I just finished a new trampoline storage bag for distance racing. We've always used a bag like this mounted at the back of the trampoline by the rear beam and the one Frank bought yeeeaars ago is about to bite the dust. I've recently acquired an industrial sewing machine and this is the first project. I'm really happy with how it came out - I was expecting a lot more trouble with my first go.

The primary purpose of this bag is to store two kayak paddle halves. It will also keep some water and other provisions, charts, flares, etc. I've also been struggling with placement of my phone when using the tracking feature for races and Bonnie came up with the idea to incorporate a pocket in the top of the bag for the phone.

I made this bag as narrow as possible but still leaving easy room to get the paddles in. It will only protrude from the rear beam by about 7". Tie down straps are incorporated and either line up with existing grommets in the trampoline or will tie to the side and rear tramp lacing with short lines.

I did, however, forget to sew on my "GRG - Canvas Division" patch, though! I'll have to see if I can still get that in the machine to get it on there.

DSC_4098 by Green Room Graphics, on Flickr

DSC_4103 by Green Room Graphics, on Flickr

DSC_4101 by Green Room Graphics, on Flickr

20150120_190212 by Green Room Graphics, on Flickr

Very nice.

If this is your first go, then maybe start another career?

It's a consideration...the local go-to guy (artist, really) for canvas, sail, and trampoline work just retired (that's where I got some of my equipment). It's fun to do and I'm considering doing some of it as a business. The problem is that I'm already way too busy with a full time day job and the full time home graphics business...and the office that I built two years ago is nearly out of space again.

what kinda machine? a phaff?

ps why would you put the weight on the rear beam and not the front beam area?

It's a Reliable MSK-146b...which is essentially a Sailrite Professional or Consew 146 (they all use the same frame).

There's really not a better place to store something like a kayak paddle and I'm usually an optimist and hoping that the weather will require an "all hands to the back!" mode of sailing.

But, we do take that into consideration and if it is expected to be a light day, we'll move most of the water to the front pocket on the trampoline. The water in this bag is really just a backup since we're usually wearing camel-backs anyway....so there's not that much of it. The other items aren't that heavy and we can always move a little further forward on the boat. As far as the alternative, I would hate to be double trapped at the back of the bus on a monster reach wishing that I hadn't put all of that weight up front - that would be far worse, IMHO.

All makes sense to me - and i didn't remember that your boats are set up for pure racing, and mine is set up for maximizing island hopping and rum consumption

NICE! i almost bought a similar one a few years ago but couldn't justify the costs

Someone posted just that very thing when you built it, didn't they?

Something about "you never say I wish I'd built that thing smaller"..

And I have a mosquito screen/hatch cover project to discuss with you. My Rube Goldberg version works, but could use an upgrade to a professionally sewed setup..

mental note: duct tape doesn't stick to fiberglass mosquito screen nearly as well as I'd hoped...

Hah...yeah. I'm working on learning snaps so, yeah, lets talk.

That might've been me.

Nope. Orphan said it.

haha...yeah, my buddy Tim's been saying it since the day we moved in. My neighbor's house next door is for sale and has me going "hmmmm.". Running my business out of a building my back yard is one thing but the zoning folks might get a little weird if I bought that property for that purpose.

Just make it look like a house, or keepvthe house and gut it, making it into more work space

That's the (incredibly informal) thought. I mean, leave the kitchen and stuff but gut the rooms and convert them to a specific operation. It has a decent 1.5 story 24x24 detatched garage in the back that would be good for raw material storage.