Here's something I discovered a couple of years ago that may help those of you that store your boats in the sun and don't want to bother with covers. A couple of years ago I bought new front and rear tramps for a G-Cat from Sunrise Yacht Products. The rear tramp I installed, and I decided to not use the front tramp for the time being. After two years, I decided to put the front tramp on and low and behold, the tramp that had been in the sun for two years still looked almost as new as the one that had never been used. That's because every 4 to 6 weeks I sprayed it with this product called "Formula 303". I used to have a convertible with a vinyl top and the car dealer told me about it. For what it's worth, it worked for me, and I sprayed it heavily on stitched areas. The only downside being it left the tramp slippery but that went away after the first use.
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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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UV damage to trampolines.
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Posted: Dec 21, 2022 - 11:08 AM
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Posted: Dec 21, 2022 - 04:54 PM
I use 303 on my bimini tops to help reseal them. I would have thought it may be slick. I had a friend that was selling his 5.2 many years ago and he sprayed the tramp with Armor All. I had forgotten (he probably didn't) he had done that and we went sailing... It was a good thing we had the bar down the middle.. I did cross the tramp very quickly...
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Scott
Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC
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Posted: Dec 21, 2022 - 05:46 PM
i slid off my cat during a jybe in a very sharky part of the gulf (I had just used sunscreen on both legs) - no one around, held onto my mainsheet and prevented a ghost ride/capsize
I have ridden bikes with and without motors all my life - you do not put slick stuff on a bike seat, and i would never on a catamaran tramp or wing - ymmv -
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Posted: Dec 21, 2022 - 09:34 PM
Yeah, it will make the tramp slippery right after you apply it but sunscreen for your skin is not a fair comparison. I gave up putting sunscreen on my body for that very same reason. I wear a long-sleeved, tight weave shirt and my legs be damned, already made that mistake. But take it from me the slippery effect on the tramp won't last long, one sail and the slippery will be mostly gone, and the UV protection will remain. I've used it for years and I know it works. No big deal to just try it, maybe just on the stitched areas because the thread (unless it's teflon) won't last as long as the polypropylene. Of course, it's better to cover but your tramp but will stay looking like new with 303, especially when you go to sell it.
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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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Posted: Dec 22, 2022 - 08:06 AM
I have and use 303 -
I would NEVER EVER EVER (EVER) use it on a trampoline
I have a tarp covering my boat - blocks 100% of the UV without any chance of ejecting skipper or crew off the boat
we used to kid around that we would apply that to everyone but (MY) boat during a skippers meeting pre race
glad it works for you, i would never (ever, ever) do that - you recommending it with the caveat that is will be slippery but mostly gone after one use is .... well let's just say - i hope no body tries this and has an issue "before" the slippery / dangerous conditions dissipate - ymmv -
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Posted: Dec 25, 2022 - 11:49 AM
My Stinkpot manual states to use 303 on all the vinyl upholstery. They specifically warn against Armour All, I have no idea if they have a commercial agreement with 303.
It works, & I don’t find it slippery. More is not better, follow the directions, wipe it dry right after application.
Years ago I used Armour All on motorcycle seats, that was a mistake.
However, for my Cats, I side with MN3. On the Nacra & Dart, I use an old tramp from the N5.7. The H18 uses a silver tarp.
I just rig an S hook on two front corners, short bungee with S hooks on the back two. It takes about 30 seconds to install after sailing. Also keeps the droppings from the purple Martin colony on my dock off the boat.
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Posted: Dec 25, 2022 - 05:04 PM
I've messed around with tarps over the years, and it always comes back to the same problem. Here in Southwest Florida, it rains so frequently in the Summer that fixing the boat cover where the water doesn't puddle on it can be time consuming at best. The idea of using an old tramp to cover your good tramp is an idea I hadn't thought of, and it makes sense because puddling will not be an issue. Now this led to another idea. As a gardener, I'm aware of shade cloth and I know it's made of polypropylene mesh just like a tramp. I also know you can get it up to 80% sun filter and you can buy it in bulk or if memory suits me, precut sections that are hemmed with grommets. Don't confuse it with frost cloth. Just wondering if anyone has ever considered this as a viable alternative?
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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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Posted: Dec 26, 2022 - 12:06 AM
I use an old tramp, but it doesn't cover some edges because you just can't stretch it. Otherwise, I just attach with some scrap bungee cord and it seems to prevent a lot of deterioration here in PA.
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Tom
NACRA 5.7 (1984 Sail 181)
Pennsylvania
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Posted: Dec 26, 2022 - 10:04 AM
I saw that the first season I used a tarp.
I used a hot nail & simply melted a few holes in the tarp. Melt as many as you need, even twenty 1/8” holes won’t affect the shading capabilities.
Edited by Edchris177 on Dec 26, 2022 - 10:11 AM.
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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
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Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Posted: Dec 28, 2022 - 09:06 AM
Oh yea, we realized the issue very quickly and laugh about it today 30 years later.
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Scott
Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC
Prindle 18-2 Mod "FrankenKitty"
Tornado Classic "Fast Furniture"
Prindle 19 "Mr. Wiggly"
Nacra 5.8 "De ja vu"
Nacra 5.0
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Tornadoes (Reg White)
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Posted: Dec 28, 2022 - 09:15 AM
I have sections of sunshade for different reasons, but have never thought about using it for trampoline shade. It would be more helpful for mitigating wind. We have same issue with big frequent rains in SE Texas. I found that the 10'x10' tarp at West Marine is cheaper than Home Depot and I use 1" PVC side-to-side to keep from puddling. I think the sunshade would be worth a try, but with the same issue as all commercial tarps; grommets pull out. I would suggest adding some webbing straps on the grommets to extend their life.
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Scott
Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC
Prindle 18-2 Mod "FrankenKitty"
Tornado Classic "Fast Furniture"
Prindle 19 "Mr. Wiggly"
Nacra 5.8 "De ja vu"
Nacra 5.0
Nacra 5.8
Tornadoes (Reg White)
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