AI Tramp's

I sourced some 22oz Polyester Coated Vinyl so I'm off to a local upholstery shop this afternoon to see what they would charge to make.  Looking at GB2's images, it would appear that the sewn-in bar is about 1" in diameter?  Tube metal; stainless, aluminum, platic?  Hollow or solid?  I'm guessing hollow, thick wall aluminum?  Double stiched hem that is about 1-1/2" wide along the edges?  2" wide straps?

Any particular use for the square hatch that I see in the eBay image of the tramps?  Any pro/con against having the tramp slip over the rigger bar on one end & strap/buckle on the other end?  It looks like the Hobie brand tramps slip over the bar on one end & strap on the other.

Just thoughts in case I have to make my own...  Thanks in advance!

cool....can't wait to see. The pocket isnt a must have. I slip some procure sent in them but not worth the effort. I actually think a loop (or two) of webbing may be good to add to the topside you you could have a place to clip stuff to. OR a single vertical strip of webbing from the outter - inner edge so you could slide stuff under (hawg trough, net, etc) w/o it sliding off the tramp? As far as attaching one end to the bar? I think you could do that to the front bar. just make sure the loop is large enough to slide the aka bar through....

25.5" X 49"
1" X 24" aluminum rod
1.5" X 19" strap

The other way to save money is to split a pair of Amish tramps with another Islander. I split mine with Ben. 90% of the time I use only 1 tramp so I can fold the AMA in on the other side to land fish.

Make sure you can roll them up OTW. When it gets really windy you need to roll the tramps to reduce capsize risk.

25.5" X 49"
1" X 24" aluminum rod
1.5" X 19" strap

The other way to save money is to split a pair of Amish tramps with another Islander. I split mine with Ben. 90% of the time I use only 1 tramp so I can fold the AMA in on the other side to land fish.

Agreed....If I didn't have two kids I'd be fine with one....I can hear it now. "I want my OWN"

25.5" X 49"
1" X 24" aluminum rod
1.5" X 19" strap

The other way to save money is to split a pair of Amish tramps with another Islander. I split mine with Ben. 90% of the time I use only 1 tramp so I can fold the AMA in on the other side to land fish.

Scott,

Thank you greatly for the information.  The price of the eBay tramps is relatively low but I think there is enough room in there that they can be made for NCKA at around 60% of their cost.  I'm now looking into the option of making these myself and offering them as a "single" AMA or as a pair.  Something they don't offer.

Looking at prototyping a set ASAP and weight out the option of "sleeving" one end over the rigger tube & "strapping" the other end for quick collapsability.  Thoughts having used both the factory and aftermarket ones?

25.5" X 49"
1" X 24" aluminum rod
1.5" X 19" strap

The other way to save money is to split a pair of Amish tramps with another Islander. I split mine with Ben. 90% of the time I use only 1 tramp so I can fold the AMA in on the other side to land fish.

Agreed....If I didn't have two kids I'd be fine with one....I can hear it now. "I want my OWN"

I solved the kid problem by getting them their own kayaks   

Just have to solve the 2 dog problem now!

Taking a SERIOUS look at making them myself now.  Have some fabric on it's way already so we'll see.....

25.5" X 49"
1" X 24" aluminum rod
1.5" X 19" strap

The other way to save money is to split a pair of Amish tramps with another Islander. I split mine with Ben. 90% of the time I use only 1 tramp so I can fold the AMA in on the other side to land fish.

Aluminum Rod or Tubing?

Thanks!

i think its tubing. its just holding the tension between the tramp and aka bar

Based on the eBay price point, I was guessing tubing as well.  Otherwise, they have about $100 invested im aluminum rod material (6061-T6 alum @ 1" dia rod).

here's a plan i drew up a few months back. the 58" length may be a bit long considering the amish tramps are supposedly 49".  These designs were made with the idea of using sail fabric as tramps, which explains the bartacking.  i actually have all the materials including the sailmaking thread but i haven't had time to devote to it yet.

I just returned from a local upholstery shop.  Wanted to get their idea on cost to sew the material.  They were estimating, in just sewing time alone, $60-75 per side ($120-$150 set) for a prototype tramp set.  Add in the cost of the material, the tubing, the straps & the buckles and it exceeds the cost of the eBay sets.  I'm going to continue the pursuit of finding a lower cost upholstery shop vs. sewing myself at home (which can be done if needed).

As for the sailcloth material, I thought about that as well using that Dacron sailcloth that the higher end sails use.  Wasn't cost effective but would look cool as heck!

Still open to any thoughts, ideas, feedback, direction, etc...  I think there is a viable product that can be made locally for a little less & I want the ability to offer it as each or pair in a broader color assortment.

Bill

gosh that seems steep. isn't the sewing limited to the loop ends? Seems like a simple sew job.

How do you plan on using the tramps most of the time?

I looked into the ebay tramps before purchasing the AI and OEM were  a better match for my needs. Also, they help maximize the AI's potential and provide more usable "deck" space.  They support up to 200# and you can walk on it or place fish/gear on it without having to worry about securing it for the most part.  The material is made of breathable mesh that wind can pass through on those windy days.

gosh that seems steep. isn't the sewing limited to the loop ends? Seems like a simple sew job.

After looking at all pictures I can find on-line, the sewing is limited to sewing the 2 full-length pockets at each end for the 24" x 1" bars and heming the other 2 edges.  Basically, 8 sew lines/passes per tramp.  Seems high to me too...  The cutting is minimal (make a pattern, cut to the pattern)  I already have the pattern and drawing done on SolidWorks so it can be passed to anyone with sewing skills.  Almost easier to sketch it out on a piece of paper in front of the seamstress.

As soon as my sample material get's here ... I'm going to try a sew job muself and see what happens.