When I bought my 1983 H16 three years ago, the after market tramp was installed backwards which is nice because I can tie all sorts of stuff out of the way in the lacing up front - Halyard bag, trap seat, righting bucket, etc. Another advantage is that when capsized, I put my right foot in the forward lacing to step up and put the Hawiian righting line over the overhead hull (I am 5'6").
The real disadvantage is that any sand/pebbles that get onto the tramp (when launching from shore) have no way to fall off the tramp. They end up grinding into your knees- very painful. I have to carry a paint brush to brush them off. Another disavantage is that the halyard pocket is not usable.
My vote would be to install as designed.
_________________ 1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran 1977 Super Sunfish (sold) 1979 Hobie (sold) 1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold) 1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold) 2008 Hobie 16 (sold) 2023 Hobie 16 Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club" John
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