I have an old 14' Caper Cat. I put my knee through the trampoline the other day, and it is pretty far gone.
The existing mat, and most that I have seen, are like a jumping Trampoline -- a mesh, which lets the water in and out. The trouble is that if a third person is sitting on the mat they get very wet from the splash. I am thinking about using a waterproof material instead of the porous mat.
The mat is in two pieces, with a big gap down the middle, which I would expect to allow them to drain pretty well. And most of the incoming water comes up through the mat rather than up over the bar.
But I wonder if that is actually a good idea. Have people had experience with similar?
Also, pointers as to where to get a mat. We are on the Sunshine Coast.
The mesh is designed to let water through..so you dont go under..and minimize the extent that wind gets caught under the tramp and flips you over.
Thats my understanding anyway.
I have a Nacra. Arent thry based on Brisbane?
I replaced my two piece tramp with a one piece and that has reduced some splash through and I managed better tension. I own a wind rush 14.
I used mander sails (Brisbane) and they had the dimentions on hand. Added two pockets and a batton. I'm very happy with the fit and finish after 1yr so far. They were also happy to post
I had a Hobbie 18, I kept the 2 piece tramp but had it made from heavy duty UV resistant truck tarp and I got it made by a truck outfitter, was the best deal I could get and I kept it for years. Having it in 2 pieces was good for drainage and foot grip,
Suggestion, talk to your local sailmaker. They will use the correct material, UV stabilized and cut so it fits.
All mine for when was sailing OTB cats were made by sailmakers. If you get the cut wrong it will look like crap, stretch the wrong way and never fit properly.
Gap down the middle is so you can lash it together tightly, the water drain is just a bonus.
Suggestion ..... talk to the experts.
How do you get a one piece on and then tight?
Must be some different binding than a Caper. The Caper has mast material on three sides of the the trampoline and the tramp gets threaded through just like a sail. Each tarp is held on two sides by the mast, the others being rope or shock cord.
I was a bit unsure at first when I ordered too. I threaded along the track near the mast, then threaded both the sides. The mat has just enough stretch then you tension with the lacing at the rear. I think it depends on how the material is cut too. It all went on very easy didn't have to fight it. My tramp came with foot straps too- I find them better then using the two piece gap to get a footing
Get your sailmaker to make one out of ferrari cloth - comfortable and last forever.
