Hi Everyone,
I have an H16 and noticed that some of the gromets that run along the center of my tramp are separating from the vinyl material. Is there any measures I can take to get a little more mileage out of this tramp before having to replace it?

It's pretty heavy vinyl, how do I sew things on it??

if the grommets are coming out, its a good sign for a new tramp.

u may be able to get more use out of it, but the consequences for being wrong could be severe (i.e. it ripping on you while stepping a mast... then falling into the trailer below, or things seem to break when under the most stress and worst times... i.e. it coming apart on you after crashing through a large wave...).


heavy duty vinyl (and even mesh) usually requires an industrial strength sewing machine. no home machine can handle it (that i ever heard of).

you can replace the grommets with bigger grommets. i have a grommet punch. and i dont really suggest waht im suggesting.
I ripped my hiking strap. I too have some heavy vinyl. i think i can hand sew it dont you andrew?

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Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
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i think i can hand sew it dont you andrew?

I am no expert in sewing, but i strongly advise you get a mail order bride or similar. i had a latvian last oct that did a bolt rope repair (by hand) so we could race (the only race i do is the bob barton race for cancer). She used my crappy whipping needles and thread... and that repair will out live cockroaches.

kidding aside,
i would presume with the strong enough needle and one of those leather palm protectors (with a spot to push a needle through line/sails) you could do it...

but just like the grommets working out of a tramp.. i would think that you could get more use of the hiking strap but if it has failed once, why wont it again? time to spend the $25 for a set of new ones (i get them from sunrise for that cost) vs... the possible damage to your cat when the strap breaks and you fall off

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the possible damage to your cat when the strap breaks and you fall off

thats exactly what happened


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Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
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There's a sewing machine sailrite sells that will do it. Either their zigzag or straight models will do, even the "unmodified" lots cheaper versions will sew it. The machines are also sold in australia and NZ under a different name, shipping may be cheaper that way depending on where you are located. Its a sort of "semi industrial" built like a tank.

Have her take some penicillin.....

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David
Memphis, TN
'84 Hobie 18
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