Weak link on trampolines?

I am curious as to what part of the trampolines on the TI would more than likely break if the weight capacity were exceeded? I am thinking the buckles are the weak link in the entire trampoline system, and I am thinking about upgrading the buckles that came with the trampolines to increase the weight capacity. Thank you for any input and I am still loving all the useful information that can be gained from this forum.

For those wondering "Why the increase in weight capacity?" There was "one" time that I took four adults and two kids out on my TI and that turned out to be an interesting and fun trip, and I'd like to have the additional security of the added weight capacity of the trampolines for such occasions, even though, such occasions happen rarely. Thank goodness the TI has a sail, I couldn't imagine pedaling everyone by myself.

That's where you show your stuff as the skipper and sit down aft on the cooler with a drum and call - stroke, stroke stroke. Surely there's an iPhone drum app out there...

I'd be careful upgrading any "weak spot". You might damage an expensive part rather than a cheap and easily replacable part.

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I appreciate the reply Cowsgomoo. I did consider the possibility of damaging other components and the upgrade of the trampoline buckles is still up in the air.

That is an interesting idea about drumming and calling "Stroke." I may have to consider that next time I have that many passengers. It was a good thing that there was some good wind that day.

Thanks

pinoyghost18:
I actually thought about this today while out on the water. I think what would work nicely would be two 1 inch straps (like the malone ones for holding Kayaks on car racks (actually 4, two for each side).
In the front AKA you can only tie on the ends so tie one end of each around the front AKA bar, at the left edge of the tramp, you will tie with the buckle on the loose end (about 4 feet long I would guess). and the other on the right edge(under the knuckle) without a buckle about 4 feet long (might want to measure before you start). Now run the two straps to the center middle in the back. Hopefully you left the buckle on one of them. Now wrap the strap around the rear AKA bar and put it into the buckle and pull it tight. If you did everything correct you should have a V shape from the front AKA inside to the rear AKA center, then to the front AKA outside. This strapping is good for 1600 lbs, an added benefit is the V shape prevents the AKA from folding in and increases the weight capacity of the tramp by quite a bit (though we have never had a problem with our standard tramps). Once installed when done sailing just unhook the buckle and roll the strap up into the tramp when you put it away. Next time out just pull one buckle strap tight and your done. At least in my case when I lay on the tramp to sail (I do it all the time), my butt sticks down almost to the water, with the straps it wouldn't.
Bob

That's an interesting idea. We were just out yesterday on our TI and I was thinking about the buckles, again. It's one of those things I think about briefly while working on them, and then they are out of mind. Unless something like this thread reminds me I was thinking about them. Where I live, it behooves one to pay attention to little things that might someday break, because it's good to have a plan B when they DO eventually break. With no local source for just about anything. I could forget finding any useful buckles to buy here, for example.

I was thinking of two approaches yesterday. One is those new tarp-grabbing clamps I saw advertised on some site. I think it might have been Lats and Atts. I can find a link if anyone doesn't know what I am talking about.

The other idea I thought of was to replace the straps and buckles with a line of grommets in the rear edge of the tramp, and use 550 paracord to lace the tramps on.

What I was actually thinking about was making a small j-hook thing with a slot in it that would grip the folded over end of the existing strap so that I could pull it good and tight.
And while thinking about that I was thinking about the fact that the original buckles won't last forever.
Another solution for pinoyghost's issue would be to go with a more solid platform like the haka thing being discussed in another thread here.

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Not wanting to put a damper on your crewing expectations pinoyghost18, but I'd be very wary about exceeding the weight capacity of the TI. In the event of a mishap (unlikely I know...but) the legal issues could be huge if the authorities discovered the boat was overloaded.

Gringo,
One of the things that has broken on a number of TI's has been the socket screw at the base of the V-Brace. I checked mine and it was bent so I chased up the upgraded screw. It should arrive this week. Maybe something for you to consider as well?

By V-brace you mean the thing the mast fits into? Thanks for the tip. I'll take a look at it this morning. Is it some special screw?

I've already replaced the drain plug with a stainless socket head bolt. Works real well.

Oh, as for the clips I was talking about ( above) I was thinking about them and looked into them a little more. They are called Easy Klips, made in Australia, I think. You guys probably know about them, but news of new stuff travels slowly to some of these distant Hobie TI outposts. Any how, it looks to me like these might be useful for Fusioneng's beefed up support strap idea, too.

http://www.easyklip.com/

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Island life in the Devil's Triangle:
http://2gringos.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for the replies. I have always believed in getting other people's perspective about ideas or issues that are being considered.

Fusioneng - I like the idea about the straps and how to alleviate the symptom of sagging trampolines. I also read about the haka idea that was mentioned by Gringo. I do believe NOHUHU was the one who came out with the prototype haka, if not I do apologize to whomever needs to be credited with the idea. The haka prototype is a real solid platform, that is a plus. I also like how the strap concept that Fusioneng came up is incorporated into the trampolines. I like to do less assembling and more sailing or fishing. I guess it comes down to weighing the pros and cons then deciding which one is more fitting to a individual's preferences. Decisions, decisions.

Gringo - We seem to be on the same line of thinking because every time I assemble my TI's trampolines the buckles are the ones that come to mind when considering which component would fail first. Somewhere on this forum there was someone who posted the link to a website that provides custom made straps with aluminum side-release buckles similar to the plastic buckles that are equipped with the trampolines. I may consider getting myself a set of them and trying them out. Now, if only I could find it again.

Stringy - I do agree about being wary with that many people aboard the TI. I am particularly not in favor of breaking the TI, risking some unwanted down time for maintenance, and most importantly the compromise of safety. Even though they were my in-laws I am lucky to have them because they are in fact some really cool folks.

Again thanks everyone.

the weak link is definetely the buckles, both parts male and female. I installed the tramps two weeks ago and when trying to enter the boat via the Amma and then crawling over the trampoline to the boat two out of four buckles bursted. (one male & one female part of it). BTW - am 160 pounds so "within" the weight limit...

The buckles for sure needs to be improved by Hobie.

Peace
Serbi

I found a manufacturer of aluminum side release buckles: www.strapworks.com
side_release_buckle @3.50 USD. This is about 5 times the cost of replacement plastic buckles but I think that 'peace of mind' would make it worth it. I think I will buy a couple of pairs and just have one or two available if any more plastic buckles break. From comments on the forum...the inner buckles seem to break more frequently than the outer ones...more weight applied there as you sit down on the tramps as you swing out over the gunnels.

If you plan on upgrading your buckles, be careful. Weight on the tramps puts additional stress on the amas as the akas are pulling sideways. Making the tramps strong enough to carry 500 pounds could put enough tweaking on the aka and ama to break something else. Also, keep in mind that the boats total capacity is still in play when tramps are on. (600 for the TI and 350 for the AI)

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Brendan Castile

Most of the comments about breaking of buckles were not that owners had tried to over-weight the tramp, but rather just 'normal' weight within the restrictions stated by Hobie for the tramps. I went out and looked carefully at how I 'climb' out on my tramps. As I swing out onto the tramp I generally put my body weight on the inner edge of the tramps...it appears that until I spread out on the tramp, all of my weight is being born mostly by just the innermost buckle(s). That attachment is closest to the TI's aka knuckle. There is little leverage on the aka and its knuckle because the buckle is just a couple of inches out from the knuckle.
But the innermost plastic buckles have to carry all of my weight until I spread out onto the tramp. Doing this a few dozen times probably causes fatigue on the buckle(s) until the plastic cracks and breaks.
I am going to install the metal buckles just on the inner-most attachment straps. I will keep the next pair as spares. If the next outer-most buckles also break, I will replace them.
I don't think that I would have to replace all of the tramp buckles...just the innermost ones.
I agree that the plastic buckles are Hobie's method of allowing the cheapest and least important part to break first...rather than beefing up and having a more important and expensive part break later.

I concur with TIDALWAVE, in that the only reason I suggested the straps idea is I sail quite often laying out on the tramps. And being rather large (200 lbs) when I sit out there my butt sinks almost to the water level. When I add the straps it doesn't sink down as much so my butt stays dryer. I would never consider trying to put more than 600 lbs into the boat, but have ran it at 600 lbs several times with my wife and I, and 4 scuba tanks and equipment on board with no issues.
Though I have never had any problem with breaking straps, I have seen problems other have had and will actively look for slightly better clips just for my own piece of mind and at my own expense. I don't expect Hobie to change their design, or change to a different clip, what they have now appears to work as advertised. I just personally will feel a little more comfortable laying out on the tramp knowing I'm not going to fall through and watch my own boat sail away without me.
I've only lost 1 crew member in all this time, when my sister in law fell through the tramp when we first got our boat due to the entire AKA falling off (Hobie fixed that problem back in May-June 2010), and have had no AKA problems since. My American family doesn't understand my english humor and it probably didn't help matters me yelling out all my newly learned Nautical terms like man overboard, man the life boats, were going down women and children first, and every man for himself in my captains voice. Since then no issues and family is just beginning to trust me again. We turned around and picked her up right away, when pulling her aboard I have never seen so much fear in anyones eyes (true story).
Bob
TI owner

Just received the new aluminum-anodized side release buckles for the tramps.
I chose matte black for the color to match the black tramps and OEM black plastic buckles. I decided to only replace the inner four buckles. That way, the outer buckles can still be allowed to break and relieve any overloading the tramps (or akas) may experience. I weigh 180 lbs and the tramps are rated for higher than that...but for 'spread out weight'. When I hike out onto the tramps...to keep tiller and sheet control...I sit on my butt which puts almost all of my weight on the innermost part of the tramps. So the inner tramp buckles experience 180 lbs on each of the buckles, rather than 30-40 lbs if my weight were spread out.
I had to replace the 1" straps that anchor the old buckles to the akas. The OEM buckles are sewn into place on the aka straps.

You had these re-sewn professionally?

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The Wind Is Your Friend...