New Takacat 460 LX

[SeldomHere]

So after months of research (and dreaming) I bought a Takacat 460 LX and a Mercury 20HP 4-stroke EFI. Primary goal was to get the family out on the water to enjoy the amazing beaches we have on our doorstep here in Hong Kong. I looked at the F-Rib, but shipping from the UK was crazy expensive which quickly made that idea a non-starter.

After jumping through several hoops to get me and the boat licensed, I finally took her out last weekend to run-in the engine and get a feel for her (pics below).

First day was spent pootling around for the 2 hours gently bringing the rpms up to 4000, but we covered a lot of water in 120 minutes!

Second trip was loaded up with the family and I got the chance to open her up a bit, and although the wind was whipping up some aggressive chop, the boat handled it all in it’s stride (we did go super slow through the big chop).

I began to play with the weight (wife and kids) on the boat to try and trim the boat out as I noticed ventilation around 4200 rpm, difficulty steering, and not planing efficiently. The Mercury was in the lowest trim hole but the ventilation was very evident.

I have a OzHydrofoil on its way to me and I think this should help a lot with the ventilation, and will look at cupping the prop as a last resort. Hopefully it will also alleviate the issue with hard turning to port (pulling the tiller towards me as I sit on the starboard side).

I absolutely love being out on the water again and the freedom a boat gives to explore.

I transport everything in my car to the launch spot and setup as close to the shore as possible without blocking the way for the numerous kayakers and SUPers. Setup takes about 20-25 mins from parking to being on the water and I carry a small 35Ah 12v battery to power the electric pump and maybe some other stuff when we go beach camping. The hand pump is good but in the HK summer heat and humidity, I couldn’t inflate the boat in under 45 mins I think and there would be lots of huffing and puffing.

Pack down is much quicker and only takes about 15 mins from beaching to driving away.

I am still figuring out a better way to lift the outboard in and out of the car. I am a big chap and can handle the 45kg without issue when straight lifting, but sliding it in and out horizontally, even on a makeshift trolley, is going to take its toll someday either on me or the outboard. I have a cheap outboard trolley I picked up from Aliexpress and I may see if I can find someone with a welder to attach some wheels near the handles so I can just slide everything in without dead lifting.

A Bimini is also on the project/wish list now as the sun is punishing out on the water and the lack of shade is not fun for us or the boat. I haven’t found one the right size “off the shelf” yet as they are either too wide for the boat’s beam or too short in length to be of use. I may end up making one, but need to brush up on sewing machine skills first!

Didn’t manage to take her out during the week as we had a Typhoon come through, but this weekend is looking very promising

Any nuggets of wisdom or super tips from you gurus?

[harrison]

Nice write up and what a great rig you have there, not jealous at all.

Reckon the hydrofoil/cupped prop will sort out your ventilation issues and allow trimming the motor out a notch or two….this should also address the excessive torque steer you’re getting trimmed right down.

Agree the Merc 20 is an awkward lump to slide in the car. It certainly was for us so cobbled up a castored dolly to aid transportation…no pics of the Merc on the dolly but found a couple with a smaller motor on.

[SeldomHere]

Nice solution for lifting the outboard in and out of the car! I have a trolley cart thing I lift the outboard onto which seems easier every time I use it.

Took the “cat” out again yesterday for a short blast with the family.

Rearranged the family to better distribute weight and we popped up on plane but I still feel the aft is dragging a bit (no comments on the dead weight sitting at the tiller).

The hydrofoil arrived but not got the sikaflex yet so will have to wait a week or two to fit and test.

We hit 17 knots @ 5600rpm which I feel is a bit low and I may have to look at other prop pitches to hit that sweet spot. I am on the stock 10P at the moment.

Again, till I get the hydrofoil on and test, every other “upgrade” will wait in line.

It was a hot day and I had to keep the “cat” wet when on the beach as I was worried the air deck would pop. The ocean was hot too which didn’t help much to cool the boat.

Anyway, really pleased so far and actually enjoy the troubleshooting to get the “cat” dialled in.