New dinghy - takacat

If anyone is looking for a lightweight tender I cannot recommend the takacat line enough! I got the 300, it’s 66lbs fully rigged, and folds down to two small bags. Both of which fit in the jersey basement of my 45 with tons of room to spare (even got my epropulsion spirit 1+ and it’s battery in there with room to spare). It’s super stable, has spray rails to keep you dry, and planes easily (even today in the heavy chop in the bay) with the 3hp electric motor. Very very happy with it. Seems well made. I got the pvc version because I was planning on storing it folded, but they do make a hypalon version and both come in multiple colors. Also the front is open so if you go swimming off it or use it on sand bars (it has rub strips on the bottom for beaching) it’s very easy to get back on. Took about 8 minutes to unpack and inflate using an electric pump.

Please excuse my fat gut in the photo below lol. Taken two weeks ago in calmer conditions

It’s rated for up to 10hp, I have a 3hp electric on mine. As for stability it’s amazing. At 200lbs I was easily able to stand on one tube in 1-1.5’ chop. Below is a picture of my brother and his stepson to get an idea of the conditions as I was standing on one tube.

This isn’t me but it illustrates the stability and ease of entry

I’ve only had it a few weeks but had it out in some chop on three occasions. No water came in through the transom. Even when backing up at full throttle. I too was a little leery of the open transom. But glad I went for it.
Previous tender was a highfield and my dad still has his Avon. Both good boats but I would take the takacat over either. Little bit of assembly on the transom when filling it but takes just a few moments. I like the open transom for draining water. Not gonna swamp this thing no matter what you do. Even flipped it intentionally (harder to do than it would seem) and flipped it back over and zero water in the boat.

Lol hey that epropulsion has some bite lol. It was another member that had a torqeedo. I wouldn’t take it over a proper RIB. But in the soft floor arena then I think it’s the best option out there