At the end of this year I will have to replace the trampoline on my Hobie. At this point I have the basic OEM solid vinyl trampoline. From reading on the web I know that there are quiet a few alternatives. At this point I do not sail in a competitive manner, which would require an original Hobie part. I sail in TX, were water temperature is tolerable most of the year (… this is why I think I might get a mesh type trampoline). What kind of reputation do the non-OEM trampolines have?
o Who has some experience with other brands / manufacturers?
o What about the stitched vs. welded types; bias cut and / or one piece vs. three piece?
o What to look for - what to avoid???

Thanks,
Patrick

my non hobie black mesh tramp from murrays has been very good for 4 years. it has one small hole dont let anybody smoke near your boat! also its more abrasive but less slippery than my vinyl tramp.

First tramp replacement since 1985?

If true, dang that is a pretty good statement for the stock OEM tramps (nearly 20 years!). I see that time and again... they last forever. Stitched ones will have to be repaired over and over again. There isn't anything better than the welded seams system we use. Only stitched parts are the hiking straps. Since the stock vinyl price is as low as other after market tramps, why not choose OEM? And they don't chew up your knees like the poly materials do.

Murrays Black Mesh $295.00

The Hobie 16 White vinyl tramp is $309.80 ($14.80 more?)
The Hobie OEM will last longer and is class legal. You can also get the Hobie OEM tramp in mesh vinyl (Black, Blue, Turquoise, Teal and in 2005, Smoke Gray) They are about a hundred bucks more and well worth it given the longevity.

Not sure if the tramp was replaced befor... It is actually only one side that is starting to to wear through. I am not sure but it looks a bit like someone used some type of cleaner that might have caused damage to the vinyl. could be also that the cat was sitting outside for an extended period of time and while the rest was covered some portion of the left side of the tramp was exposed to the weather. I will post a pic if I remember to take one. It does not look like the typical death of a tramp.

Thanks,

Patrick

I replaced my OEM vinyl tramp this year with a mesh. My knees are always bleeding from tramp rash. I'd get the OEM if I had it to do over.