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Mesh Tramp Repairs
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=45428		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  John Lunn [ Tue Oct 23, 2012 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Mesh Tramp Repairs
The grey, mesh tramp on my 1989 SX18 is beginning to show signs of wear.
Just forward of the rear grommets, there are four or five small (~1") "stretch" tears.
(I do NOT have access to a plastic welding machine).

Any thoughts on how to 'patch' these tears?
Epoxy a patch? Webbing?
Author:  mmiller [ Thu Oct 25, 2012 10:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mesh Tramp Repairs
Upholstery shops or sailmakers can sew reinforcements and re install grommets. You can not weld the tramp material for repair. Contaminants will cause a sonic welder to burn the material.
Author:  John Lunn [ Thu Oct 25, 2012 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mesh Tramp Repairs
Thanks for the quick response Mr. M.

Am I being nervous re sewing a mesh tramp, because it is already stressed in that area?

I'll be brave and take it to the sail guy near Britannia Sailing Club, and see what he can do....

In November, I'll try to do the repair on my smashed up d-boards....dream of sailing an AC72, and keeping it upright!
Author:  jackB [ Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mesh Tramp Repairs
I had a similar dilemma last year then my tramp began to crack. I was doing to manually stitch it and even got a proper thread, V-138 UV-stabilized polyester thread. After re-inspecting the entire original (1988) tramp I've decided not to repair but replace the tramp. The damage comes from UV and it is distributed at the entire tramp. If I would repair the actual tear, it would just fail in another place.

Second issue with my old tramp was the UV damage to the vinyl edges. They were so much harden, no needle would penetrate. It still could be force punched, buy any repair would be just too pailful.

If you decide to repair it, you can easily stitch it yourself. The time it would take you to take off the tramp, drive to a sailmaker and back, then reinstall the tramp, you could have been done twice doing it yourself. I've done several small repairs to my old sail with V-138. Sawing is just another skill, IMO, every sailor should embrace. There are also grommet replacement kits you can get in a hardware store.

Good luck
Author:  DVL [ Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mesh Tramp Repairs
John; I had a similar tear along the weld area to mesh. It was an old gray mesh tramp. I used some epoxy and glass cloth for a small area. I clamped the area with plastic and wood to ensure a good bond and thin but strong section. I got three additional years out of it as I was out of work at the time.

I purchased a aftermarket tramp when I got a job. (I was making 20% less than before). I someday will spring for the Hobie tramp as they last a long time.
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