Hobie Tramp Questions (vs aftermarket too)

So, I need a new tramp and I have some questions:

1) Why are hobie tramps considered so much better... is it just becuase of Heat Welding?
2) What are hobie tramps made of vs. aftermarket tramps, and what exactly does heat welding do as opposed to stitching?
3) Are there any aftermarket tramps that are as good as hobie ones?
4) Are mesh and vinyl tramps both heat welded?
5) Will both mesh and vinyl hold up just as good as the other?
6) Could Mesh aftermarket tramps be better than vinyl ones, and vice versa?

Thanks already for everyones help!!!

I posted cause I couldn't find all these answers from just searching the forums!!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

Easy answer,buy the Hobie mesh you will not be disappointed.

This quote from you: sums it up pretty well.

Both types "Mesh" and "Vinyl" are Vinyl material. It is possible that the solid vinyl would last longer, but I have no data to support that.

Heat welding is superior to stitching because it is a better bond between the parts and there is no stitching to fail. Stitching causes small holes in the material too which will weaken it.

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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 still see (and have used) what appear to be original vinyl tramps on 25 year old boats. Hard to argue with that for longevity. I also have an aftermarket stitched mesh which is still going strong after two seasons. Woo Hoo! They put the pockets outboard on the aftermarket tramp making them mostly useless since that is where the crew sits. A few years ago I bought an aftermarket mesh from a guy in Florida who must have been drunk when he made it. The grommets were all over the place with none in the critical corners. Buyer beware.

No kidding, the boat I got this fall still has the original tramp.... and it si 29 years old... and it finally needs replacing after I sailed the heck out of that boat until it was too cold out!!

I am thinking of getting a mesh tramp, but I do want to be sure that it will last as long (or at least close to as long) as if I got regular vinyl tramp.

Thanks Everyone!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

The material is different too, at least on the mesh. If you look closely at the Hobie mesh tramps each strand looks like one solid piece. The aftermarket tramps you can see the separate strands.

j

On my H-18's each stock tramp I had lasted 5+ years. I tried one of the aftermarket ones didn't last a whole season. No question which one I'd buy.

I had mesh and solid. Liked both but given the choice I liked the mesh better.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Try looking at your question from another angle. Instead of eliciting responses in favor of Hobie tramps try searching the forum for responses in favor of after-market tramps.

Every time I buy something for the boat I repeat to myself, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Hobie products are well made, fit properly, and the company stands behind them, and in the long run they are less expensive.

Monofilament will definitely last longer than a weave. I guess what everyone is saying here is that you ultimately get what you pay for. If you are keeping the boat, max out your budget. If you think you will upgrade to another boat in the near term, go cheapest.

What can you tell me about this? Is it heat welded etc? Good Tramp (actually a hobie tramp?)? It is on the beachcats classifieds right now.

Thanks!!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

I believe that is a Hobie brand heat welded black mesh trampoline. Looks to be in good shape. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

It does appear to be a Hobie heat welded tramp, but probably about 10 years old. In the past ten years, they've been putting a half-twist in the hiking straps to make them stand up from the tramp a bit (makes it easier to jam your foot underneath them).

Well, I just bought it... the guy said it was rarely used and always kept inside... unfortunatly now I have to wait probably 6 months before I can use it... oh how nice it would be to live somewhere warm...

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

Also, thanks so much for everyones help!!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

But you have some of the best ice sailing available in Wisconsin. Catamarans blow away all monohull sailboats during the summer, but you can still get your speed thrills with ice boats that go 3-5 times faster than the wind....from 60 mph to 100 mph. The DN class ice boats are relatively cheap as well.