Tramp Troubles

I just got a new mesh tramp (from Hobie) for my 1980 H16. I got the stern piece in no problem and I can get the front of the side pieces to go in. I am having trouble getting the sides to go in (before putting the front in). I noticed that the cord that is wrapped in the mesh that goes in the track is a larger diameter than the cord on the original tramp. I've tried using dish soap and it helps a little, but I don't think it will really help. I can get the first inch or two of the cord in alright but its when I try to slide that down and feed more into the track that is giving me trouble. Anybody else have this problem or solutions for it?

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Jeff
'80 H16, Sail #57199 - "The Duct Tape Express"

I have never known this to be a problem. I think you just have to use a little more force to get the trampforced into that small groove. You need to constantly be pushing the tramp edge into the entry slot. You are using the entry slot in the side rail, right? A little silicone spray or soap will make it slide in easier.

cheers
Bill

And now for something completely different -

Take the back crossbar off, slide the tramp halves in the open ends of the sidebars. Will take about 30 seconds per side (once you get the back crossbar off).

Of course, if the boat was glued together, then you're back to forcing it in an inch at a time.

Some sidebars have smaller openings. You may be able to enlarge the openings a bit if you can't do as Matt Bounds suggested. A note of caution... the sidebars are not de-burred on the ends. If feeding in from the ends (we do this when assembling boats...best way, I agree) de-burr the ends first or you can tear the tramps.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks for the input. I think ill give removing the rear crossbar a try, i doubt it was glued...

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Jeff
'80 H16, Sail #57199 - "The Duct Tape Express"

Removing the rear crossbar worked like a charm. I pulled it off and the tramp pieces slid right on with out to much trouble. It only took about 5-10 minutes to take it apart, mount the tramp pices and put it back together. Lacing everything up took me a good hour and a half. I got it fairly tight, I'll probably bend the sid bars in a little bit with tiedown straps and then tighten it to get it snugger...Thanks for the help...

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Jeff
'80 H16, Sail #57199 - "The Duct Tape Express"