I am getting ready to buy a new tramp for my 16 and was wondering if there are any advantages to the Mesh tramp over the vinyl.

I'm not sure, but I guess that the mesh vill be lighter than the vinyl.

Less spray with the vinyl which makes the mesh cooler in hot weather. I just raced with a fairly new crew who raced on a mesh boat prior to racing on a vinyl boat and she preferred the vinyl.

Ever capsized a 16 during a tack with the boat flipping backwards over its rudders? this happens when both crew are near the back of the boat and the breeze gets under the tramp!
mesh tramps stop this by letting the air through.
Mesh tramps have to be faster for the same reason.

Hmmm, had not considered that, good point. I think I am now leaning toward a mesh tramp.

I prefer the vinyl, even though I have a mesh on my 16. Only problem with getting a new vinyl one is that they only come in white. My 14 has a new white vinyl tramp and you almost want to sail with welding goggles on a bright sunny day.

Lots of people talk about the windage from a solid vs. a mesh. One of these days I'm going to take out the leaf blower and see how much wind actually goes through the mesh one. Mythbusters: Cat style. I'll need a anometer, aminominoter, anomometer...... wind speed measuring thingy. measure it out in the open, then measure it going through the tramp at varying distances. I'm sure there is less resistance, obviously there has to be, but is it enough to be that much of a difference that it would actually be a case of: boy, I mesh tramp would've saved me there!? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I'd like to see the numbers. Air viscosity makes me think there is no noticeable effect.

aestela.

My personal opinion about the Vinyl tramps was that they can get very slippery when water does get on them. In the rough conditions we often get overhere this is a serious drawback. So I preferred the mesh over the vinyl. (I used to instruct cat sailing for several years on Hobie 16's)

Wouter

Lacking serious evidence one way or the other I say that vinyl tramps are faster. The foil effect induces a lift upwards and reduces the wetted surface <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Now seriously, i have both. Vinyl better for my knee skin.

A.

I have never sailed on a cat with a mesh tramp and the reason I am buying a new tramp is because my vinyl tramp is so worn it is like sandpaper on the knees. Question: how rough on the knees is a mesh tramp?

Harsh compared to the vinyl

I've got an old vinyl tramp on the 16 and a mesh on the 18, and for me the performance difference is minimal in almost every respect.

I custom made a mesh tramp for my H16 and have noticed the abrasive characteristic. However, I now sail with my full-length cycling lycra so this is really not an issue. Actually, anything covering your knees will negate this problem. Or, if you don't care about your knees roughing-up then no problem.

Cheers,
Eric

What's the price diference like? I just bought a used boat and the tramp needs to be replaced. I don't really care what I put on it, just as long as it's functional.

Does anyone have any experience with the ones that are on ebay advertised as "New Amish Made trampoline"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hobie-Cat...sspagenameZWDVW

There have been a few threads about the Amish tramps... Do a serach on these forums.

One question? What is with the hiking strap placement on the 16 on their site? For guys with REALLY long legs? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A Hobie tramp is worth the little extra money. You get what you pay for.

I definately agree. I was not even considering buying anything but a Hobie tramp. I like the how they are welded and not sewn. I decided to go with vinyl, mostly due to the comfort factor.