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PostPosted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 11:50 am 
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Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2004 12:36 pm
Posts: 788
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Matt - I'm thinking about replacing the trampoline on my 2000 H17Sport, but would like to have a second set of centerline grommets factory installed. I had that done to my current trampoline locally, but the boat cover shop I had it done had great difficulty installing the additional grommets.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures/?g2_itemId=61752

Question: Can I custome order a trampoline from Hobie with the extra centerline grommets installed :?:

thanks


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:45 am 
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Joined: Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:45 pm
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Location: Northfield Minnesota
Any canvas shop should be able to do it. My last three or four boats I've had grommets installed and reinforcement patches sewn in. If you take the tramp to them vs getting it from the factory you can mark exactly where you want them, then there is zero confusion on where they need to go.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:25 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
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Location: Oceanside, California
Not something we normally offer to do. As suggested, a loft or upholstery shop job.

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Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:52 am 
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Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Thanks, I'll try and find another canvas shop locally. The one I previously went to refuses to do another.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:41 pm 
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Location: Jersey Shore
Hobie makes a "double grommet" kit. I've used this before and the process is straight forward and works reasonably well. I double grommeted my tramp probably 10 years ago and the grommets have held up fine. It would certainly be the cheapest route.

sm


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:13 pm 
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Location: Oceanside, California
Off the shelf at the moment (not being shipped)... the cutting tools are too small.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
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Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 4:47 pm 
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Location: Jersey Shore
McMaster Carr has a similar (the same?) kit available.

Scroll to the MIL Spec Grommet Kits.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#two-piece-grommets/=la3ooq

sm


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PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:15 pm 
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Location: Northfield Minnesota
The dies and the mandrels for doing grommets are pretty spendy to do them well.
I use three different sizes, (can't remember which though) and I figured it was going to cost me about $400 to do the first tramp. :lol: Plus, I'd have to get a good sewing machine to put on renforcement patches when they go someplace that isn't doubled up already like in the middle, another $7-800. :lol:

Yeah, just pay someone $20 to do it locally.


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PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:31 pm 
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Location: Jersey Shore
The mcmaster kit is about $20 and includes the hole punch, dies, and grommets. You punch out the holes and set the grommets using the supplied tools with a hammer, same as the Hobie kit. No need to reinforce the center of a Hobie tramp, the material is already doubled over and welded along the perimeter of the tramp.

sm


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PostPosted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 5:40 am 
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Joined: Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:58 pm
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Location: SE Michigan / NE Indiana
FWIW, we were able to successfully install grommets on a tramp while it was still on the boat.

First we reduced tension on the tramp so it wouldn't rip (might not be necessary, but wanted to be safe).

Sewing the reinforcement patch was a bit of a PITA. It was a two-person job. We had to put the boat on the side and used a sewing awl from one side while the guy on the other side fed in the line for the lock stitches. A very low-tech but cheap and effective sewing machine. Awl kits can easily be found on eBay or specialists such as Sailrite ( link here ). Use some high-grade polyester thread for durability.

Next step was to build up a solid base under the tramp to support the die so it was pressing up slightly against the tramp - couple concrete blocks and a chunk of 2x4 or two did the trick. Solid hit with the punch and the hole was done. Inserted the grommet halves into the die and punch and then sealed them home.

Took us about 90 minutes the first time (about 70 of it screwing around with the reinforcement patch. I'd guess we could do it in 30-40 minutes if we had to do it again). Setting the grommet itself was quick and painless.

If the awl is $15 including shipping and the grommet kit another $20, it seems to me to be an approachable DIY job.

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'88 H18 Jolly Mon
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PostPosted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 2:27 pm 
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Location: Lake Gaston, NC
It's pretty easy to do with the right tools, or a PIA with cheap tools. The big leather mallet, and proper cutting pad underneath make it go easily, and quickly. Any Good canvas company should be able to do it for a reasonable cost.


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