How to tell if the Tramp won't make it anohter season...?

What are the telltale signs you're about to go through your tramp?

Is there a way to tell how old your tramp is ?


Mine is pretty old and faded, but otherwise seems in fine shape. But I'd rather replace now then in summer... but I'd rather not replace at all if not necessary... Foot straps, grommets all normal... a bit of cracking along the edges of the bolt ropes....

Any sage advice ? Thanks, much appreciated.
Rob.

pictures would help us a bit. I will tell you it is very hard to tell how long a tramp will last, they either look good or bad, those in between tramps are a crap shoot.

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Brad Stephens
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Think of all the pressure you put on a tramp when you are stepping the mast.

In my opinion that is probably the most stress that is usually applied to the tramp.

Stepping the mast while standing on an old tramp is kind of like driving down the interstate at 70MPH on bald tires .......the are fine ..... till one blows out.... then you are in real trouble.

If you only step the mast once in a while, and can do it with the boat sitting on the ground instead of on a trailer, you can probably push it a little further than if you are a trailer sailor that has to raise and lower the mast every time you go sailing.

Also think about how inconvienent it will be if you wait to replace it until it actually fails.

Murphy's Law indicates it will usually happen at the beginning rather than at the end of a sailing adventure.

If it is sunbaked so badly it is stiff and brittle, there are wear points and fibers showing, or it is beginning to show enough stress at the grommets that there are threads of the fiber showing, it is probably time to put a new one on your Christmas or Birthday list.

One more thing, even though they are a bit more spendy, the factory tramps are much better made, with welded seams rather than stiched, and will usually out last the aftermarket ones by a fair number of years. If you consider years of use, the more expensive factory tramps are really much cheaper.

I hope all that helps as you consider your situation.

Stephen
H-18

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

Try the black mesh tramp it lasts and lets water thru also leaves will not pile on

My H14 tramp lasted 25 years, and I sold it on ebay, and it was still quite usable. But I protected it from the sun. Faded is not an issue, and the ropes can and were replaced. Look at the stitching, cause that wears through, but can be restitched. Jump on it, and if its solid, all's well I would say.