New Takacat Dinghy carrying on Ranger 23

[forfun1960]

Just purchased a Takacat 300 Inflatable. Removed the inflatable floor and connected the tubes together for easy storage on the sports rack. It rides very well even down the interstate at 70 miles per hour. The shape of the tubes have very little wind resistance.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

thats a great idea!

ive had luck with a little wd40 in the loops where the metal frame slides in, otherwise its a little tough to assemble/disassemble

 

[Brian98133]

One caveat with WD40 is that it's petroleum based, and will eventually break down the rubber/PVC material. It's not immediate, but it will degrade the plastic over time.

Best to use a silicone or a non-detergent soap. FWIW

We've been looking at some sort of dinghy or kayak for our R23, and this one looks REALLY great! Do you have much history with it? How's it holding up?

 

[Cutwater28GG]

top tip!

I've had my takacat for 4 years now (pretty sure I was the first tug/cut owner with one and brought the suggestion to the community). its been great. as I bought the PVC and not the hypalon version i dont expect decades of use. but for the realistic amount I use it a season its been a good fit.

 

[Brian98133]

Great to know! If someone's had a dinghy for 4 years and still recommends it, it's generally a great sign! I'll start looking for one.

I see you're local, may I ask who from whom did you purchase yours? I went to Takacat's site, and the only dealer local is NW WaterCraft. When I go to their website, the only thing listed is Takacat. I was hoping to touch and feel other similar products for comparison. But again, your endorsement is comforting.

They're not cheap, so I want to be sure I'm happy with the decision 😀

 

[forfun1960]

I saw several videos about lubing the metal frame that connects the tubes, mine seems to be looser than those shown and only required a slight about of soap to fit together.

Also, I bought my Takacat at https://greatlakeswatercraft.com/
I was Lucky it was the final one they had from a recent order from the manufacturer.

I have had several dinghies and I am pretty impressed with this one, especially considering it is open at the back and does not hold water from rain or during towing.

 

[S@LTD]

I have the Takacat as well. Lightest setup I can find and love it thanks to the recommendation by Gavin when I bought it about 3 years ago. We have the 260LX which I think is the open bow version. It’s the bomb for taking our dog ashore and is holding up very well. We use it a lot and bought ours direct from NZ. Owner was super helpful. Watch exchange rates and you can save some $$.