I'm currently restoring a very old Tornado (think it's a 25-30 year old White) and I now am looking for a suitable trampoline. I've checked internet carefully but haven't found what I'm looking for : a hobie 16 like trampoline, where it is possible to tighten the 2 halfs with a piece of line in the centre.
Also I'm trying to restore the condition of the aluminium mast.
Does anybody have any suggestions ?
Thnx
Maarten
The trampoline system you are describing went out of fashion a long time ago in the Tornado class. You can either build one yourself (quite an easy project) or have a sailmaker do it. I dont think you will find a usable one on the used market.
Why dont you want a more modern trampoline?
For the mast, clean it, check all fittings and replace bad fittings/rivets/wire, then go out and sail the boat.
side laced trampolines are all the rage now!
side lacing gives you a nice place to stick your heel and push off when you trap.
It's a real pain in the back and legs to tighten a center laced tramp on a 10 ft wide boat.
If your boat already has tracks, have them build one that laces up one side. Red Head built them at one point.
Anouther alternative is a bias cut that tightens up from the rear.
For a side lace tramp on a boat with tracks, you can put sail slugs in the tracks and lace the tramp to the slugs.
I have not found anything easier to maintain than a side lace tramp. Plus with a side lace tramp you can attach the jib leads directly to the tramp.
Thnx y'all for the advice. I'm looking for a side laced tramp now. But what I meant with cleaning up the mast : how can I restore the condition of the aluminium ? Is that a possiblity or do I have to look out for a new mast (nowadays very cheap with all the carbons)