Repair a tear in Tramp? Buy a new one?

I am looking to buy a Hobie 16, so far I found a pretty good deal with a trailer and they say everything is good, except there is about a one foot tear in the middle of the trampoline. So I called Atomic Tarp (an aftermarket tramp company) and they said they could probably fix it for about $50 but didn't know if it would hold up. I don't know how long I will keep the boat but would like it to hold up. Does anyone know of any other way to fix a tear? Or should I just try and buy a new one? Or isn't it even worth buying the boat?
Thanks.

What year is the boat and what is a "pretty good deal"? I can't imagine any situation where a torn tramp would be a deal breaker. I think new Hobie tramps are around $400 and after market products about 2/3 of that. I don't think I would bother having a 15-20 year old tramp repaired.

I'd replace it. The tramp is your deck, the thin line between you and the deep blue sea.

more importantly, the tightness of the tramp is what keeps the entire boat square. a loose tramp allows the hulls to flex independently, which will ultimately cause the corner castings to wear out.
I'm not sure a repaired trampoline will have the same strength in the plane parallel to its surface that a non-torn tramp will have.

the tighter you lace the tramp, the tighter your boat will be.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Thanks for the replies.

The boat is $500, comes with trailer, mast float, comp tip etc. The only negative is the torn tramp, that I'm still debating...

$500???? Boat and trailer????
If you're certain that the only negative is a torn tramp, it sounds like a pretty good deal.
I would suggest that you take someone with you that's knowledgable about fiberglass sailboats and trailers and check it out.
I don't think you should try to repair a torn tramp.
$500 for the boat and trailer; about another $500 (including tax) for a new tramp and replace the rigging....$1000 still sounds okay providing the boat and trailer are in good condition.
Good luck!

Yeah i think I'll go look the boat over this week to double check, and I might even be able to find an aftermarket tramp or something for cheaper. I've been lookin on eBay.

I never used an aftermarket tramp when I had my H16, but many here have said they are nowhere near the quality of the OEM tramp, and will wear out far quicker than the Hobie brand.

something to consider.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

I just bought the boat yesterday, and it's definitely in need for a new tramp. I'm going to go ahead and give the aftermarket tramp a try I just ordered a White mesh tramp off eBay for $200 so hopefully it'll last for as long as I have the boat!

$200 is about half the price of a new Hobie tramp. Keep it covered (keep the sun off of it) when not in use and it should last a while - hopefully half as long as a new Hobie tramp. The Hobie mesh tramp I installesd about 10 years ago still looks and feels almost like new. If you can get about 10 years out of your new aftermarket tramp you might be ahead of the game. Only time will tell.
All the best to you with your new boat.
Richard

Thanks for all the advice!

After market tramps hold up well for the first few years, but after that it all depends on what type of thread they were sewn together with. Hobie tramps are welded avoiding the rotting thread issue and give years of reliable service. While I'm an advocate of aftermarket improvements, tramps are not one of them. Hobie has it right, keep it tight. The tramp is your deck.

Last year when my butt went through my tramp I bought a aftermarket mesh one and have been pleased with it plus the price was very good. Try this site: http://www.tampacats.com/