BrianCT wrote:
Yeah, John, I know all about it, yet there are other manufacturers out there selling into the same low-volume market who manage to sell them for 1/2 that price. There's no denying the quality of Hobie's heat-welded tramps. I have one on my boat. But I stand by my statement. If we were talking about some "exotic" extrusion here that would be one thing but we're not. We're talking about $532 wing seat covers made from the same machines they use to make their other trampolines. It's outrageous.
Perhaps, but you have to consider that a pair of wing tramps uses roughly the same amount of mesh fabric as the "regular" tramp. There are also roughly the same number of grommets and they are hand machine sewn, so probably equal or greater labor than the regular tramp (largely what you're paying for is labor and the Hobie brand, materials are the least significant contributor to the cost of a tramp). I'd argue that Hobie's price is pretty well in line with what they charge for a regular tramp (which, as we all know, they charge top dollar for).
Also, the wing tramps are not heat welded, so the Hobie wing tramps don't have that going for them. It's an items that I would definitely consider buying aftermarket.
sm