Trampoline care

I've had my Hobie 16 parked on the beach a half block from my house. It gets a lot of morning and mid-day sun and the (vinyl?) trampoline is starting to get a little tacky--not bad, but clearly the sun is having an effect. I really like being able to ride my bike down, hoist the sails and go so the boat will probably stay there until after Labor day (or until a hurricane comes close enough--KNOCK ON WOOD!). So here's my question: other than cover the trampoline, which I don't want to do, is there any product I could put on that would protect from UV exposure? I've seen things for car dashes--has anyone ever tried them?

For most boat components, I use "Aerospace Protectant 303 (SPF 40), however, nothing will beat a cover for your tramp.

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Happy Sailing,

David

Where would I find this elixir?

I use to get mine from "Boater's World" before the store in my area closed down but "the jewlry store," oh, I mean "West Marine" carries it as well.

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Happy Sailing,

David

Any UV type product you spray on will likely make your tramp very slippery. No fun when you are hiking out.

A point well made. One of the reasons I cover my tramp when storing, especially since it is mesh.

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Happy Sailing,

David

I don't believe 303 is like Amorall. It does not leave that slippery residue.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Yep, it leaves a film. Put some on my beach wheels on Monday and they’re still shiny and a little moist. Maybe on something more porous. Also, know that the instructions say to wipe it off after applying. At $12.00 a pint, I don't think so.

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Happy Sailing,

David

You can buy the Aerospace Protectorant at Auto Supply stores, such as Auto Zone. I use it all the time on the vinyl top of my convertible. It really works if you remember to apply it regularily, like once a month. My top still looks like new and my car is 7 years old now.

But I use a tramp cover for my Hobie. Why don't you want to use a cover?

I guess I don't want to use the cover because it would be one more thing to leave down on the beach and attract people, as well as one more thing to take off/put on before and after sailing. Not a real good reason I know...

You don't need an expensive Hobie tramp cover. For years I have used an $8 tarp and two bungies that no one is interested in taking.

I use the cover sold by Hobie for my H16 which sits on a public beach all season. This is the third year for this cover, I have made a couple small repairs to it but it is still in pretty good shape. The cover not only protects the tramp but the entire boat which in my mind is worth every ounce of the cost and effort of taking it off and on, which I do an average of 30 to 40 times each season. My boat has never had any people messing with it while sitting there. Other boats do have problems at times. My wife and I believe the cover somehow helps to keep people from messing with it. And the biggest advantage is everytime anyone looks at our boat I always get the question of how do I keep it looking new?! The only thing I do is keep it covered, period. Our boat is right by the local beach volleyball court which a DIRT BOWL and all the other boats are a filthy except ours. I love my H16 and believe it is by far the best toy on the lake and it and all deserve a little tlc!

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387