Question on Tarp Cat Cuts???

**spe111** · 03-02-2015, 14:31

I'm in the beginning stages of planning a tarp that I could use both over my hammock and also on the ground. A straight bottom edge would seem to be advantageous for ground pitching to block any wind.

I was wondering if the ridge-line could be cat cut instead of the bottom to provide a taut pitch?

Has anyone tried this? Anyone have any pros or cons?

A new hanger thanks you!!

**Boston** · 03-02-2015, 16:47

Yes it can. However it is usually kept very shallow. Cat cut on the ridge line will reduce some head space under the tarp.

Warbonnet puts one on all his tarps, including the cloudburst which is a straight edge tarp.

I've thought about experimenting with this. I was thinking 1" depth over an 11ft ridgeline.

**Violent Green** · 03-02-2015, 18:34

A cat cut on the ridge line will work pretty well, but I would also put a cat cut on the edges that run perpendicular to the ridge line. It will help with a tight pitch while also leaving your bottom edges flat. A 1/2" of cat cut per foot is about the maximum that I like to go. (9ft ridgeline = max 3" deflection)

Ryan

**MAD777** · 03-02-2015, 19:57

I don't put a cat cut on the ridgeline, but I do on the edges except where the doors come together. 1/2" per foot is what I use also.

**limedude** · 03-02-2015, 20:07

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what is a cat cut?

**MAD777** · 03-02-2015, 20:10

Catenary Cut: If you hang a chain on the wall with both ends at the same mounting height, with some slack in it, the natural curve it forms is a Catenary Curve.

**limedude** · 03-02-2015, 20:28

Originally Posted by MAD777

Catenary Cut: If you hang a chain on the wall with both ends at the same mounting height, with some slack in it, the natural curve it forms is a Catenary Curve.

Ok thanks!

**Monkeyboy42** · 03-02-2015, 21:03

I've been wrestling with similar thoughts. I actually have 8 yards of silpoly burning a hole in my desk right now!

The silpoly will stretch less then nylon, but will still need help getting slack out of the center of the tarp. Instead of cat cuts I'm currently debating on relying on panel pulls for the solution - kinda like the warbonnet Cloudburst does. I'd probably mostly use hiking poles over the ridgeline instead of tying them out to stakes.

This way I could have 11x10 flat tarp with lots of tieouts that can be used as a ground tarp and a hammock tarp, that can still get a taut pitch.

**slugbait** · 03-03-2015, 10:16

I agree that a cat cut ridgeline reduces headroom. My first DIY tarp had a 1/4" per foot cat cut on the ridge. My second tarp is all straight edges and I like it much better.