Hi Damian, I'm a Merry Fisher 895 owner and have a Tender Rack from Shine Marine, a Takacat 260LX and an Epropulsion 3hp electric outboard. I really encourage the Epropulsion 3hp as an option it is so much easier to live with, you did make the hauling of your previous tender onto your rack look easy. I really struggled to do that hence the Takacat 26LX. Michael from Hobart
Much appreciate the follow-up video on your Takacat; thank you ! For the kind of boating you two (four) do, you seem the ideal candidates for an electric outboard, Torqueedo or whatever. (Christmas is only 7 months away...!)
Hahahaha Jack, I would love to get my hands on an electric outboard. Putting on the outboard is the most dangerous part of the whole operation. I have been looking at the Epropulsion mainly because that is who Takacat are partnered with. Would also help with video not having to talk over a 2-stroke!
@@TheRudder 'Looking' isn't all that far from 'buying'. A comparison (engine vs. motor) would make for entertaining channel content....in case you need a reason. ;)
@@TheRudder I bought an EPropulsion 3HP / 1kw, no more fuel fumes, noise, oil changes and flushing it out after use and you can take the battery that floats if dropped off separately which makes the outboard half as heavy when fitting the outboard to your tender. Love it.
Hi Damian, 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
I have discolouration (first sign of rust??) on the add on for the wheels, but not much else. I would reach out to your dealer. If in QLD, the dealer also owns Shine Stainless Marine Fabrication and might be able to make you some new steel?
Great Video it looks like a great dinghy, but have to ask the question. What was wrong with your previous dinghy? Think it was 2.5 standard design? Envious of your weather! Still cold and wet in the U.K.!
Hi John, the BIG DUCK was 2.3M and there was nothing wrong with it (still have it). We had a great opportunity come up with the Takacat so we are testing it out. Sorry to hear the weather isn't working out.
Thank you for taking the time to review this. We are tossing up between a highfield ultra light 260 and the takacat 260. Now that you have tried this and a traditional inflatable… which is your preference.
Some great options with the two tenders. How are you mounting your tender? It's important to note that preferences can vary based on individual needs. Both the Highfield Ultra Light 260 and the Takacat 260 both have unique features and advantages. The Highfield Ultra Light 260 is known for its sturdy design. On the other hand, the Takacat 260 offers a different set of benefits, its catamaran-style design is light weight and provides stability and improved performance in certain conditions. Also better drainage if it rains. One point, if you have kids, puppies or perhaps elderly guests the Highfield might be the choice for the depth of the vessel and more protection at the bow. Ultimately, the decision between the two options depends on your specific requirements and preferences. For me, Highfield if you will have a lot of chop and want to go longer distances, the Takacat for easy of lifting and storing.
@@TheRudder thanks for your insights. Storage is under discussion. We wanted to put it on the foredeck of our Boston Whaler 315 but visibility may be an issue. Chatting to Shine Stainless to see if we can use the rod holders in the transom as a way of creating a rack. We are only looking to get us from the boat to shore. Eg peel island to the beach so very short journeys. We have 2 young kids so a bit to weigh up. I also just discovered True Kit Inflatables so their discovery 280 is an option as well. Thanks again.
@@jamesj8309 we originally tried on the bow deck but visibility wasn't good. Also a real.pain to get there. Fingers crossed above the engine will work.
@@LJT1981we we went with Takacat. And e propulsion outboard. Love it. We rest it up against the transom with a strap. Out of the way. Manages 2 adults and 2 children for the short runs from boat to shore. We are happy with our solution.
What happens if you drop the baby outside the boat? There really isn't that much room through the transom, probably 10cm on either side of the engine plate.
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That is the best review ever...... Thanks.
Hi Damian, I'm a Merry Fisher 895 owner and have a Tender Rack from Shine Marine, a Takacat 260LX and an Epropulsion 3hp electric outboard. I really encourage the Epropulsion 3hp as an option it is so much easier to live with, you did make the hauling of your previous tender onto your rack look easy. I really struggled to do that hence the Takacat 26LX. Michael from Hobart
Super duper jealous!!! I'll be seeing Chris from Shine soon at the Sanctuary Cove boat show. I'll let him know you are happy.
Much appreciate the follow-up video on your Takacat; thank you ! For the kind of boating you two (four) do, you seem the ideal candidates for an electric outboard, Torqueedo or whatever. (Christmas is only 7 months away...!)
Hahahaha Jack, I would love to get my hands on an electric outboard. Putting on the outboard is the most dangerous part of the whole operation. I have been looking at the Epropulsion mainly because that is who Takacat are partnered with. Would also help with video not having to talk over a 2-stroke!
@@TheRudder 'Looking' isn't all that far from 'buying'. A comparison (engine vs. motor) would make for entertaining channel content....in case you need a reason. ;)
@@jacktyler7599 you mean buying a new motor would basically be an investment!!??😂
@@TheRudder I bought an EPropulsion 3HP / 1kw, no more fuel fumes, noise, oil changes and flushing it out after use and you can take the battery that floats if dropped off separately which makes the outboard half as heavy when fitting the outboard to your tender. Love it.
@@juliemclaren7363 awesome
Hi Damian,
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
I have discolouration (first sign of rust??) on the add on for the wheels, but not much else. I would reach out to your dealer. If in QLD, the dealer also owns Shine Stainless Marine Fabrication and might be able to make you some new steel?
Great Video it looks like a great dinghy, but have to ask the question. What was wrong with your previous dinghy? Think it was 2.5 standard design?
Envious of your weather! Still cold and wet in the U.K.!
Hi John, the BIG DUCK was 2.3M and there was nothing wrong with it (still have it). We had a great opportunity come up with the Takacat so we are testing it out. Sorry to hear the weather isn't working out.
Thank you for taking the time to review this. We are tossing up between a highfield ultra light 260 and the takacat 260. Now that you have tried this and a traditional inflatable… which is your preference.
Some great options with the two tenders. How are you mounting your tender?
It's important to note that preferences can vary based on individual needs. Both the Highfield Ultra Light 260 and the Takacat 260 both have unique features and advantages.
The Highfield Ultra Light 260 is known for its sturdy design. On the other hand, the Takacat 260 offers a different set of benefits, its catamaran-style design is light weight and provides stability and improved performance in certain conditions. Also better drainage if it rains.
One point, if you have kids, puppies or perhaps elderly guests the Highfield might be the choice for the depth of the vessel and more protection at the bow. Ultimately, the decision between the two options depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
For me, Highfield if you will have a lot of chop and want to go longer distances, the Takacat for easy of lifting and storing.
@@TheRudder thanks for your insights. Storage is under discussion. We wanted to put it on the foredeck of our Boston Whaler 315 but visibility may be an issue. Chatting to Shine Stainless to see if we can use the rod holders in the transom as a way of creating a rack. We are only looking to get us from the boat to shore. Eg peel island to the beach so very short journeys. We have 2 young kids so a bit to weigh up. I also just discovered True Kit Inflatables so their discovery 280 is an option as well. Thanks again.
@@jamesj8309 we originally tried on the bow deck but visibility wasn't good. Also a real.pain to get there. Fingers crossed above the engine will work.
@@jamesj8309Hi - just wondering what you decided on and how it is going? Thanks.
@@LJT1981we we went with Takacat. And e propulsion outboard. Love it. We rest it up against the transom with a strap. Out of the way. Manages 2 adults and 2 children for the short runs from boat to shore. We are happy with our solution.
Is there a foiling version? 😊
I don't think so, the max power is quite low. I think only 6hp.
I thought I read that on the LX model, the floor/bottom can be used separately as a SUP? Is that so? Have you guys tried it?
I haven't heard of that but will investigate!! Im not sure how it would work because the tubes really lock in the floor. Thanks for watching.
@@TheRudder The 340LX and up include a fin and the floor can be used as a SUP.
But I have a baby. If I drop her she’ll roll right out the back of the Takicat! 😢
What happens if you drop the baby outside the boat? There really isn't that much room through the transom, probably 10cm on either side of the engine plate.