Solid has a major downside, it allows air to get trapped underneath which makes flipping easier and righting harder. I have flipped my H14 over backwards twice now tacking in 20+ kts, 4' waves and getting airborne enough to scoop air under the solid tramp. Combined with my weight in the stern it goes downhill real fast. For this reason I suggest the mesh tramp on a 14 or a 16. On an 18 or a 20 it won't make difference.