Hobie Cat Forums

I recently acquired an older H16 (probably mid-'70's, not sure). After tearing the tramp, I replaced with one that came off of another vintage boat. It is a mesh 2-piece tramp instead of the typical 3-piece. There is no lacing down the middle, but laces to the stern component in the same fashion as the 3-piece.

This is atypical of any i have seen and assume it is after-market. The obvious benefit is that there is no chance of dropping anything through the middle of the tramp, but i don't know what problems might be associated with it.

Although I have sailed H16's in the past, my familiarity is limited. As I have not seen a tramp like this before, I wanted to know if anybody could provide me some info. (pros, cons, etc.)

Thanks in Advance,

jw

There is a guy on ebay selling new two piece and one piece tramps. You might get some info from him. I know nothing about him or his products. Let us know if you learn something!

Link to auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-piece-Blue-Trampoline-for-Hobie-cat-16-Catamaran-/390391249394?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item5ae521b9f2&vxp=mtr

Quote from auction:

Introducing the new design one piece trampoline for the Hobie 16. I have had many requests for this item so we built it for you. What you are getting is a one piece tramp that tightens on the edge much like the Prindle trampolines. This takes much of the stress off the center grommets. The traditional design which laces down the center has to endure a lot of stress , especially when stepping the mast. It is made from 7.6 oz. Polypropylene mesh fabric. It includes two halyard pockets and foot straps at no additional cost. Questions? - Phone 440-969-0520 - Racedaytramp - Rick

i have a mesh tramp that is two piece diagonal IT is Sweet
The lacing rope is covered with a flap that is velcroed down
Former Hobie Admiral Gary

More difficult to assemble/disassemble and you can't get it as tight as a regular 3-piece tramp.

sm

Both the above-listed 1-piece and the velcro flap sound like nice ideas. For those who haven't followed the link, the RaceDayTramp has lacing in the usual places but it's one sheet of material with fabric under the lacing. Pretty nifty.

_________________
'78 H16 - 32692 ex-rental
'00 H16 - 104691
Old Holsclaw trailer

I like the way the one piece tramps look. The problem I had with mine was that the trailer had a rear mast support that came up through the trampoline, through the center lacing. So to trail the boat I had to take down the mast, put the mast on one hull, remove the trampoline, place the rear mast support in the trailer, then place the mast on the mast supports. Since I was only doing this twice a year I didn't think it was all that bad.

Keep in mind that if you have any aspirations of participating in Hobie one-design class racing, you'll need a Hobie built three-piece trampoline to be class legal. I've got three boats, two of them older ones that I've replaced the trampolines on. Each time I went with a new factory trampoline. These things are the strongest, best built tramps on the market. The one that I just replaced off my 14 was 30 years old and would probably have lasted a few more years. Based on my experience and the aftermarket tramps that I've seen, some of questionable quality, I recommend paying a few more bucks and getting the best tramp on the market and the only one that's class legal - one built by Hobie.

_________________
Mark Van Doren
Division 9 Chairman
H20 #647
H14 #47787
H16 #112205

All:

Thanks for the tips/insights. It looks like I've got something I'm comfortable taking out on the water, but will replace with the 3-piece by next summer.

Much agreed that you just can't get the tramp as tights as the three piece; I now understand the theory behind the bias cut, but in practice it doesn't seem to work.

jw