Welding?

Are there class rules saying weather or not you can WELD the tramp frame together?

I do not think that the class rules address that but I would like to discourage you from it. You will never be able to replace parts if you weld it together. I would really encourage you to use epoxy if you would like it that tight. Mix some West Systerms Epoxy with Cloidal Silica to a paste consistancy. I make the paste with the resin before adding the hardener.

You will want to make sure that all is square so do the gluing of the Trampoline rack while it is upsidedown and use a level. Check to make sure that the distances from corner to corner are the same. You can use your mainsheet blocks to help achieve this.

Reason for the warning:
When you stiffen up the boat like this you are putting alot of torque on the crossbars, especially the front one. I have seen no less that 6 boats break 1 inch from a corner casting. In California it is usually the port side. I think that is the way the swells hit the boat most of the time. It does not happen all at once. It usually takes a few years but if it happens you will want to be able to take the boat apart. Heat from a butane torch will help you release the parts of your boat that you glued.

I highly recommend doing this to the boat even if it has a chance of breaking later. If you are a racer it makes alot of difference in the feel of the boat.

Later,
Dan

Difficult to weld the cast aluminum to the extrusion anyway. Aluminum looses strength in the heat affected zone. IMHO if you want it stiff use epoxy, (or Viagra)

_________________
1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

Just for welding information: You would have to use a stick heavy with zinc to weld castings. You can imagine that it does not have great strength. May be able to plasma weld it. Too much trouble and not enough information about it. Go with Epoxy or Viagra (according to DVL).

Later,
Dan