Hey everyone! I have interest in a 1972 Aquacat, but the trampoline on it is WAY gone. Theres a large hole in the side, and although I'm sure it would last a few sails, I would rather not test it out (if I got it.) So, I wanna ask, whats the feasibility in creating a new trampoline, custom to make it cheaper? I don't exactly have much money, so a new custom tramp is out of the question.
My dad knows how to weave nylon (I believe) for lawn chairs; could I use this knowledge to create a netting for the catamaran, or would I need something else? Where can I get a good material?
Oh, and while I'm at it, do any of yall know if 600 for a (decent condition) Aquacat is a good deal? I have nothing to go on, so I was hoping so.
Thanks a bunch, everyone!
As someone who spent the last 6 months researching and finally buying a cat, I would say any boat with strong holes and good sails and complete parts would be worth 600 if it came with a road worthy trailer. Remember to check how much normal things cost to replace - sails, tramp, etc. I think you could find a H14 in your price range that may work as well. Be patient, you'll find what you are looking for. What part of the country are you in? If you are in Texas, I can get you a list of links to scour the market with.
Oh yeah, my budget started at 500 then went to 3k. at 1500 you can pick and choose between alot of good boats.
I made my own tramp, it is detailed in an earlier thread
http://www.catsailor.com/forums/sho...
Thanks for the replies, guys. The boat itself is in great shape; the shells are very strong, and theres very little flex in the boat itself. The sail looks fine (it felt strong, at least) and it has all the little things, including a road worty trailer with new wheels and bearings. The only real thing it needs is a trampoline, and those look to be quite expensive (he pulled the price down to 500, he's been trying to sell it for half a year), so a new trampoline could easily add half the cost of the boat to itself.
I'm guessing that using the lawn chair webbing is a bad idea, because it needs holes in the pipes. Would it be a good idea instead to create a "trampoline" somewhat akin to this, where it's attached to the poles via loops, or would that not be strong enough? I plan to be gentle on the boat, and not jump, so I pretty much just need something to sit on.
Go ahead and get a real tramp. There are certain things you just don't want to go cheap on.
Here's a web page for an Aqua Cat tramp.....if you change your mind and decide to go that route
.....just remember, this is (one of) the part(s) that makes or breaks your day sailing.....
These guys do excellent work by the way.
https:/