Pros & Cons of Mesh v.s. Solid tramps . . .

I'm considering the acquisition of a new trampoline and have some concerns about my preference. My question is concerning the advantages and disadvantages of both, the solid and the mesh.

My thinking is that it would be more difficult to right the boat with a mesh tramp because of the perceived lack of influence by the wind on the boat compared to the solid tramp. This would be a negative, since I sail solo a lot.

My second issue is the additional influence by the wind on a solid tramp when flying a hull. In my thinking, it seems as though a mesh tramp would provide a lot less influence by the wind when flying a hull. This would be a positive thing for me as I would not have to factor in this influence when I'm getting a bit high. I've seem boats with mesh tramps recover after having their mast almost parallel with the water. This has not been my experience with a solid tramp.

For all of you that have sailed with both, what are your thoughts?

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Happy Sailing,

David

This has been hashed out to death, but here's my take:

On a mesh tramp, you don't sit in a puddle. That's why I've had mesh tramps on my boats for 19 years (ever since they were made class legal).

Mesh seems a little harsher on the knees. Mesh rash? Wind resistance would be negligible IMO except in a gale force blow.

The only difference for me is that a vinyl tramp has less spray through it and so you stay drier. Racing I doubt it makes much difference since one is more prepared for the wet, but day sailing with a mesh on my 18 in the SF Bay and light winds and no wetsuits we couldn't rest on the tramp without getting wet from waves douching us. Sometimes it's nice not to have to get unexpectedly wet.

There is plenty of debate on whether a vinyl tramp holds wind strength, but there doesn't seem to be a solid conclusion either way.

One downside to vinyl is that it comes only in white, and although this is a minor concern, it can be rougher on the eyes on sunny days.

The 16 sits much higher in the water than the 18, therefore the water coming through the tramp is significantly less.

I also find the Mesh to be significantly lighter.

Matt is right. I love my mesh tramp. I agonized over this decision, thinking they were not class legal.. stupid me, not that I ever plan to race.

For casual sailors, yor guest/ wife/ girlfriend will appreciate not sitting in a puddle.

For high wind sailors, I have noticed a significant improvement in not getting blown backwards by wind on the underside of the tramp when flying a hull in 25+ knot winds due to the mesh letting air through it. Matt, chime in in you think I am imagining that effect, but after 35 years of sailing/racing hobies with a solid tramp, it seems very real...

My complaint with the mesh is it seems very slick to try to stand on, and have almost busted my butt trying to step / de step the mast .. but attribute that more to cluminess than a prob with the material.

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Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888

The other slick tramp effect is that in high winds, I tend to slide around on the tramp during tacks. coming in late off the wire roll tacking the boat., and ending up[ in some very weird locations, whereas I used to "stick" to the solid tramp a little better. Again, probably more of a technique prob than a material one.

_________________
Raced extensively as a kid (against Matt Bounds!!), just bought a 20 year old 16 and am refurbishing it.

Sail # 21888

Thanks guys for all your help. I went with the mesh, since I had already had the solid. Finally installed it yesterday and it looks great. Can't wait to get it in the water. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

_________________

Happy Sailing,

David