I have a Hobie 18 and was wondering what I should buy.
Vinyl or mesh? 2 piece or 3 piece? What's a good brand?

The mesh drains water better but the vinyl keeps a lot of the splash down. The one piece looks good and will keep ropes in the boat, but when I capsize I stick my hands through the gap to get the jib sheet around the outside.

What do you guys use?

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Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
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Go to this site www.slosails.com I have always been happy with their products. Good quality materials and workmanship. I sail in South Florida and use a mesh tramp, if I sailed in a colder climate I might go for the solid tramp.

Since your questions was about the BEST trampoline I'd have to say the Hobie factory tramps from Hobie catalog. You seem to understand the advantages of solid and mesh, so it'a a personal preference. The solid ones last pretty much forever but now I think they are only available in white if that makes a difference.

If you want a good deal on a good tramp please consider my long-time advertiser Tampa Catamarans at http://www.tampacats.com/page05.html

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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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I'd go with the solid, The last time i sailed our friends H18 we noticed how much spray gets deflected by the solid tramp, especially in big waves.

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Stefan, Denmark.
H14,H16,P16,P18,SC17,N5.8
Team StaySail
http://www.staysail.eu
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Tampa has great prices. 70 some dollars cheaper than slosails. thanks for the referrals.

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Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
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I wouldn't use or recommend SLO to anyone. they never completed a project for me, never returned the tramp i sent them as a template, wouldn't return my calls etc... they have not only lost me (and my fleet) as customers, but i actively tell people not to use them (they are about the only company i actively campaign against).

they also lied to people in the industry stating"they were just to busy to do my job" and would return the tramp i sent them as a pattern

I have used Sunrise Yacht club for tramps and had amazing results

I have always had great service and quality materials and workmaship from SLOSAILS. I did see on this site that Andrew was not happy with his dealings. My father always told me "NEVER LISTEN TO ONE, AND JUDGE TWO" , another words, there are always two sides to every story.

My buddy just bought a Nacra 5.0 which is great because now my personal regatta has doubled. So I'll test drive the mesh and see how I like it.

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Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
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That all being said. Andrew is correct, based on reputation Sunrise does make some of the best trampolines out there. They are pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Regards,
Dave

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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Sunrise by far makes the best tramps. Make sure you get the UV resistant stitching, though. The only issue with them is the price--very expensive, but worth it.

However, I did get a custom made SLO Sails tramp for my Supercat 15 and I am very pleased with it. Sunrise was a few months behind in production and it was a custom job since I wanted a 3 piece Hobie like tramp. Slo was all over it and got it to me in 2 weeks. It was half the price of the Sunrise.

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My buddy just bought a Nacra 5.0 which is great because now my personal regatta has doubled. So I'll test drive the mesh and see how I like it.

Did he buy the one for sale up in Presque Isle? That looked like a nice boat.
I find that with the mesh, lots of spray comes through when you are in rough water. If you have 3-4 adults on board, double the amount!

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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Main sail marine here in Greenville SC makes a good tramp. The seams are double stiched, and then stiched over again with vinyl for sun protextion. The pockets are also bigger than the hobie factory stuff. I have a sunrise tramp on my 16 and comparing the two I have to say I prefer the main sail model. They are only available for the 18 in black mesh and in 2 piece design. They retail for $245. I highly encourage you to try them. I am not sponsored or benefit from this post at all. I am iust a very happy customer.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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+1 on SLO Sails they have provided me and others I sail with great service. I have a Hobie brand Black mesh off my H18 that was in great shape before my boat was totalled due to hull failure the tramp needs the bolt rope repaired and has 1 small tear both could be fixed very easy by a canvas shop Im selling it for $100 pictures can been seen here http://surfsidesailing.shutterfly.com/pictures/120 pm me if your interested. The tramp & mast are the only thing left for sale.