Mini-spreader bar on End Channel Hammock

[cvlngnir]

This looks awesom and simple. One question though.

How does this setup affect the attachment and/or closure of your bug net?

[oldgringo]

This looks awesom and simple. One question though.

How does this setup affect the attachment and/or closure of your bug net?

It doesnt, but your net will need to be longer.

[DemostiX]

Try sliding some Aquarium tubing Over the Amsteel to protect it

You could, but having gained weight from the spreader bars, there's also this:

Nothing is more slippery, lighter, tougher, wear resistant, and easier to come by than a jacket of the Dyneema cord. The only inconveniences are need for prior planning, and how to seal the ends of the jacket. But, a second layer is what gets recommended to racers of sailboats.

[gmcttr]

They were deburred last night, BUT that was only on the outside. I will take care of the inside burrs ASAP...

I suspect that with thin tubing, the slight chamfer you are limited to will not do much to protect amsteel or aquarium tubing and your efforts will be short lived.

[alrany187]

So, getting down to brass tacks.... Well, forget the brass tacks, lets talk RIDGELINES!

My incarnation of this suspension has an equilateral triangle, which measures 5" on each side. That connects to my suspension with a Dutch whoopie hook. I want to keep the ability to pack my suspension separately and also switch it among my hammocks.

I could run a ridgeline from whoopie hook to whoopie hook, but it would have to be another separate piece to keep up with and I would have to attach it each time I set up.

An alternative would be to have a fork in the ridgeline, located a few inches from each end, and permanently tie each end of the fork to the ends of the mini spreader bar.

I'm leaning toward the latter alternative. What are some other ridgeline ideas?

Mike,

I was wondering the same thing. Especially since in the pictures on this thread, the ridge lines are placed in different spots throughout. I started my spreader bar test with a 9' Byer and then started work on my 10' taffeta hammock. The ridge line lengths were different for both hammocks. The Byer was 100" and the DIY taffeta was 120".

I like using my Elephant Trunks on 12' tree straps, because it feels more secure to me. Any way, despite the manufacturer warning not to hang anything from the hole in the elephant trunk, I do. I measured out the proper length for a 120" ridge line, passed 2.2 Dyneema through the hole in the elephant trunk and made it a sliding loop. The sliding loop has enough loop that I also marked where the 100" length is. This way, I can use the same ridge line for both hammocks without detaching it. The opposite end has a Dutch clip locked in it and it passes through the loop on the other elephant trunk and then clips to itself. Here are some pics.





If you look closely, you can see the black mark for the 100" setting on the bottom cord just to the left of the tree.



I realize you said you prefer Whoopie hooks, so the final set up for you might differ, but this was my result.

Ellis

[alrany187]

I tried putting my ENO Guardian on my hammock with the spreader bar and there was just no way it was going to fit with the bar in there. Sitting out on the deck with morning coffee, I thought what if we put it inside the bar?

After a couple more sips of coffee, I came up with a way to spread the ends. I took some shock cord and made loops. These were sewn into the ends of the Guardian sleeve at 90 degree angles to the top and bottom of the sleeve.

The Guardian was placed on the hammock, but not going over the bar. The shock cord then was placed over the bar ends and twisted once to tighten. It fit perfectly. Only problem is that the Guardian ends are only 5" wide when stretched out. My bar is 6" between holes, so I am redoing that.





Ellis

[MAD777]

The adaptations never cease!

[hppyfngy]

Ellis

Man, Ellis that is one hammock ready yard!

[GrayDog]

Man, Ellis that is one hammock ready yard!

+1

I'm getting sleepy just looking at it.

[alrany187]

Man, Ellis that is one hammock ready yard!

+1

I'm getting sleepy just looking at it.

It's my hammock proving grounds. Even have a wood spirit on one of the trees to provide good luck.

Ellis