DHT wrote:
Wannahobie, great job and great pictures. Do you think the plastic Home depot Hooks are strong enough not to break? And would they come undone with a heavier load on the tramp?
I also like your black port holes... What size are they 4" 5" or 6"? Did you get the contoured ones?
Thanks!
The hooks are actually quite robust. They seem to take the load just fine. Plus, I know where to get cheap replacements!
The thing to remember w/ the classic tramp, it will never be as tight and tensioned like the club. No matter what I tried, with the velcro straps in place, the tramp just never got that tight. I felt uncomforable w/ the apparent distortion if I tried to overtighten the side cables, and if I tried to put tension w/ the velcro, they would slip once weight was put on the tramp.
The shock cord allows a little stretch back there, but otherwise makes it appear tight. For someone who wants one step closer to really tight, then I would recommend using the same method (four individual cords w/ individual adjusters) but use lacing line. It should work fine w/ the little plastic hooks w/ intergrated clam or v cleats, or other quick adjusting devices. This will still allow you to take apart or reassemble very quickly.
The ports are the 5" contour-ground veriety that Hobie sells. I positioned them (center) 11 1/4" from the rudder gudgeons. I like the ports, as they allow me to get in and sponge/bail the water that does get in there (rainwater or whatever thru the open plugs). Otherwise you need to get the bows like 4 ft in the air to get the water to drain out the plugs!
Also, I plan on getting a hatch bag or two, to store stuff.