Howard,

I think you have it now. Yes, when the side-rails are reversed (flared opening to stern) the trampoline is unaffected by the opening because neither extends far enough to contact each other. The advantage to this arrangement seems to be that the front part of the tramp now gets full support where it did not previously (according to the manual). However, your point is well made insofar that there is little force on the tramp up front anyway...regardless of the setup. My feeling is, if it makes no difference at the stern either way (safety issue notwithstanding), then why not orient the siderails so as to give that extra support up front. The "holding" problem Jaime is referring to is obviously a real concern, but a separate one altogether, as it is not caused, or solved by the orientation of those side-rails. Perhaps Jaime has a different tramp. But the one I have could not possibly pull out of the flared opening if the opening is oriented to the rear of the boat(contrary to the manual). The tramp simply does not extend far enough back to even touch that opening.

...I actually never thought this issue would become so verbose. I just thought I had it wrong. I appreciate the input from everybody.

Dave