If you've been researching inflatable catamarans, you've almost certainly come across both Takacat and True Kit. Both companies were founded in New Zealand and have built strong reputations for producing lightweight, stable inflatable catamarans that outperform many traditional inflatable designs.
While the two brands share many similarities, they reflect different engineering
philosophies and different approaches to the ownership experience. Those differences
influence everything from portability and beach launching to motor selection,
maintenance, customization, and long-term support.
This guide was created to help you understand those differences—not to declare a
"winner"; but to provide the information you need to choose the inflatable
catamaran that best fits the way you enjoy the water.
Whether you're looking for a yacht tender, fishing platform, dive boat, family explorer, or
lightweight recreational inflatable, understanding the design philosophy behind each
brand will help you make a more informed buying decision.
A Shared New Zealand Heritage. Two Distinct Histories
Both Takacat and True Kit originated in New Zealand, a country known for producing innovative boats designed to perform in demanding coastal environments.
Founded in 2007, Takacat was among the pioneers of the modern inflatable catamaran concept inspired by New Zealand's iconic Thundercat racing boats. Designed from the ground up as a true catamaran, Takacat delivers lightweight performance, exceptional stability, and ease of use. Nearly two decades of continuous refinement have resulted in innovations such as Takacat's proprietary Open Tube Transom® design, a broad range of specialized models, and a loyal customer base spanning recreational, commercial, rescue, and government users worldwide.
To better serve North American customers, Takacat established its U.S. headquarters in 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland, providing domestic inventory, replacement parts, warranty support, and knowledgeable customer service.
True Kit entered the market in 2016 with its own interpretation of the inflatable catamaran and established a U.S. presence in 2023.
A company's history doesn't automatically produce a better boat, but it often reflects the experience behind the product. Nearly twenty years of continuous development, thousands of boats in service, and an established North American support network have allowed Takacat to refine not only its boats, but the entire ownership experience.
In fact, some Takacat boats still serving their owners today have been on the water longer than the True Kit brand has existed.
Three Product Families. Endless Adventures.
Every boater has different needs. Some want the lightest possible yacht tender. Others need a stable fishing platform, while some prefer a traditional inflatable for family recreation.
Takacat addresses those needs with three distinct product families:
- Ultra Light Series – Designed for yacht tenders, RV travel, and maximum portability.
- LX Series – Takacat's flagship lineup, balancing performance, stability, and versatility.
- Sport Series – A closed-bow design that combines a traditional layout with catamaran performance.
Today, Takacat offers boats ranging from 7'3" to 15'1", giving buyers one of the broadest inflatable catamaran lineups available.
True Kit currently offers models ranging in size from 8'2" to 13'1" that cover many of the same recreational uses, including yacht tenders, fishing, and general boating.
Different Design Philosophies. Different Ownership Experiences.
Although both companies build premium inflatable catamarans, their engineering priorities are different.
Takacat focuses on lightweight construction, versatility, and owner-friendly design. Features like the Open Tube Transom®, tapered bow, movable seating system, and extensive accessory options were developed to make launching, transporting, and using the boat easier.
True Kit emphasizes integrated components and a more traditional inflatable boat layout. Their approach appeals to boaters who value conventional design.
Neither philosophy is right or wrong—they simply reflect different priorities.
If you value portability, flexibility, and ease of use, Takacat has a distinct advantage. If you prefer a more traditional inflatable design, True Kit may be a better fit.
Open Tube Transom® vs. Traditional Transom
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two brands is the transom.
Takacat's Open Tube Transom® replaces the traditional enclosed transom with a lightweight stainless-steel frame positioned between the catamaran tubes. Unlike conventional inflatable boats that rely on scuppers to slowly drain water from the cockpit, Takacat's open transom allows water to exit immediately. This helps prevent the temporary weight gain that can reduce performance and maneuverability in rough conditions, while providing a transom that is stronger, lighter, and easier to service than a traditional enclosed design.
A common misconception is that the open transom allows water to flow back into the boat. In practice, it does not. Water does not enter through the open transom during normal operation, while decelerating, or when the boat is at rest. Instead, the design allows water to drain immediately while maintaining a dry cockpit under normal operating conditions.
True Kit uses a conventional enclosed aluminum transom with integrated scuppers—a proven design found on many traditional inflatables.
Both systems work well, but they create very different ownership experiences.
Takacat's open bow design makes boarding and exiting the boat effortless. Swimmers, divers, children, and even dogs can easily reboard from the water, while the absence of a bow tube eliminates a common tripping hazard when boarding or launching from the beach.
Takacat’s open transom is engineered to be stronger, lighter, and more serviceable than a traditional transom, making repairs and component replacement easier when needed.
The Open Tube Transom® isn't simply a different design—it changes how the boat is used every day, reducing weight and allowing the cockpit to drain immediately after swimming, launching, or rough-water conditions.
Modern Thermally Welded Construction
Modern inflatable boats depend on much more than the fabric they are built from. Long-term durability depends on the complete package—design, seam construction, manufacturing consistency, quality control, hardware, and years of product refinement.
Today, both Takacat and True Kit use modern thermally welded seams, producing strong, consistent, and durable bonds. Older articles describing Takacat as using glued seams no longer reflect current production methods.
True Kit utilizes Valmex®, a premium German-engineered PVC with an excellent reputation throughout the marine industry. Takacat uses premium marine-grade Sijiatex PVC, selected for its durability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and long-term performance.
While the two brands use different materials, both are well suited for premium inflatable boats. In practice, longevity depends far more on overall engineering, manufacturing quality, and proper care than on the PVC brand alone.
Takacat has worked with the same manufacturing partner for nearly two decades, allowing continuous improvements in production techniques, quality control, and product design.
Features & Usability
Specifications describe a boat. Usability defines the ownership experience.
Many of the differences between inflatable catamarans aren't immediately apparent in a brochure or comparison chart. They become noticeable when launching from a sandy beach, climbing aboard after a swim, loading fishing gear, transporting passengers, or spending an entire day on the water.
While both Takacat and True Kit are thoughtfully engineered inflatable catamarans, each reflects a different philosophy regarding everyday functionality.
The best inflatable boat isn't necessarily the one with the longest feature list—it's the one that's easiest to use.
One of Takacat's most recognizable features is its tapered bow. Unlike traditional square bows, it sits lower to the water when at rest, making it easier to board from the beach, dock, or water. Families appreciate the easier entry for children, while anglers, divers, and pet owners benefit from more convenient reboarding after a swim.
Another common misconception is that the open bow results in a wetter ride. In reality, once underway, the bow naturally rises to its running attitude, providing a dry, comfortable ride under power and while on plane.
Takacat also features a movable bench seat, allowing owners to adjust seating based on passenger weight, cargo, or the day's activities. Whether you're fishing, exploring, or using the boat as a yacht tender, the flexible layout adapts to your needs.
While True Kit's Railblaza-compatible system provides broader accessory compatibility, it also requires the oars to be stowed inside the boat. This reduces usable interior space and can delay access to the oars in situations where rapid deployment is important.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Price is important, but the purchase price tells only part of the story. Shipping costs, included equipment, replacement parts, accessories, and customer support all contribute to the overall cost of ownership.
For similarly sized models:
Beyond the initial purchase, Takacat offers long-term value through readily available replacement parts, upgrade options, and accessories. Instead of replacing the entire boat if a major component wears out, owners can replace individual tubes, air floors, transoms, valves, seats, and hardware—helping extend the life of their investment.
Value isn't just about the purchase price. Easy access to parts, accessories, upgrades, and responsive customer support can save owners both time and money over the life of the boat.
Boat & Motor Packages
Choosing the right outboard involves much more than selecting horsepower. Engine weight, shaft length, propulsion type, battery capacity, and overall boat balance all affect how an inflatable catamaran performs.
Rather than leaving those decisions to the customer, Takacat offers professionally matched boat and motor packages. Each package is carefully configured to pair the right boat with the right propulsion system, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Takacat partners with leading manufacturers including Tohatsu, ePropulsion, Remigo, and TEMO, giving customers a wide range of gasoline and electric options. Whether you're looking for an ultra-light yacht tender or a high-performance recreational boat, every package is designed to work as a complete system.
For first-time buyers, this removes the guesswork. For experienced boaters, it saves valuable research time and provides confidence that the boat and motor are properly matched.
Accessories & Replacement Parts
Your boating adventures will likely evolve over time. One season may be focused on fishing, while the next involves exploring remote shorelines, using the boat as a yacht tender, or introducing your family to life on the water.
Takacat offers one of the industry's most complete accessory lineups, including launching wheels, bimini tops, rod holders, storage solutions, and other upgrades designed to make your time on the water more enjoyable.
Equally important is Takacat's commitment to long-term serviceability. Unlike many inflatable boats that become difficult or expensive to repair as they age, Takacat maintains an extensive inventory of replacement components, including tubes, air floors, transoms, seats, valves, handles, D-rings, and other service parts.
Instead of replacing an entire boat because of one damaged component, owners can often repair or refresh their investment and continue enjoying it for years to come.
Pre-Sale & After-Sale Support
Buying an inflatable boat is a significant investment, and choosing the right model often requires expert guidance.
At Takacat, customer support begins long before the sale. Our knowledgeable U.S.-based team is available via phone to answer questions about model selection, motor compatibility, accessories, launching, and storage—helping customers choose the boat that's best suited for their needs.
Support continues long after delivery. Because Takacat maintains inventory and replacement parts in the United States, customers benefit from faster shipping, responsive warranty service, and direct access to experienced product specialists whenever questions arise.
Whether you need technical advice, replacement parts, or assistance selecting new accessories years after your purchase, help is just a phone call away.
Outstanding customer support doesn't end when the boat is delivered—it continues throughout the life of your Takacat.
Custom Build Options
No two boaters use their boats exactly the same way.
Through the Takacat Custom Shop, customers can personalize colors, materials, and select features to create a boat that fits their individual style and intended use. For commercial and government organizations, Takacat also develops purpose-built configurations designed for specialized applications.
Today, custom Takacats are used for marine research, wildlife conservation, commercial fishing, yacht tendering, diving, expedition support, search and rescue, and public safety operations.
The New England Aquarium uses a custom extra-wide Takacat to help rescue leatherback sea turtles entangled in fishing gear. Photo courtesy of the New England Aquarium
Whether you're looking for a personalized recreational boat or a specialized commercial platform, Takacat offers customization options that few inflatable boat manufacturers can match.
Which Boat Is Right for You?
The good news is that there's no wrong choice. Both Takacat and True Kit build premium inflatable catamarans that deliver excellent stability, performance, and quality.
Choose Takacat if you value:
✔ Lightweight portability
✔ Easy beach launching and water entry
✔ The Open Tube Transom®
✔ A broader selection of models and sizes
✔ Professionally matched boat and motor packages
✔ Extensive accessories and replacement parts
✔ U.S.-based inventory and customer support
✔ Long-term serviceability
✔ Custom-built recreational and commercial configurations
Choose True Kit if you prefer:
✔ A traditional enclosed transom
✔ Railblaza accessory integration
✔ A more conventional inflatable boat layout
Ultimately, the best boat is the one that best matches how you plan to use it.
Conclusion
Choosing an inflatable catamaran involves far more than comparing specifications.
Length, horsepower ratings, tube diameter, and boat weight all provide useful information, but they don't fully describe what it's like to own and use a boat over many years.
Throughout this guide, we've explored how Takacat and True Kit approach many of those decisions differently—from transom design and construction methods to portability, usability, customer support, and long-term ownership. Neither company has taken shortcuts. Instead, each has developed its own vision of what an inflatable catamaran should be.
For nearly two decades, Takacat has refined that vision around a simple philosophy:
Build lightweight, portable inflatable catamarans that deliver exceptional performance, practical versatility, and an ownership experience that's as enjoyable as the time spent on the water.
Whether you're searching for an ultra-light yacht tender, a versatile fishing platform, a family adventure boat, or a specialized commercial vessel, we encourage you to compare both brands carefully, ask questions, and choose the boat that best fits your needs.
If you'd like help selecting the right Takacat, our team would be happy to answer your questions, discuss your boating goals, and recommend the model that's right for you.
We look forward to helping you enjoy more time on the water.