Allen Performance Sailing Hardware at Sailboats.co.uk

Upgrade your boat with precision-engineered components from the UK's leading hardware manufacturer. Allen Sailing (formerly known as Allen Brothers) has been at the forefront of dinghy performance for over 60 years. Renowned for their "Dynamic" block range and high-performance cam cleats, Allen hardware is designed, tested, and manufactured in Essex, ensuring every pulley, shackle, and cleat meets the exacting standards of World and Olympic Class sailors.

  • Why Choose Allen Hardware?

    Allen distinguishes itself through a unique combination of traditional British manufacturing values and cutting-edge material science.

    • Dynamic Bearing Technology: Allen’s signature Dynamic Blocks feature a patented system with twin rows of stainless-steel ball bearings running on a stainless-steel rail. This delivers unmatched low-friction performance and longevity compared to standard plastic bearing systems, ensuring your lines run smoothly even under load.
    • Innovation for Modern Rigs: Allen is a pioneer in "soft attachment" hardware. Their Tii-On and XHL (Extreme High Load) blocks are designed specifically for modern high-performance dinghies like the Moth and RS Aero, handling the massive static loads of vang and rig tension systems without the weight of heavy metal shackles.
    • Made in Great Britain: Unlike many competitors who outsource production, Allen designs and manufactures their hardware in-house in the UK. This allows for rigorous quality control and rapid innovation, meaning the part you buy is built to the highest possible standard.
    • The "Allenite" Cam Cleat: The jaw profile of Allen cam cleats has become the industry benchmark for a reason. optimised for easy rope entry and positive holding power, they are the standard fit-out choice for thousands of dinghies worldwide, offering reliable grip that doesn't chew through your control lines.

  • Why Buy Allen Hardware from Sailboats.co.uk?

    We are proud to be a key stockist of Allen’s dinghy range, offering more than just products—we offer the support you need to keep sailing.

    • Comprehensive Spares Inventory: We don't just stock the popular blocks; we carry the essential small parts that keep you on the water. From replacement gooseneck pins and hatch covers to specific rudder retaining clips, we are your one-stop shop for hard-to-find Allen spares.
    • Competitive Pricing & Deals: We work hard to offer the best value on the market. You will frequently find competitive pricing on key performance upgrades like the 20mm and 30mm Dynamic blocks, helping you upgrade your systems without breaking the bank.
    • Expert Technical Knowledge: With hundreds of Allen part numbers available, it can be confusing to find the right fit. Our team of sailors understands the difference between a high-load thimble and a plain bearing block, ensuring you get the correct component for your specific application.
    • Fast Dispatch for Race Weekend: We know that a broken vang block on a Thursday can ruin a weekend regatta. We prioritise rapid order processing and reliable shipping to get your Allen hardware delivered to your door or club in time for the first gun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Allen Dynamic and Plain Bearing blocks?

Dynamic blocks use stainless steel ball bearings for ultra-low friction, making them ideal for sheets and control lines that are constantly being trimmed. Plain bearing blocks use a simple plastic sheave on an axle; they are cheaper, lighter, and better suited for static loads or lines that are adjusted infrequently, like halyards.

What are Allen "Tii-On" blocks?

Tii-On blocks are designed to be attached using a soft rope shackle or lash-line (like Dyneema) instead of a heavy stainless steel shackle. This significantly reduces weight and allows the block to self-align perfectly with the load, reducing wear on your ropes.

Which Allen block should I use for a high-load vang or kicker?

For high-load applications like the primary block on a Laser/ILCA vang, we recommend the Allen XHL (Extreme High Load) range. These are CNC-machined from aluminium and feature a specialised bearing system capable of handling static loads of up to 1000kg without deforming.

Are Allen cam cleats compatible with Harken or Ronstan accessories?

In many cases, yes. The hole spacing on standard Allen cam cleats (usually 27mm or 38mm centres) is an industry standard, often matching existing holes on your deck. However, accessories like fairleads and wedges are usually brand-specific, so we recommend sticking with Allen accessories for the best fit.

How do I maintain my Allen Dynamic blocks?

To keep them running freely, flush your blocks with fresh water after every sail to remove salt deposits. For the Dynamic range, you can occasionally use a dry lubricant (like McLube OneDrop) on the ball bearings. Avoid heavy grease, as this attracts grit and sand, which can wear out the bearings.

Additional FAQ's

General Brand & Selection

1. Why should I choose Allen hardware over big global brands like Harken?

Allen offers an incredible balance of performance and value. Unlike many competitors who outsource production, Allen designs and manufactures their hardware in Essex, UK. This allows for strict quality control and rapid innovation. Their "Dynamic" range rivals any top-tier block on the market for friction reduction, often at a more accessible price point. If you want Grand Prix performance that supports British manufacturing, Allen is the choice.

2. What is the difference between Allen 'Dynamic' blocks and standard blocks?

The Dynamic Block range (e.g., A2020, A2030) is Allen’s premium line for high-performance racing. They utilize a unique, patented system with twin rows of stainless steel ball bearings running on a stainless steel rail. This provides superior load-carrying capability and significantly less friction than standard plain-bearing blocks, making them essential for fast line speeds on control systems and sheets.

3. I see Allen 'High Load Thimbles' on your site. When should I use these instead of a block?

Thimbles (or low-friction rings) have no moving parts, so they are lighter and stronger than blocks. However, they have higher friction. You should use them for static loads or lines that don't move much/fast—like deflectors, backstay cascades, or kicker (vang) key blocks. For sheets that you trim constantly (like a mainsheet), a ball-bearing block is still better.

4. Are Allen cam cleats compatible with Harken or Ronstan accessories?

In many cases, yes. The hole spacing on standard cam cleats (like the A.76) is an industry-standard (usually 38mm), meaning you can often upgrade an old cleat on your boat to an Allen one without drilling new holes. However, accessories like wedges and fairleads are usually brand-specific, so it is safest to stick to Allen fairleads for Allen cleats.

Functionality & Features

5. How does the Allen 'X2' AutoRatchet compare to other automatic ratchets?

The X2 AutoRatchet is Allen’s answer to load-sensing blocks. It automatically switches from free-running to ratchet mode when the load increases. Sailors love the X2 because the trigger mechanism is highly sensitive and adjustable (using a small key included), allowing you to customize exactly how much wind pressure is needed before the ratchet kicks in.

6. Should I choose the Aluminum (A.76) or Composite (A.76-Carbon) cam cleat?

Aluminum (Hardcoat): The best choice for durability. If you are using modern, abrasive ropes (like Technora or Dyneema), metal jaws will last much longer without wearing down.
Composite (Carbon/Kevlar): Lighter and cheaper. Great for control lines where loads are lower and you want to save weight.

7. What size Allen block do I need for my dinghy?

20mm Dynamic: The standard for control lines (cunningham, outhaul) on Lasers/ILCAs and Aeros.
30mm Dynamic: Excellent for jib sheets or heavy-duty control lines.
40mm / 50mm / 60mm: Designed for mainsheet systems.
Tip: Allen’s 60mm AutoRatchet is a favorite for mainsheets on boats like the Solo, Enterprise, and Merlin Rocket.

8. Why is the Allen 'Aerovane' wind indicator so popular?

The Aerovane is incredibly light and balanced. Because the vane arm is so short and the counterweight is perfectly sized, it is less "jittery" than taller indicators. It responds instantly to shifts but doesn't bounce around unnecessarily in chop, giving you a cleaner read on the wind.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

9. Can I replace the sheaves in my Allen blocks if they wear out?

Generally, no. Most modern Allen blocks (like the Dynamic range) are riveted together to ensure maximum strength and structural integrity. They are sealed units. If the bearings wear out, the block needs replacing. However, Allen does sell replacement sheaves for some of their specialized mast-head or deck-organizer fittings.

10. My Allen ratchet block isn't clicking loudly anymore. Is it broken?

Not necessarily. Salt and grit can sometimes get stuck in the switch mechanism or the pawls. Soak the block in warm fresh water (and mild soap) and switch the ratchet on and off while submerged to flush out debris. Note: Allen X2 ratchets are serviceable; you can carefully open the side cheeks to clean the internals if you are mechanically confident!