Tramp Lacing

I just saw some tramp lacing on another boat that I haven't seen before. The lacing was done such that there was an X pattern at each grommet set which is different than what I do on mine where I have only one angled run between grommets. The owner wasn't around so I couldn't ask him directly.

What do you guys think? Are there advantages to doing it this way? Is it actually more secure than single runs?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Good timing. I'm going out in just a few minutes to try the X pattern. Instructions can be found here:

http://www.tampacats.com/X_Pattern_Lacing_Instructions_for_Download.doc

Advantages:
-Stress on grommets is spread out more
-Main sheet has smaller opening to fall through
-Looks cool
Disadvantages:
-Probably can't get it quite as tight with all of those weaves going different directions
-Takes longer to lace

Those are just what I'm expecting. I'll report back after I get it all laced up and take it out on the water. I plan on using the main sheet to pre-bow the side bars a few inches before I tighten the laces to get a nice tight tramp (hehe...I said tight tramp )

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Zach

I've laced mine with the "X" pattern and although it does look nice I find because of the angles I can't get the lacing as tight. next time I lace it I'm going back to the across and down pattern I see on most trampolines.

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1999 Hobie 20, Sail #1005
2001 Hobie 16, "Spirit of 76 sails" #18515. Sold
1981 Hobie 18, Dead!

Thanks guys!

Just curious, but why does it have to be more loose? I would think that by using my normal double vice grip method I'd be able to maintain tightness just like before. Pull and clamp, pull and clamp, from one grommet to the next. Just thoughts.

Let us know how it goes!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

After trying tonight, I think I might go back to the "standard" lacing method. The X method makes it way too difficult to get tight. What I may do is get it all tight using the standard method and then run a second line through to criss-cross the load bearing line. This would make it harder for the main sheet to fall through.

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Zach

Thanks for the update!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Just put on my new tramp after trashing my 30 year old one last week. Did the standard pattern and it came out great. I use a tapered dowel to jam in the grommet after I tighten it and never lose any tension. I also use a 6-8 inch section of broom handle that I wrap the line around so I can really pull hard. Gets the tramp nice and firm. Only problem is that it's like lifting weights and maxing out like 40 or 50 times in a row. I was really feeling it when I was done.

I ended up putting on my new tramp also. It was from Tampa Cats. I'm very pleased so far. I'm sure it won't last as long as a factory tramp but I'm pleased with what I got for the price.

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Zach