New products and what to see at the 2019 RYA Dinghy Show
by Ben Harden, Allen 25 Feb 04:00 PST
2-3 March 2019
Allen pivoting mast step © Allen Brothers
On the 2nd of March the doors will open to the public for the 2019 RYA Dinghy Show and Allen Brothers will once again be displaying a range of new hardware and fully fitted boats on stand C82 in the Great Hall.
Allen will be showcasing new ranges, such as; The pivoting mast step, Pad-Tii range, blue carbon tiller extensions, 20 & 30mm double cheek blocks and much, much more. On stand C82 you will also be able to take a closer look at the recently restored International 14. Restored by Phoenix Marine and put together by Allen designer Tom Clayton and Zhik's UK sales manager Tristan Hutt, the International 14 boasts a top spec fit out which includes the Allen Keyball trapeze system. On display will also be a brand new Streaker, built by The Boatyard at Beer, belonging to Team Allen sailor Tom Gillard. The Streaker will feature the Slingshot mainsheet jammer (A5266) which is self-aligning.
Also taking place on the Allen stand will be the official launch for the 2019 Allen Endurance Series, Allen Performance Challenge and the Allen Blogging Award. To find out more, visit www.allenbrothers.co.uk for launch times and details.
Pivoting Mast Step
New for 2019, the Allen pivoting mast step (pictured above). Designed to give dinghies with adjustable rigging more customisable settings with lower loading points at deck level. Initially, Allen will be launching 3 styles of mast heel to compliment the pivoting mast step. The 3 available designs will suit the most popular spar shapes and sizes.
Pad-Tii Range
The Allen range of aluminium through deck bushes have been well received by the marine industry so Allen have decided to continue with the development. The logical product progression being, fixing Tii blocks to the deck or bulkhead. There are several companies producing products that provide this, so Allen decided to think a little more laterally and have come up with a range of Pad-Tii that have some additional design features.
A number of current products require the integral pad and associated tie on rope to be permanently bonded to a surface, which doesn't readily allow replacement of worn rope. Allen have incorporated an ingenious removable attachment pin to allow the user to replace the rope as it wears. Simply unscrew the upper insert and push down on the stainless-steel crossbar to remove it. Install your replacement rope by pushing through the hole in the centre of the upper insert, slide the pin into place retaining the rope and screw the upper insert back into the deck. The lower insert is enclosed ensuring the design is watertight and the two parts have flats, so they can be tightened and undone with simple tools.
Blue Carbon Tiller Extensions
Allen has been working alongside Team Allen sailors to make sure their new range of tiller extension is stiff enough to give you the right amount of feedback yet forgiving enough to take a good beating. Although performance was at the top of the checklist it soon became apparent style should be too. The blue carbon range of tiller extensions is available in several different sizes, and lengths over 1.9meters come with a smaller end knob to reduce outboard weight.
20 & 30mm Double Cheek Blocks
Another progression from an already existing product, the double cheek block range incorporates Allen dynamic bearing technology into a double sheaved cheek block. This allows for an additional purchase to be incorporated into mainsheet traveller systems and anything else that might require a double mounted cheek block.
Tom Gillard's Streaker
On display will be a brand new Streaker, built by The Boatyard at Beer, belonging to Team Allen sailor Tom Gillard. The Streaker will feature the Slingshot mainsheet jammer (A5266) which is self-aligning.
Standard mainsheet jammer systems usually have the block centrally located above the swivel meaning there is no turning force to swivel the block and jammer to the correct angle. By moving the block outward from the swivel and angling it away from the cleat, the A5266 mainsheet system creates turning force on the block and jammer meaning the cleat will always be forced to point away from the boom and towards the helm. This prevents the sheet from wrapping round the block and gives extra control for fast, smooth tacks and gybes.
International 14
Also, on display will be a fully restored International 14. The I14 restored by Phoenix Marine and put together by Allen designer Tom Clayton and Zhik's UK Sales Manager, Tristan Hutt, features a wide range of standard Allen fittings, including the Keyball Trapeze system with new Zhik T3 Keyball Harness. The Allen Keyball system removes the traditional hook from the trapeze harness and replaces it with a moulded plastic socket. The Keyball socket has no sharp edges or protruding parts making it much less likely to damage equipment or get snagged on something.
Come and check out all of the above plus much, much more at stand C82 in the Great Hall.
To find out more info on any of the products in this article visit www.allenbrothers.co.uk