Need advice on hobie vs after market vinyl tramp for hobie16

I have 1973 hobie 16 - great shape, original tramp (very old) and hobie brand (not 3rd party). If it is the original which i think it is, it's been flying for over 30 years. I finally popped through one side as the vinyl is very stiff and lost it's springy step. Anyways, it's $300 for after market and $500 for Hobie brand. I can afford both but if the after market is just as good, then why not save $200. On the other hand, why pay $300 now and another $300 soon/later if $500 for the Hobie brand will last another 30 years...and so the dilemma? Looking for posts from peeps who have gone this route - and don't say get a mesh tramp - i'm not interested in the mesh tramp options (thanks). Maybe I want to spent the $500 but need some justification - advice? Also, i you have purchased a after market vinyl, how long did it last/has it lasted? This might help.

Just had the same situation with a 1987 H16. I went with a Hobie mesh and very pleased. Everytime this question is asked everyone says the Hobie far out last the non-Hobie ones. I liked the vinyl, but Hobie only makes it in white now.

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Alfred
'87 H16 Sail 89907
If you aren't sailing on the edge, you're taking up too much room.

I just purchased a Hobie mesh tramp. I had searched the web thoroughly for different tramps and it seemed as though all aftermarket tramps were stitched. The Hobie tramp was the only one welded. I finally decided on the Hobie tramp. I feel pretty certain there are very good aftermarket tramps, but felt lilke I was getting the best value for the dollar by going with Hobie. Now, if the dang wind would blow. For 2 months now there has not been enough wind to sail on weekends where I live.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

When I bought my H16, it had a nice new (year old) replacement tramp. Three years later the stitching is worn through and I will need to pull it and have it restitched or replace the whole thing.

It would have been far better if it had been replaced with the Hobie welded tramp. If I do buy a new one, it will be from Hobie.

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1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John

I bought a pretty beat up boat that needed lots of Hobie parts so my funds were low then it came to buying the trampoline I went with a mesh aftermarket I got on ebay for $200 because thats what I could afford and I just wanted to get on the water. Also at the time I had never sailed a Hobie 16 so I had no idea how long I would be into it so how long it lasted was not a big concern at the time. I have only had it 6 months the 2 complaints I would have are it is pretty slippery when wet and no pockets for halyard lines but it was $200 so you do get what you pay for. So for now I am enjoying my boat and I can save my money to get a Hobie tramp when this one wears out. If you can afford it and know you have many years of sailing to go then get the Hobie.

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Floyd
00 Tiger
http://www.HobieFleet33.com
10 Mile Surfside, Texas
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