I have hemmed and hawed since the first time I took my getaway out about taking off the front tramp. I know its a "feature" of this boat, but after many years of owning cats without one it just seemed to be in the way more than it was useful. I finally removed it and I dont see it going back on unless I try some long distance/camp sailing.
I cant get over how much easier everything was to do once it was off. Rigging, getting the boat on/off the trailer & moving the boat around particularly with beach wheels was far easier and quicker to do. Many things that I had to have help with, or really struggled with are now easily done solo. I have to say it was also nice to clearly see what the bows were doing while underway.
I will say I mostly sail 2 up or solo. The times I have had 3 or more on board, none were small or light, so using the front tramp was limited to light air only. As soon as any wind would come up, I had to move everyone on to the main tramp/wings to keep the bows from burying.
_________________ 2004 Getaway with wings
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