As the Hobie 16 is not the stiffest boat in the World any stiffness that can be gained is a bonus. The stiffer the boat is the faster it will go. By getting the trampoline as tight as possible it will help the rigidity of the platform, making the boat stiffer and therefore faster. Be careful as not to pull out the eyelets when doing this though. Everyone uses different methods to get the tramp tight, but I still think using the pair of old gloves and your hands is the best way. Remember bending the side bars reduces leverage when trapezing.