How do you work this evil beast? (I think it's a Mayan)

**Mouseskowitz** · 08-14-2016, 21:56

So, a friend of mine picked this up at a yard sale for her husband and wanted me to take a look at it. And, I can't figure it out. I've tried several different degrees of sag, but they all have the same result. I can spread it out nice and pretty when there's no wight in it, but as soon as I lay down it turns into a 12" wide banana. Am I doing something wrong or is this a bad hammock?

2016-08-14 21.30.10.jpg

**Intimidator** · 08-14-2016, 22:59

Maybe it needs spreaders? Not sure

**ChacMool** · 08-14-2016, 23:02

Is it wide enough for you to lie sideways (at 90 degrees) in it, rather than long-ways? If not, can you sit in it, like in a chair?

**GadgetUK437** · 08-15-2016, 00:42

If it's a Mayan, the cords will spread pretty wide. My family size Mayan can stretch to maybe 8' wide.
Get in at right angles, and lie across it. Then go round to a more diagonal lay 'til you find a nice spot.
Appreciates a deeper sag than your standard Brazilian gathered end.

--
Gadget

**Mouseskowitz** · 08-15-2016, 05:06

It speeds nice and wide with nothing in it. When I sit down I can't even get it shoulder width. The edges seem to take as much weight as the middle not allowing it to spread.

**Floridahanger** · 08-15-2016, 05:22

Try hanging it at a 40*-45* angle or so. Also, how long is the hammock?

**GadgetUK437** · 08-15-2016, 07:53

Originally Posted by Mouseskowitz

It speeds nice and wide with nothing in it. When I sit down I can't even get it shoulder width.

Can you do this?

It doesn't look terribly long,

Mine is over 14' long.
Yours more like this, the single?

The edges seem to take as much weight as the middle not allowing it to spread

The cords are all the same length, they are woven on a loom, like this,

http://hammocksrada.com/content/8-ho...uild-a-hammock

**Singingcrowsings** · 08-15-2016, 08:07

If the edges seem tight, then you need more sag. It does look like a single to me. And it does look short, either that or your tall. A Mayan is typically 14' long when laid flat. you want the loops to be about 12'ish apart when hung. Maybe tie a temporary ridgeline to help you hang it?

To lay in a Mayan... Sit, then lift the edge behind you up onto your head (don't worry about it stretching, it's supposed to do that), lay back, and then put your feet in and extend your legs, wiggle into place. Even with a single you should be able to do it somewhat.

**brazilianguy** · 08-15-2016, 13:44

Depends on the length, usually they are 12' +. and they like deeper angles, like 45* +

**BigE94** · 08-15-2016, 15:21

I have a Mayan as well, not one of the wider ones. I have to say it is the most uncomfortable thing I have ever spent time in. From the looks of it I thought it would be forgiving and comfortable, not so. Maybe I just dont have the right company in mine like the photos above.