Mini-spreader bar on End Channel Hammock

[Jazilla]

Ok here are some pics of the new mini-spreader bars on my hiker.

Why not pass the dowel through the hammock end instead of cord?

[MAD777]

Why not pass the dowel through the hammock end instead of cord?

My theory is that you want just a slight amount of curve in the hammock end, which effectively makes the centerline if the hammock longer than the edges. This may be the secret to eliminating the dreaded ridge.

BTW: olddog, judging by your 3rd picture, your system seems to be working!

[olddog]

When loaded the cord thru the channel bows under the weight allowing the edges of the hammock to be pulled tighter reducing some but not all of the slack in the edges. Similar to pulling the corners of a hammock out when folding and whipping. Somewhere back in the thread I believe it was discussed. Can't remember who or where.

[olddog]

My theory is that you want just a slight amount of curve in the hammock end, which effectively makes the centerline if the hammock longer than the edges. This may be the secret to eliminating the dreaded ridge.

BTW: olddog, judging by your 3rd picture, your system seems to be working!

Yeah but not for long. With all the rain lately and no treatment on the hammock and no bugnet the mossies were aggressive.

[olddog]

HOw did you rig the whoopie slings the "Y" part is it two peaces of Amsteel or did you burry the extra leg?

The original whoopies off the hammock when it was gathered were just larksheaded to the center of the mini-spreader harness. Once it was loaded they locked in tight but it is something I may be addressing as it develops.

[alrany187]

I spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening reading and re-reading this thread. I am hoping to use this on my taffeta hammock, but am experimenting on a spare Byer Traveler UL until I am satisfied with it.

For my spreader bar set-up, I started with a locked brummel loop in the center of a 36" piece of 7/64" Amsteel. Next I buried one side for about 3" and then put the bury cord through the sliding cord to lock it. The Amsteel continues for 9" until it reaches the spreader bar. At the bar, I drilled 2 holes rather than cutting a slot. I put the Amsteel through the holes, went another 5" and then made a fixed loop on each cord. The free cord was then buried the length of the spreader bar.





I chose the locked brummel loop in the center because I use Elephant Trunks and wanted a method to be able to continue using them. I will be testing these today and hopefully tonight. I would seriously appreciate any critiques from those that have already been playing with this option.

Ellis

[Redoleary]

Nice work Alrany, thats looking really good. Thats a good idea to start with the fixed eye and go down to the bar from there. Well done.

[oldgringo]

Well, today I learned that 1/2" CPVC is not up to the task of supporting my rear end.

Red, how did it fail? Was it just a section of cpvc, or did it incorporate couplings like your early efforts?

[hppyfngy]

Ellis

Uses a lot less amsteel than what I've been doing. If I read this right, you are passing two fixed eyes through the dowel, both go through the channel from opposite ends and then loop over the end of the dowel? That it?

I like it!

[MAD777]

Uses a lot less amsteel than what I've been doing. If I read this right, you are passing two fixed eyes through the dowel, both go through the channel from opposite ends and then loop over the end of the dowel? That it?

I like it!

What you described is Newhanger's method which I have adopted and seems to be the popular choice to date. It keeps the hammock end nicely distributed along the length of the cord (no bunching up)..