What is the best material for trampoline lacing? On my old boat I used 1/2" tubular nylon webbing which was good in that it laid flat. My new (used) boat came with 3/8 shock cord that seems good because of its self tightening properties. I plan to do some racing so the performance characteristics are more important to me than comfort or convenience. Thank you for your help.
Alan M
I have used both materials you describe over my years with the H16. I live at high altitude, and the sun on a bungee cord lacing, together with water exposure, shortens the life of a bungee system to one season for me, even when the tramp is covered between use. Also, super tension on the 3/8
bungee seemed to reduce its useful life for me. I suppose salt water would to the same thing, but I have no experience.
I also wonder whether the shock cord system REALLY makes the boat tighter because when a full crew/skipper is on my tramp, it stretches the bungees. Unless you get them really tight, the tramp will sag a little in use, which would seem to cause dynamic changes to the system.
I have returned to a 1/2
line system and had both of my tramps double grommetted. With extra care in tightening this line, it makes the best tramp tension for me. I also noticed subtle handling improvements which I attribute to the tightening of the whole hull--tramp alignment.
I will be interested in other views from other H16 sailors. JDB
I just replaced my lacing and used static climbing rope (9mm), but I am not sure I am happy with it because when it gets wet it stretches. Hobie sells tramp lacing, but I don't know anything about its characteristics. I bet it doesn/t stretch as much when wet.
Greg,
H14,H16
I use 1/4 dacron on my Hobie 14 tramps and it seems to hold up fine. The tramps are nice and tight. I'd recommend replacing tramp lacing line every 3-5 years or whenever it starts to wear, break down, or chafe.