MMM Ok, I don't know how we got from trampolines to halyards but, back to the tramp...Secrets that I learned from top competitive racers in my day. This is for H-16 owners only. Hope it helps.
FIRST: DO NOT USE shockcord for the Tramp on a 16. Your best performance is realized when the entire boat responds as a SINGLE unit. On a 16 the only thing that makes the boat a single unit is a TIGHT TRAMP (not the same as my drunk girlfriend  ) Use the largest diameter, low stretch, line that you can get. At least 3/8, but no larger than 1/2 is good. Halyard line that is non-absorbent is a great choice. (A dry-boat is a fast boat and soaking wet lacing weighs a lot more than you would imagine)
(See http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sblid=ln13 for some FANTASTIC closeout pricing on STA-set X Lite Spectra Braid )
Why tight: The 16 tramp floats above the boat on stanchions where other models have the cross bars connected DIRECTLY to the decks. On the 16, the tramp is a big, floating, unstable square that gets it's stability from the tramp. (A 2 piece tramp divided corner to corner, with diagonal lacing would be awesome)
Recommended upgrade: install DOUBLE the number of grommets down the center. A canvas shop can do it for you. Lace it up criss-cross, just like your sneakers (that is if you wear pre-velcro sneakers that don't look like fairy-boots  ) If you double the grommets you will need two 2O foot lines, if you don't, you will only need one. Always buy about 3-4 feet more line than you think you will need.
How to get a tight tramp: (I was going to say "booze and cigarettes", but I won't  ) This is easy. Really. You will need two Vise-Grips (real Vise Grips, not the cheap things from the dollar store made in China ) . You will also need a friend to help (and beer to make you strong  )
1) Tie off your line, thread it through the first TWO grommets.
2) PULL the long end back towards the first grommet. You can get great leverage by putting a foot up on the cross bar (when you do the back lacing) or side bar (when you do the center lacing) and leaning back.
3) Keep pulling-pressure on the line and have your friend clamp a vise grip on your side of the grommet. NOTE: Clamp it tight- push down so that the jaws are RIGHT NEXT to the grommet so that the line stays tight and doesn't slip back.
4) Leave Vise-Grip #1 clamped while you thread the line through the next TWO grommets.
5) Pull tight again and put the second Vise Grip on the line, next to the new grommet as before.
6) Now that the second grip is on, You may now release the first Vise Grip. Thread through the next two grommets, pull, clamp, release last clamp and continue the process.
7) Stop for beer as necessary.
Testing for tightness: With the boat resting on the ground or trailer, lift one hull at the bow, the OTHER hull should lift simultaneously with very little "play". If you lift one hull more than an inch before the other hull lifts, it is not tight enough. Get more beer.
READ THIS ->IMPORTANT: Too tight will rip grommets out but You should see the material give as you see in the photos posted by JaimeZXv.2. If I am not mistaken the tramp in that picture is mesh-tramp with reinforced edges. A grown person can pull the line as tight as needed without any other mechanical leverage (WEAR GLOVES!!).
Keep your diapers on and your weight aft- at the first sign of storm we sail!!
|
The boat's packed up for a regatta this weekend & I won't have Internet access until I get home late Sunday night.