Why Do Catamarans Have Trampolines Anyways?

Boat maintenance mindset (and procrastination)

• Put off fixing broken items until the problem “catches up.”
• Dirty/rotting water and debris collect where the old trampoline net sits—especially around the aft area.

Trampoline replacement on catamarans: upgrade + safety

• Their trampolines had significant deterioration (“massive holes”), and they avoided the area until they finally replaced them.
• Key install goal: replace the nets so they’re strong and resistant to catastrophic failure—no “zipping/unravelling” when punctured.

Tools & materials mentioned for installation

• Gloves
• Pulling hooks/pullers
• Knee pads
• Serrated box cutter blade for removing the crusty old net (faster than wire cutters for that step)
• Big wire cutters (if using wire cutters later; small ones don’t cut it well)
• Pullers help with repeated tightening compared to hand-pulling

Choosing the trampoline nets (Multi-Hull Nets / Sunrise Yacht Products)

• They selected a specific trampoline model after extensive research and calling the company.

Pros discussed by the owner (Matt)

• Expected lifespan: 12+ years for 95% of customers; up to 16 years seen
• Zero catastrophic failures reported (in their experience)
• UV protection via coating is the main reason it won’t degrade into catastrophic failure

Color advice

• Avoid white: harder to see through if something underneath (like an anchor line) is present.
• Black vs heat: black can get warmer, but thermal mass is low versus surface area (explained with a casserole dish vs foil analogy).

Factory visit / “how it’s made” overview

• CAD/internal calculations → cut rough shape → apply UV coating and dry → cut/finish → stretch to correct size → sew border → grommet placement → ship
• Emphasis: engineering/offsets for stretch matter—it’s not just “cut it by eye.”

Safety reassurance

A correctly designed coated net shouldn’t develop a single hole that rapidly turns into an unraveling failure.

Installation steps (as practiced in the video)

Remove old net

• Cut off old webbing
• Serrated blade slices through “like butter”

Start with corners

• Lace/tie sides first
• Tie off corners, then front edge and rear edge

Work down the edges

• Install back corners → front corners → work each side down

Lacing/pattern detail (conceptual)

• Uses a grommet/U-bolt pattern that may feel offset at first
• As tension increases (while cranking down), alignment comes into place progressively

Retighten repeatedly after setup

• They recommend tightening/retightening over time using pullers
• Mentioned contrast: compared to prior painful bulkhead repairs

Health note: back strain

• Installing involves bending over and pulling lines repeatedly
• Main source of lower back pain
• Strong encouragement of knee pads and using proper tools (pullers)

Result / stress testing

• After installation—and again after topping off/going to the dock area—they plan to properly stress test the new trampolines.
• Reported feel: extremely sturdy
  • Robbie and Corey were jumping on it
  • Corey: 220 lbs, with no visible movement
• Comfort/finish:
  • Thick stepping surface
  • “Final rubber” type finish (as described)
• Main remaining issue:
  • Installation is physically demanding (back strain from bending/line pulling)

Sun shade accessory (Sunrise Shade)

• They installed a shade that extends the living area forward.
• Custom connections:
  • Joins to the jib, mast, shrouds (side supports), and two front bow seats
• Labeled as made by the same company as the trampolines (Multi-Hull Nets) and available through them.

Fuel-saving practicality (dock diesel)

• They consider driving to cheaper gas instead of buying at the fuel dock.
• Plan: haul many jerrycans to fill about 150 gallons
• Note: 5-gallon jerrycans can hold ~6.25 gallons if filled properly
• They jokingly consider designing a trailer to carry multiple jerrycans to reduce trips.

E-trike / errands around the marina (Mooncool TK1)

• Used to run errands around the marina.

Features / claims

• 500W motor (peaks around 1000W)
• 48V 15Ah battery
• Range: 30–75 miles
• Can be pedaled for a workout or run throttle-only (less range)
• Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear)
• Rear differential for different wheel speeds
• Street legal: brake lights, turn signals, horn, bright headlight

Discount mention

• Check the link for a discount code: david100 for $100 off

Cameras & editing workflow (content creation)

• Main camera: Sony FX3
• Action cams: Ace Pro 2
• Drones:
  • DJI Avata (FPV)
  • DJI Neo 2 (mini FPV)
• 360 camera: Insta360
• Multiple phones/cameras create lots of footage, so editing takes a long time.

Notable locations, products, and people

Companies / products

• Multi-Hull Nets
• Sunrise Yacht Products (factory visit)
• Mooncool TK1 trike
• Drones: DJI Avata, DJI Neo 2
• Insta360 camera
• Sony FX3
• Ace Pro 2 action cam

Accessory

• Sunrise Shade (custom sail shade for the catamaran)

People mentioned

• Matt (owner at Sunrise Yacht Products / Multi-Hull Nets)
• Nick (experienced staff member at the factory)
• Gabe (mentioned during shipping step)
• Robbie (dock neighbor helping with installation)
• Mary (spouse)
• Corey 377 (commenter)
• David (discount code context)