of boats when running consistently in salt water. Best practice on any boat is to use Saltaway wash after every use. Even my big boats have started to rust on parts when in salt water when I didn't use a saltaway wash. You can google that also and find many of options. The key to fighting corrosion with salt water is preparing for it and cleaning it afterwards. hope this helps. Ping me if you need anymore information.
I just ordered a T420LX, and I find conflicting info regarding the oar mounts. I've seen a few sites say they don't come with them due to the size. I guess the 2022 models don't come with oars, but black telescoping paddles like I see on your Takacat, but I see the oar mounts too. Did you add them or were they from the factory?
Nope, I just attach the paddles. I to was disappointed in not getting the oar!!! I have thought about ordering some of amazon as I have seen the some that will work... Let me know how you like the boat or ping me if you need any help or have questions.
Well, I know the 420LX can run up to 20hp, and the smaller model 15hp down to 6hp. Checkout www.bobjohnsoncity.com/ and it will provide a chart on the models and suggested Hp...
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiCxoDeo0hc/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve got a Takacat 300 with a 4HP Suzuki, and I love it to bits. It packs down into the boot of my car (SsangYong Rexton) and the motor goes into a box I made on the drawbar of my caravan. We are currently camped up 10m (30 ft) from a lake in New Zealand, and my setup is superb for exploring on the lake, swimming/diving and fishing. I’ve packed and unpacked it about 7x since I bought it new 2 years ago, and no problems at all.
So glad you are enjoying yours. The adventures are limitless!!!
Thanks. You covered alot. I went 2 miles out in 5' swell today in my 300Lx. Had it for a month as my tender. Absolutely stoked about it.
That,s Awesome, just got a 340LX and plan to do some rough water tests on it also. Its a little shorter then my 420LX so super excited to try it out. These things are awesome little boats.
Great Video 👍 I just got a 420 lx as well but with spirit 1.0 plus electric motor and can’t wait until to test it out.
That's awesome Thomas, would love to see some video's with that motor...
Great video, look forward to that rough water test. Wonder who cut their foot and needed first aid? O, that was me!
Thank you Sir
Can't wait to watch your next water adventure video. Keep up the great work.
thank you sir!!!
Being close to the water, is the absolute best part of an inflatable. Makes up for them being fragile etc.
When its a portable, you can also take it anywhere to use it!!! That's once of my favorite aspects!!!
Thanks for the great video! You mentioned wheel issues. I've heard that the wheel kit from Takacat does not mount in the upright position on the T420LX because the hulls are too large in diameter for the wheels to mount properly upright while you're out on the water. Have you found that to be the case?
I believe you are correct, I do not use the wheel kit upright when on the boat. I will test it this weekend as I am going to be breaking in the new 15hp motor and will let you know. I will also add it to my next video so you can see how it works for me.
@@deckswateradventures9201 thanks so much! I just bought a 420lx and I am trying to decide whether or not to buy the wheels. Do you detach the wheels when the boat is on the water?
@@mattmoffa1360 I agree Matt, the wheels make it nice to cart down to the beach or boat ramp, however I put them back in the truck. Congrats on getting Takacat... I love mine and the portability.
ruclips.net/video/m2qXKgOIAq0/видео.html
good info! thanks, takacat is nice, I always researched light boat for my ocean trips, but i realized that light boat has its cons, in choppy waters it is not stable, so its better to have heavier boat although more difficult to transport, so far using saturn inflatable, and so far i'm satisfied. Qs what launching wheels do you use?
I use the factory wheels, I do wish they were stronger to allow me to use a heavy motor. I noticed the wheels work fine with my 6hp. I also love the Saturn boats, even thought of getting one before next summer.
Thank you i will be looking into one for sure
Checkout www.bobjohnsoncity.com and tell them I sent you for a discount!!!
Great video, thanks! Just curious, in what scenarios do you use that aluminum v-hull boat instead of the Takacat? We are debating between an inflatable or an aluminum v-hull... most common use would be tooling around local lakes and rivers, and occasional fishing. Thank you!
Matt, I use my inflatable for everything. I purchased the aluminum boat to reuse and sell the 25hp motor I purchased. the way I look at it is find the boat that works best for what you will be using it in the most. I do lakes, oceans and some rivers and the inflatable is so nice to be able to bring it anywhere without needing to trailer it. Portability was number one for me. mdcker69@msn.com is my email, lots more I can tell you if you wanna reach out to me. Also, if you are looking for a great inflatable, hit up Monica at www.bobjohnsoncity.com/ they can tell you everything you need to know about Takacat.
@@deckswateradventures9201 Thank you!!!
Excellent review, very helpful thank you.
Thank you very much!!!
Great video. Thanks for all the intel.
Thanks Bob, call me if you need anything at all!!
Thanks for the vid. I have the same boat running a short shaft 20hp tohatsu. Did you have much splashing with the 25 horse under way? Mine is bad enough it will get your arm wet over around 15mph. I have the upgraded square tubing transom like yours. I really like the boat since taking it out on lake MI and the gulf. I'm going to order a hydrofoil and see if that does the trick.
I also think the wheels could be improved. I can't turn my outboard with the wheels in the up position.
I agree 100% with you, I didn’t have much splash at all with the 25hp or the 6hp. I just purchased a new 15hp and will tell you if I get any splash!! Wheels are horrible and weak!!! Love the boat and ability to take anywhere. Planning another trip in July!!!
@Deck's Water Adventures Yeah man, the ability to have a 14'boat pop out of your trunk that can take you wherever you want to go is awesome. I rented a place on a channel with a dock in Fort Myers the summer before the hurricane hit. Dolphin watching, cruise to the beach, go to a restaurant...saves $$ bringing one of these.
Thanks for your review! I have a 420LX with a Yamaha 9.9 on it. I want to transport on the highway with a trailer that I retro fitted for the boat. Do you have any advice for trailering the boat with a motor on the transom? Is that safe (provided the boat is well secured to the trailer)?
Thanks!
I would just make sure the transom has some type of protection from the motor bouncing back and forth. Not sure it will hurt it as I have never done it, however just a thought.
How fast will your 9.9 go loaded with cooler and at least 4 people? Do you wish you would have gone with a 15 or 20hp instead? Thanks
@@mbapodaca5058 I max out at 15 it’s solo. With passengers much slower, maybe half. If you are going to always have a full load a 15 might be better . The trade off is transporting a bigger motor!
did you customize your transom? mine didn't come with that diamond plate
nope, believe it or not that's how they used to come. The new 340 i just got doesn't have it either. Shame as it was nice having.
My Takacat is rusting!
The transom tubes of the open transom are made of stainless steel 304 (V2A) (also for cost reasons). The pipes show ugly rust after a short time in a salt water environment. From my point of view, the maintenance is very time-consuming and is not reasonable for me.
Unfortunately, I only found out about this disadvantage of the high maintenance effort after the purchase. For me, this product is not recommended for salt water environments. I am very dissatisfied and disappointed with the Takacat 340 LS for the above reasons. It does not meet my expectations and, in my opinion, is only partially suitable for my application as a full time yacht tender.
I quote from Takacat's care instructions: 1. A first care step when driving in salt water is washing the transom tubes at the end of a trip with fresh water (fresh water) including thorough drying. 2. The insides of the transom tubes can be pulled through with an extra-long bottle brush. 3. If corrosion has formed, it can be removed with a stainless steel cleaner. 4. If you drive permanently in salt water, it is advisable to spray the transom tubes and optional slip wheels with a seawater-resistant stainless steel protector.
Did you experience similar issues?
Best regards Xaver
No I dont have this issue as with anything in salt water, it will corrode fast. I use a Xps Anti-Corrosive Multipurpose Lubricant anytime I put any of my boats, jetskis or paddle boards in salt water. If you google it you can find it online and it works well for me. I know there are many of types of sprays you can purchase to help with preventing corrosion. I have seen this with sailboats, powerboats and many of style of boats when running consistently in salt water. Best practice on any boat is to use Saltaway wash after every use. Even my big boats have started to rust on parts when in salt water when I didn't use a saltaway wash. You can google that also and find many of options. The key to fighting corrosion with salt water is preparing for it and cleaning it afterwards. hope this helps. Ping me if you need anymore information.
I just ordered a T420LX, and I find conflicting info regarding the oar mounts. I've seen a few sites say they don't come with them due to the size. I guess the 2022 models don't come with oars, but black telescoping paddles like I see on your Takacat, but I see the oar mounts too. Did you add them or were they from the factory?
Nope, I just attach the paddles. I to was disappointed in not getting the oar!!! I have thought about ordering some of amazon as I have seen the some that will work... Let me know how you like the boat or ping me if you need any help or have questions.
Quick update - I purchased some universal oars on amazon and they work great on the takacat 420LX.
How fast is the 6hp on the 420 with 4 people on board. Do you think it could fit 6 people once in awhile or would that be too crowded
We clocked it around 6 to 7 mph with cooler, gear and 4 people
Matt...What's the larges motor (hp) you can run with the inflatable? Say from smallest to largest?
Well, I know the 420LX can run up to 20hp, and the smaller model 15hp down to 6hp. Checkout www.bobjohnsoncity.com/ and it will provide a chart on the models and suggested Hp...
hi there im Stuart from uk will it plane with 2 people on there with 6hp thanks stu
No really, it does with just 1 person and some gear but you get around 8 to 10 mph with 2
Actually 8 to 10mph will not plane with 2 people and gear from my experience
Whats the shaft length on the motor?
Its considered a 15" Short Shaft
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Thank you Reben
this boat sucks the floor glue breaks down with the heat and it starts leaking they send me a new one and it dod the something don't buy it
Wow, sorry for your problem. Mine hasn't done that yet but will keep and eye on it and see if starts to develop that problem. Good to know!!!