Tramp Tightening Tool

Anyone every use the "Uptight tramp tool". I have one in my box and don't know how it works. It came with alot of other stuff when I bought the boat. I took my tramp off this winter and would like to try and use it this spring. Thanks for any clues as how to use this thing.

I saw the tool rrecently in the Murray's catalogue and wondered how it worked and whether it was easier than using visegrips. Anyone used one?

They work O.K. I used to use them all the time, until I realized that by tightening the tramp from underneath with my foot on a hull got it just as tight and it's much faster. but they do work for some people. Your local authorized Hobie dealer probably has the same tool.

_________________
Sail Revolution
Join us on our new FB Page!

I think there is a FAQ about pre-bending the tramp side rails to get it as tight as possible. This will be much easier to do and will give a more uniform tension along the entire length of the tramp.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Read this thread, especially Matt Miller's post near the end.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewt ... ht=prebend

I use a slight variation of the tool that was used in this article about using epoxy to stiffen the frame on a Hobie 16.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/modules.php ... =0&thold=0

I had trouble with the piece of 2X4 splitting after lag bolts were inserted so I just grabbed a vise grip and locked it on a 6 to 8 inch piece of 2X4 and used the handle instead of the lag bolts. I have used this tool, a wooden dowel whittled down and the main sheet cleat a few times and have been able to get the tramp as tight as the frame will allow. By the way I did the epoxy to my 1981 16 frame and was completely impressed with the boat afterwards! Huge difference is performance.

When I relaced my tramp a couple of years ago, I just used a ratchet strap (or two) across the side frames and curved them in slightly. After I laced the tramp hand tight and tied it off, I undid the ratchet straps and voila, tight tramp.

I bought the tool.

I found it easier to use the rail prebending method. Puts less stress on the groumets as well.