It is about time for a new tramp and although I do not mind the brace down the center between the beams, it sure would be nice to have the additional room on the tramp.

I have read on previous posts that putting a rivit or two through the stainless retaining strap would take care of any beam rotation. (What about a couple of small stainless bolts?) Has anyone done it this way. Does the bar actually add to the stiffness of the boat? How did the factory work around the bar on the newer 5.2's.

I am planning on making my own tramp. I have made several sunbrella projects such as boat covers, main sail covers, jib snokle, etc. I have a Sailrite machine and am actually looking forward to the project. I am planning on using my old tramp for a pattern and would like to add some of the storage ideas that have been in some of the previous posts. If anyone has any suggestions, I am well open to them.

Thanks
Terry

Terry,

The only purpose of that center bar was to prevent rotation of the fore and aft cross beams. Later boats (all Nacras to this day) have a large bolt that goes from the center of the beam (at each end) and threads into a brass plate in the hull.

I've heard of 5.2s successfully removing the bar and installing small stainless screws successfully - but I never did modify mine in this way. I just got used to the bar (and kind of missed it when I upgraded to my 6.0).

I kinda miss that bar too. Something to catch your feet on for that unplanned tramp surfing.

What material (fabric) do you use to make your trampoline and where do you get it?

Kris

Sailrite has a lot of stuff. Check the link below
http://secure.sailrite.com/value/it...;Cc=MESH&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

If the link does not work, go to http://www.sailrite.com/ , then select "Online Shopping". On the port side of the Shopping page, select Catagory "Fabrics". There you will find "Mesh & Netting". There, you will find "Trampoline Mesh".

Terry

I removed the bar and replaced the tramp on my 1976 5.2 and it still is together and sailing today. I initially tried to put a SS rivet thru the straps, but they got sheered off, or even worse, weakened the strap. I eventually just snugged up the beam starp and watched them closely. d dont recall them sliding out of place, but they definitely flex enough to sheer the rivet and weaken the strap.

Good Luck,
David

I spoke to someone at the nacra factory and they told me to put four rivets through each u clamp into the crossbar. So eight rivets per bar. Works great, no shearing and still stiff. He also said bolts would work just as fine if not better, it just might be better to have flush rivet heads rather than bolt heads sticking out of your cross bars.