Tramp Re-lacing

Hi Everyone,

I know there are a lot of threads already on this topic, and I've gotten a lot of great tips from them (the mainsheet trick, etc.), but I have a few specific questions that I can't find answers for:

First, when re-lacing the tramp, am I better off lacing the rear first, or the center? My gut tells me to do the rear first... Does it even matter?

Second, I'll obviously start each line off with a bowline, but is there any particular knot you guys like to use to finish off the tail end when you're done? Is a couple of half-hitches sufficient?

Third, what's this vice-grips method I keep hearing about? Do you use the vice-grips to pull on the rope (seems a bit silly to me?), or do you use them as a clamp, to keep tension on what you've already laced?

Any other advice you all might have would be great as well. Thanks a lot.

-Bill

The vise grips are used as clamps.

I like to end my lacing lines with a tautline hitch (rolling hitch). I use it to tie small airplanes down. If a good quality line is used the knot will not slip but can be adjustable. I know there isn't much room to do any adjusting, but you can keep the line very tight while tying this.

This is a good link that shows how to tie it:

http://www.iland.net/~jbritton/tautlinehitch.htm

I would be interested in hearing what other people are using.

_________________
Nick

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

Matt Miller is on it with photos, and some of my hair-brained but workable stuff.
Check it out Bill, I am learning things too. Old dog, new tricks - it CAN be done

Beginning and ending knots - I'm with Nick. Also, if you are tying to a pad-eye, you can start with a big fat figure eight knot.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewt ... highlight=

Happy sails!!
-Stephen

_________________
The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.

The aft laces will get loosened when you tension the center laces. As the tramp pulls towards the center the angles of the lace lines changes accross the rear and can get looser, so pre-lace all. Snug up a little. Tension the center and finish with the aft.



Center lace starts with a bowline up near the mast step and works aft to the center of the rear lace. Aft laces start at the back of the corner castings... a hole in the casting. Tie a figure 8 in the end to secure. Finish with half hitches.



Both. Can help pull and can clamp. Use two?

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