They do look cool.
Brings up another question in addition to the one above about left & right sides.
Just how much stress will our carbon/fiberglass masts take?
In stiff wind I have always had more fear about my mast breaking than I was about tipping over. Now if one hikes out onto a tramp you have obviously reduced heeling and the mast and sail are literally forced up into wind. One normally reefs when tha lee ama becomes buried, with the tramp you could minimize the "buried ama" and increase your speed - but is that asking the mast to do too much?
Or, asked a diffent way. Would an Island always tip/capsize/heel over before a mast breaking event occured, and how much does hiking out change this balance? Does Hobie consider hiking out on the tramp an approved use of the Island?
I know our AI owners in Hawaii routinely venture out in 25+knt winds and I have read of no mast breaking. Is our mast really close to unbreakable and my concerns unfounded?
I'd like to push the boats limits but seek info from engineers and experienced users.
One minor detriment of the tramps may be if you are in and out of the boat frequently - the tramps are in the way. My normal boat entry consists of climbing over the extended aft starboard aka arm and easily sitting in the boat with the hull beside me.
Is it easy to put a tramp on or off while on the water?
(assuming of course it is already rolled around the front aka)
Hobie has added a whole new dimension to the Island with these tramps. I love the fact that they continue to improve and accesorize an already fantastic boat. Rock on.