I've got an older Nacra 5.2, with the shin-knocking tube that runs down the length of the tramp's center.

Near as I can tell, it is there for foot support, rather than structural support.

It's been a great boat but the tramp is now trash.

The question is, when I replace the tramp, should I get rid of that center tube and get a tramp w/o the center tube pocket or leave it and get the older style tramp???

What are the benefits and problems of getting rid of the center tube????

Also while I'm asking, does anyone have a line on a Nacra 5.2 replacement tramp that won't cost me an arm and a leg???

Tom <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

IMHO I would keep the bar in place. It took some getting used to, but I have learned to like the bar. It has prevented several capsizes.
On the other hand, if you really want to get rid of it, many 5.2 owner do. You will have to add throughbolts to the front (main) beam straps. The only reason for the bar is to keep the front beam from rotating under load. I know there are a couple of current or previous 5.2 sailors who have removed the beam. You would have to ask them how many bolts and what size to put through the mainbeam straps. I still vote for keeping it. It's just a way of your boat showing how much it loves you by bruising your knees and shins. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

New ones always cost an arm and a leg. But what choice do you have? If you have a sailmaker or upholstry shop, I suppose you could take your chances.

Sunrise Brand tramp

GARY

I have a 5.2 also that I restored. I removed the center bar so that I would not get use to it in case I moved to another kind of cat. No other cat has one. The people that have not removed the bar loves it. They get use to using it and I did not want to get into that habit.

If you do remove it all you have to do is put a couple of rivets into each of the front bar hold down straps. I removed the front bar mount but left the rear bar mount. I do have a habit of putting my foot on that to steady my self.

If you click on th it will take you to other pics of the 5.2

I love my center bar, when you lift the hull really high just goofing around you can just stand on it. Granted it is probably a disadvantage at times but I would hate to be without it.

I intend to retro fit this to both of my boats next time tramps are off. On my PT there was a rib through centre under the tramp and I often used it to stay stable on the tramp when I was inboard, reaching and flying a hull. Saved me many times from slipping off tramp or going over.