Hi Bob,

I'll take some pictures of the front tramp fitting, that
basically is a turned plug that you insert into a hollow
tube and screw a 1/2" bolt into bridal (instead of a pin).

Does it help "stiffen" the hulls. Yeah Mannn (a little Bob
Marley myself ...), big time.

In fact, I've got no gelcoat stress cracks anywhere with
the front bar in place. And, with the load being distributed
I find myself alot more agressive hacking into the waves.

I'm going to ask Yves to cut into the tramp when I put my
spin on (in case I sell the boat in the future), but
I'll for sure end up with the tramp off, front beam on,
and chute somehow in between this summer.

A big however --- I had once had a friend along, who
was drop dead beautiful in her small bikini (old Bob M
would have been pretty proud), please frame a picture
of a beautiful girl lazing on the front tramp while the
two of us were sipping wine sailing in light winds.

-- Yup the front tramp does have some merit after all --

I'll send you pictures of the install (in a about three
weeks after I get the boat together), if you need.

Best Regards

Steve

PS There are some great pictures from Michel on the front
tramp hardware in the Yahoo Mystere Groups (photo section).
And you can see how my kids kinda hang out on light days
with the tramp on (See my Steve Photo's).