...to replace the worn out one on the front of Little Cat. I sourced the same original material from SailRite (so that it matches the trampoline on the back of the boat) and made it up using the "how to" video at SailRite as a guide. I ordered the dacron trampoline fabric and the ShelterRite PVC seaming/reinforcing material from SailRite, and the brass grommets and grommet tool from Duckworks.
The new tramp ended up costing less than half the cheapest quote to have it made. On larger boats the cost would scale giving much bigger savings - labor intensive but well worth it.
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| Measuring and cutting 5" strips of the ShelterRite seaming material |
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| Done |
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| Gluing two of the PVC strips together for the long sides of the tramp with HH66 PVC glue |
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| Measuring and cutting the dacron trampoline material |
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| The PVC seam is pre-folded and test fitted |
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| Double-sided basting tape is applied to hold seams in place |
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| Seams are folded-up and ready for the sailmaker's sewing machine |
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| Back from Starbuck Canvas all sewn up with UV resistant goretex thread |
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| Making 1/2" holes for the grommets with a $7 tool/kit from the Home Depot |
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| Fitting the special brass spur grommets using the tool from Duckworks (also available from SailRite) |
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| ...and hit with big hammer (note cat helping) |
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| Ready to go |
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| Installed - looks like a bought one! |
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| ...and back in action |
The new tramp ended up costing less than half the cheapest quote to have it made. On larger boats the cost would scale giving much bigger savings - labor intensive but well worth it.
The tramp looks great! Nice step-by-step photos as well. :)
ReplyDeleteNice work! If you picked up an old sewing machine, mine is a 1937 Singer and was free, all your future projects will be even cheaper! I've built every thing from a sail covers to sails with my 76 year OLD Singer!! Just always use sharp needles. Oh and you don't really need the zig-zag, just an extra row of straight will do the same.
ReplyDeleteHi Edward,
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love one of those old sewing machines - I will have to keep and eye out.
When you look for an older sewing machine make sure to look close and find one with metal gears. I'm not sure when, but Singer started using plastic gears which have a short life. I remember replacing one in my mothers machine back in the late 1980s. Maybe the commercial machines are all metal but I don't think you'll find one of those cheap looking at SailRites asking price:)
DeleteMy guess is they switched to plastic so they would not last so long:) Not much need for a repeat customer when the machine is still going strong after 76 years!!
Take care
Edward
Hi Edward,
DeleteThanks for the info.
Way to go. Enjoyed the post. Just wanted to ask, how long will the tramp last and do you keep it covered in port. Thanks for the share.
ReplyDeleteHi Herb,
DeleteIt was launched in 2009, so 4-odd years for the last one. I don't cover the tramp - would make it last longer for sure.
Hi Roger, your trampolin looks great. TikiRio needs one like this...How much, one for me? Here in Brazil we don't have this dacron trampoline material.
ReplyDeleteHi Rogerio,
ReplyDeleteSend me a message on my Wharram Builders and Friends page, and we can discuss it.
Cheers,
Roger