AlohaDan wrote:
Interested in that paddling test and ability to fold tramps back.
Folded back can they still carry some load like 50-100 lbs?
"Folding is problematic - there is a solid fiberglass pole in the seam on the back side of tramp - the straps and buckles that connect to the rear aka are affixed to it. It is somewhat flexible, but definitely doesn't fold.
What I was thinking is that with the first buckle undone there might be enough slack to allow paddling canoe style along the hull - but not kayak paddling.
But ... you got me to thinking ... if you were to replace the solid pole with a shock corded two piece pole ... you could unbuckle the first two straps and pull the pole apart and "fold" back the half of the rear of the tramp, opening up a triangle of space for paddling, or climbing aboard the kayak from the water.
It still wouldn't give enough space or kayak paddling, but it would allow fairly easy canoe paddling. I wouldn't count on the tramp having significant carrying capacity while folded - the remaining buckles would be strained much nearer to their failure point.
reconlon wrote:
Also could you try unhooking the outside half of the trampolines? I made a single fishing trampoline that is half as wide and can paddle in over the top of it fine. if that would work with the Hobie one, that would be great.
I don't think the geometry would work out right. You can't fold either the front or back with the stock tramp. With the modification that Dan inspired you could fold back the rear portion, but that would only open up a small triangle of space - mostly where you don't need it.
The front of the trampoline is a sleeve that the front aka fits through. So you couldn't fold it without "folding" the aka.
It wouldn't be too hard to modify the tramp to only cover half the width, but you couldn't change that on the fly.
mmiller wrote:
250 lbs...? Dry land too? You want a job in Hobie R&D? That is some of the stuff we do to products here.
That would be great! Do you have a Lake Erie Research Center yet? I'm a complete newbie to sailing ... but I am an expert at breaking things!
Quote:
Reality is that the ama would sink had you done that on the water, but I am impressed at the strength of the system!
The straps and buckles are a replaceable part. # 79527201 Web Buckle Assy. Stretch the tramp so you can pull one end of the rod out, then slide far enough out to replace the broken one.
Good to know. I have a plethora of replacement buckles and webbing, but it would be a fine idea to stock up on the correct parts.