Hobie Cat Forums

Just made the switch from a 28 year old yellow vinyl to a brand new turquoise mesh. Installation was about the same. My side bars are bent in about 3/4 of an each and so far they are staying that way. Don't notice a performance difference except that I was always being very careful where I put my knees on the old one as I had gone clean through it before and repaired it. No problems now. I really like the feel of the mesh as it is easier on bare feet and hands. Also looks much better. Really gave the old boat a great new look.

Are all the mesh tramps hard on hands, feet and knees? Or are there some that are softer than others?

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Steve
1979 Hobie 16 "Orange Crusher"

My mesh tramps a cheese grater. Looking for a pillow top tramp.

Pillow top tramp ??? Have you tried your neighbor, Snookie ???

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Happy Sailing,

David

Had vinyl on my H16 (20 yrs) and mesh on my H17Sport (8 years so far). They both have thier + & -, but I perfer the mesh. Less windage and drains better.

I have sailed with both and prefer the Vinyl tramp. It's drier and easier on the knees. I agree with the previous post... if there's puddling, tightening the tramp should help.

I had a light blue vinyl tramp on my previous 14T and now have a black mesh on my H16. I remember sometimes in the summer that the vinyl tramp would get very hot to the touch from the sun and I would usually have to splash water onto it before I jumped on (and no, I wasn't wearing a Speedo).

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Tim
82' H16
Sail # 88863
Panama City Beach, FL

I've seen some mesh tramps on Ebay but I don't really know about the quality; where (online) would be the best place to get a mesh tramp?

You gotta be careful. I got one from a guy in Florida a couple years ago. He must have been drunk when he sewed it together. Also, it was missing grommets in the inside corners. I also bought an "Amish" tramp. It has held up pretty well but I keep it covered from the sun. Not perfect though. Seams are sewn and not welded. The storage pockets are in the wrong place and the hiking straps are tight as a hat band. Spend the extra money and get a Hobie tramp.

I bought a '74 14' the other day. It had sat in a succesion of previous owners back yards...it was a huge mess.
I got out the Elbo Grease, Spray9 and magic eraser's and the original 37 YEAR OLD VINYL tramp cleaned up just fine (lashing ropes were "tossers" to give a clue).
Bought it for the hull's as I doubt they ever spent much time in the water....they waxed up super-duper.