Why no more colored vinyl trampolines?

Why aren't colored vinyl trampolines offered anymore?

I liked my old light bllue one, and the white ones just don't do it for me. And I'm not much interested in a mesh tramp because cool water + spray + wind = cold.

And while I'm at it, why no more colored hulls?

Do a A Search, sombody found a dye that actualy works fairly well. I think it was Captin Dave.

Matt M. can answer the tramp question definitively, but I'm pretty sure it relates to the availability of material and low production volume.

Colored hulls fade in the sun. Some people considered that a latent defect and filed warranty claims. Therefore, no more colored hulls.

If you really wanted a colored hull, and were willing to pay the $ to have them do it, Hobie Cat would probably make it for you.

But no warranty for fading.

Matt,

I got a question for you, did Hobie Cat at one time change the material of the solid tramps? Out original 1975 Hobie 16's white trampoline was a heavy "rubberized" canvas type material that lasts like 15 years uncovered on the beach, before the seams where the undertramp pockets where (Which had long since ripped off, weaked and gave way. My dad purchased a new blue solid tramp, and it last only about 5 years (The material seemed to be made of a weaker allmost tarp like backed canvas material.

The mesh tramps seem to be of much sturdier construction though.

Oh and while I'm on the topic of Hobie manufacturing history, The hulls where made in 74', it was a 1975 model, S# 13566, and had a red stripe third panel down on both main and jib. Looking at sail patterns these where not offered in 74, but where from 72? Any idea why this way?

Thanks,

Brent

Brent,

Matt Miller can speak to the construction of the trampolines. I suspect that the material has changed over the course of 35 years, as have the construction methods (welded seams vs. stitched).

In the sail pattern guide (from the Mar/Apr HOTLINE), the sail colors are listed in the first year of introduction. Most of the patterns were offered for many years after that, depending on their popularity.

My first boat was one like you describe - but numbered 6707 - and purchased in 1973.

Matt B.

Without a doubt there has to have been changes in the trampoline materials over the years. We may have had different suppliers who also had different formulations over the years. We have not had solid blue vinyl for many years, so can't speak for what the vendor or formulation might have been.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I am new here, just bought a mid '80's 18. Funny thing is it came with a brand new blue tramp that the seller had just purchased in 2005. Maybe they started to supply the colored ones again. I have the reciept packed with the boat stuff, if supplying you the dealer name etcl would help....
Dave

Current trampolines are and have been for several years...

White (solid)

Black, Grey, Turquoise (Mesh) [Blue Mesh is available in limited models]

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I must apologize, the new tramp is in fact a blue mesh . I didn't take a very good look at it when I purchased the boat. I got such a fantastic deal on her, that I hardly took a second look.
Dave