Trapeze Rope Lock Problem

Last weekend I finally had the perfect conditions to trapeze on my 2006 H16. I've had the boat nearly 3 months and until last weekend only my crew has been on the wire. She only weighs 125 but I weigh 215. Being out on the wire while controlling the boat is very exilerating but was also frustrating because the plastic rope locks that control the height of the trap handles kept slipping, dunking my rear in the water. I installed the rope locks according to the H16 assembly manual instructions but now 3 of the rope locks look twisted on three trap wires I've used.

Am I too heavy for these rope locks? Page 48 of the Murray's catalog suggests "Double-up back-to-back for extra strength". Is this necessary? Is there an alternative or am I doing something wrong?

The problem you have encountered has been experienced by many before you and is exactly why the note exists in the Murray's catalogue.

Double up or try the adjustable system (an expensive alternative).

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

It looks like "Double-up back-to-back for extra strength" means to use two rope locks to prevent breakage. if the line is slipping I'd add some additional friction at the rope lock. Take another look at the Murray's picture. Take the line that exits to the left and wrap it behind the lock. Bring it through the hole and off to the left. If that doesn't work you'll probably have to add an adjustable system that has a line cleating device in it.

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I have not seen problems with rope locks for many years. Is anyone seeing this with parts built recently or is this just an older boat?

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

I love this Hobie Community site! It's a great place to get answers and maybe someday I could be as helpful to others as you all have been to me.

Anyway, my replacement rope locks from Murray's showed up today. They seem to have a more plastic feel to them as opposed to the more rubber feel of the stock rope locks.

I forgot to mention the stock rope locks left black marks on the trap hook adjustment rope when they slipped.

Have not seen any manufacturing problems lately Matt, and my large frame definitely tests the durability of these small blocks of plastic. Now this is going to be hard to explain with words, but make sure that the rope lock actually stops on the trap wire thimble (or block) rather than the rope itself. I've seen them run subtly wrong, which sometimes causes slipping. This will also cause the line to chafe. Make sense?

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Sail Revolution
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Hello Matt,
I have broken a rope lock. I have doubled the rope locks on my wires and have not had a problem since. I wish I could tell you what broke, but the plastic parts went away when they failed. The failure was a few years ago, but I figure better safe than in the water again.

Mike