thundley wrote:
Was wondering what everybodies preference was on tramps assuming you don't care about remaining "class legal". I currently have an aftermarket mesh tramp. I like the look of the mesh but don't necessarily care to be doused everytime a wave slaps the bottom. I realize the mesh tramps allow some air to pass through them which may prevent some capsizes but I question how much?
Has anybody had any luck with any of the aftermarket tramps out there? Are there any after market tramps that are heat welded? Are the OEM tramps that much higher quality to warrent the extra cost? What is everybodies preference between mesh or vinly?
Thanks in advance for any comments!
T. Hundley
H18M
In my opinion the mesh tramps leave most aftermarket ones for dead. On most of the after market ones I have seen the stitching and eyelets pull out after only a year or so.
The mesh ones are excellent quality, very durable and look great. I have never had a problem with water splashing thru them (although I'm sure it can happen) and IMHO there would be minimal wind getting thru (the little amount of wind leakage won't stop you from a swim if you are that close). The only down side is make sure that you have a tarp or some sort of cover over your boat when you aren't sailing it as they don't stand up to the sun's uv rays very wll and go a tad white after about 2.5 years (in Australia anyway)
Tiger Mike