Everything you need to know about trampolines

Almost all existing multihulls are equipped with trampolines. Either one or two, for catamarans depending on whether you’ve got a central beam, and two to six for trimarans. As far as the latest models are concerned, the rise of powercats and of the Bali range - which adopts a rigid deck right up to the bows - is changing things somewhat. But this doesn’t call into question the omnipresence of trampolines.

The average area of a trampoline

For a 40-foot catamaran, the trampoline area is 8 to 12 m² (85 to 130 sq ft). For a 45-footer, it’s more like 12 to 18 m² (130 to 190 sq ft), while a 50-footer, on the other hand, exploits 12 to 25 m² (130 to 270 sq ft). The difference in surface area is directly related to the footprint of the nacelle: the fastest - and lightest - multihulls generally have a maximum trampoline area. Conversely, trampolines on the most ‘comfortable’ multihulls have a smaller surface area.

On the various materials...

Polyester

This is the material most commonly employed by the major manufacturers, but also as a replacement. The trampolines offered by Feelnets are available in 30 x 30 mm or 13 x 13 mm mesh (1³/₁₆” or ½”). The former is pleasant for relaxing on; it also offers a good passage for a wave to pass through, in case of heavy weather. This is what you’ll see with most charter companies around the world. The tighter mesh offers a little more comfort. 

Technical specifications:

 4 mm (³/₁₆”) diameter cord for the 30 x 30 mm mesh;

2.5 mm (⅛”) diameter for the 13 x 13 mm mesh.

Strength: 200 kg/m² (4,750 lb/sq ft).

Material weight in 30 x 30 mm = 450 g/m² (13oz / sq yd).

Material weight in 13 x 13mm = 700 g/m² (21oz / sq yd).

Polyester is available in black or white and is protected by a high-strength UV treatment. The border is a 10 mm (⅜”) white whipped rope. 

PVC Mesh

Extremely resistant, PVC is ideal for the marine environment. The edges are welded and sewn: the trampoline does not slacken. One element to take into account: the higher weight compared to polyester. It is possible to order grommets all around every 150 mm (6”). As an option, a sleeve can be made to take eyelets - recommended for larger trampolines.

Technical specifications:

(PVC Mesh Serge Ferrari 492 and 392)

Mesh size of the 492: 7 x 6.5 mm (⁹/₃₂” x ¹/₄"), available in white.

Mesh size of the 392: 3 x 3 mm (⅛”x⅛”), available in black or white.

Resistance: 450 kg/m² (10,685 lb/sq ft).

Material weight: 1000 g/m² (29.5oz / sq yd) for the 492 and 820 g/m² (24.2oz / sq yd) for the 392

Dyneema

Extremely resistant, PVC is ideal for the marine environment. The edges are welded and sewn: the trampoline does not slacken. One element to take into account: the higher weight compared to polyester. It is possible to order grommets all around every 150 mm (6”). As an option, a sleeve can be made to take eyelets - recommended for larger trampolines.

Technical specifications:

(PVC Mesh Serge Ferrari 492 and 392)

Mesh ...