Nets, or trampolines, whatever you like to call them, are not just trampolines for the kids or charter guests to jump up and down on, or a place for sunbathing, even though they can be a lot of fun and a great spot to top up that tan.
They are there for a purpose.
Back in the early days, when pitch-poling was considered more of a danger than an actual capsize, all that power driving you forward through big seas could become a real problem. There was a reason sailors would deploy a drogue anchor from the stern - to stop the bows from burying and tripping the boat end-over-end.
When a huge amount of green water suddenly lands on your foredeck, it creates enormous forces. The trampoline was designed by some clever naval architect somewhere along the line to disperse that water immediately, helping maintain buoyancy in the bows and reducing the risk of this scary green-water event.
The Shift in Modern Design
It seems that more and more builders are ignoring this golden rule. They’re moving the bridgedeck further forward and filling in the bow area, leaving less and less room for trampolines. At boat shows they sell the advantages of the extra deck space, while conveniently ignoring the safety aspect.
I can understand why some builders are filling in the bows these days. It creates more solid deck space on some of these “Condo Cats.” But extra weight and less buoyancy would worry me in big seas.
Sure, if you’re pottering around in calm waters on charter, it may be OK. Bridgedeck clearances are higher these days too. But really? You would never see a performance bluewater catamaran without trampolines, such as an Outremer or Gunboat.
Maintenance and Replacement
Your nets should be tight, properly laced, and checked regularly. Depending on your sailing area, they should probably be replaced every five years or so. Hot sun takes its toll, as does general wear and tear, all helping to degrade the material over time.
There have been a couple of fatal accidents where worn-out, rotten nets have given way. People have fallen through them - one on the hard in Spain and another at sea.
A new net can really smarten up your catamaran. They can be made from several different materials and now come in a variety of colours:
- Some are more comfortable underfoot and don’t cut into your toes when barefoot.
- Others have a tighter weave and feel more like a solid deck.
However, if you’re crossing oceans, I still recommend bigger holes rather than smaller ones.
Ordering New Nets
Feel Nets or France Trampoline can normally supply new made-to-measure nets for your particular catamaran and deliver them worldwide. Alternatively, you can order through us at WorldwideCatamarans.com.
Kind Regards,
Graham 🙂