Topsy Turvy Tramp

I'm going to flip my tramp over when I install it this season. Am I going to run into any problems? It seems like it would be pretty straight forward, but most things do and then they turn into a nightmare. The top is so faded that it looks pretty bad. The bottom is still a nice solid yellow and will look much better. Any suggestions? Thanks loads.

That sounds like a good idea - but my good ideas usually turn into nightmares too! Looking forward to replies on this topic.

I am assuming you have a yellow vinyl Hobie trampoline. The only issues I can see are that there is no texture on the bottoms of these tramps (kinda slick), and no hiking straps (but these usually rot off by the time you have a sun-fade problem on the top anyways).

Old vinyl is pretty stiff stuff! Go slow and don't rip anything - and when you re-lace the trampoline, get it nice and tight!

_________________
Tim
Unofficial Fleet 72 Communications Officer and Div 4 Webmaster
http://www.hobiefleet72.org
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If you have an upholstry shop nearby they might would sew some straps on for you. I just had it done to my tramp, I don't know the age but I'd guess it's rather old. They did it for 20 bucks and in like 15 minutes, and did a great job I might add, reinforced and everything. I had them sew on old seat belts for the straps, found them in a junk yard car. They'll probably last longer than what was originally on there but I think I'll probably need to keep them out of the sun when not in use.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Yes, the hiking straps have come off. I have seen some that have been resewn, but with a twist in them so that they stand up a little and you can get your foot under them easier. Personally I very seldom use them except to grab onto with my hands. If I need to hike, I'm on the trap. The tramp is also slightly brittle and will not tolerate any sharp bends. I have stored it in the shed this winter and will install it in a month or so. We just had a couple of snow storms come through Utah this week. Any ideas about how to restore the flexibility of the tramp? Thanks.

Flipping over the old vinyl tramp worked for me, using a new lacing cord. I didn't bother with hiking straps because I am just a beginner. I'll get an awning shop to sew some seatbelt material on next time.

Yeah - get a new one.

Seriously, if the straps are gone and you're considering flipping it over (the bottom is really slick when wet), it's time to look at a new trampoline.

With a sailing budget like mine, buying a new one is a multiseason savings task. You say, "get a new one", like you are talking about buying a Big Mac. Just not in my reality frame.

If it is a purely cosmetic issue I wouldn't bother with flipping it as others have said, the bottom is really slick.

Many people get into cat sailing without keeping in mind the cost of maintaining the boat. I started when I was paying my own way through college. I worked alot of extra hours to pay for my sailing habit. You would really have a bad day with an equipment failure on the water.

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Nick

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