The trampoline is where you spend most of your time on the water: sitting, kneeling as you tack, lying down at anchor. We make our catamaran trampolines in two families of fabric: tarpaulin (solid PVC-coated fabric) and mesh (open-weave fabric). Here is what sets them apart, to help you choose according to your boat and the way you sail.
| Tarpaulin (solid fabric) | Mesh (open-weave fabric) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (for an equivalent model) | €30 less (incl. VAT) | €30 more (incl. VAT) |
| Comfort when sitting / kneeling | Very good, smooth surface | Rougher on skin and wetsuits |
| Water drainage | Water sits on the surface until it drains away | Immediate |
| Weight | 590 to 700 g/m² | 430 g/m² |
| Wind and wave resistance | Higher | Low: air and water pass straight through |
| Tensile strength (warp / weft) | 205/220 to 240/250 daN/5 cm | 250/270 daN/5 cm |
| Best for | Sailing schools, leisure sailing, families | Performance sailing, racing, rough seas |
A solid, smooth surface that is comfortable to sit, kneel or lie on. It is the natural choice for beginners, children and leisure sailing. For an equivalent model, a tarpaulin trampoline also costs €30 (incl. VAT) less than a mesh trampoline.
On the other hand, it is heavier, water sits on it for a while before draining away, and it catches more wind and waves when the sea builds up.
White, leather-grain finish: for narrow tarpaulin trampolines or those made of two narrow sections.
100% polyester fabric, 1100 dtex, double-sided calendered PVC coating with a leather-grain finish on the top side. Weight: 590 g/m². Tensile strength: 205 daN/5 cm (warp) and 220 daN/5 cm (weft).
Blue, “anti-slip” finish: for wide tarpaulin trampolines, with a non-slip surface.
100% polyester fabric, 1100 dtex, double-sided calendered PVC coating with an “anti-slip” finish on the top side. Weight: 700 g/m². Tensile strength: 240 daN/5 cm (warp) and 250 daN/5 cm (weft).
Mesh is an open-weave fabric: water drains away instantly and air passes straight through. A mesh trampoline is lighter, catches less of the waves, dries quickly and gives good grip underfoot. The holes are smaller than 5 mm, so nothing falls through, not even a shackle or a drain plug.
On the other hand, its texture is rougher on skin and wetsuits, and it costs €30 (incl. VAT) more than an equivalent tarpaulin trampoline.
Grid of high-tenacity multifilament 1100 dtex polyester yarns, PVC-coated on both sides. Weight: 430 g/m². Tensile strength: 250 daN/5 cm (warp) and 270 daN/5 cm (weft). Black, all sizes.
Beyond the technical arguments, choosing a trampoline is also a matter of taste. It covers a large part of the boat and really changes the way it looks. A bright blue tarpaulin gives the catamaran a cheerful, “fun” look. Black mesh gives it a sleeker, more “racing” profile. If both options suit the way you sail, simply choose the one that makes you most want to get out on the water.
THE NENUPHAR TIP
All our fabrics are made in Europe and our trampolines are made in our own workshop. Your model isn’t in the catalogue? We’ll make it to measure: send us your boat model at info@nenuphar.com.
In most cases, yes. Tell us your catamaran model and we will confirm whether a tarpaulin or mesh version is available for your boat.
For an equivalent model, a mesh trampoline costs €30 (incl. VAT) more than a tarpaulin trampoline.
It mainly depends on sun exposure, tension and maintenance. A trampoline that is rinsed with fresh water, properly tensioned and stored under cover will last considerably longer. Find our advice in the article How do I maintain my trampoline?
Yes. If your model isn’t in the catalogue, we make it to measure, in tarpaulin or mesh. Send us your boat model or measurements at info@nenuphar.com.
Have a question about choosing the fabric for your trampoline? Our team is here to help.
