I am working on my new trampoline for a Hobie 16 and it is time to come up with some good idea how to attach the hiking straps. The old trampoline is a 20-year-old orig. Hobie tramp made out of vinyl. This tramp functioned as a template. The new one is made from Permatron mesh – it is in one piece with loops of webbing replacing the original grommets for the rear lacing.
On the old vinyl tramp the hiking straps were restitched at least twice over its lifespan.
Besides the need for restiching I always had two issues with the stock tramp/hiking strap layout …
*It was always difficult to get my feet in the loops especially when the feet were in booties. Getting my feet in typically required me to lift up the loops slightly and stick the feet in. Now I am looking for a hand free version of geting my feet in and out.
*Hiking out always put quiet a load on the straps and especially in the area where the strap was stitched to the trampoline. This is an area where lots of tramps fail (grommets rip out - is probably an other commoen cause of tramp death) I am looking for some type of attachment that causes less stress to the tramp fabric.

Is there any way to attach the hiking straps to the tramp to avoid these issues? I would be thankful for any kind of idea, drawing, picture – aftermarket tramp, different type of cat, boat, whatever works.

Thanks,

Patrick