49er Fittings Guide: System by System Breakdown by Allen

The 49er is an adrenaline-pumping racing machine that demands top-notch control and rock-solid reliability from its hardware. At Allen, we’re all about crafting high-performance sailing gear designed for sailors who mean business.

In this guide, we’ll break down the fittings on a 49er, system by system, making it super easy to see what you need and why. Whether you’re tweaking your setup for lightweight or dialling it in for minimal friction, this guide has you covered.

Check out the list below for a breakdown of the key fittings and don’t miss the full video tour of a seriously tricked-out boat!

Block Guide

When fitting out your 49er, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between lighter products and those with less friction. Both offer distinct advantages, but the right choice depends on your sailing goals, style, and the conditions you race in. Here’s a snapshot of the various options we offer.

High Load Blocks feature a stainless steel sheave, caged ball bearings, and axle, providing higher working loads, reduced friction, and improved durability compared to standard blocks. The stainless steel construction minimises sheave deformation under load, maintaining efficiency and performance. While slightly heavier due to the stainless steel sheave, these blocks excel in high-load applications, offering reliable operation and long-term durability where strength and efficiency are critical.

Dynamic Blocks are designed with an acetal sheave, caged stainless steel ball bearings, and a stainless steel axle. They are lighter than the High Load block alternative and deliver excellent performance compared to similar products on the market. However, they are not as effective as High Load blocks when working constantly at higher loads.

Plain Bearing Blocks are designed without ball bearings, making them more cost-effective and lighter. However, this comes with the trade-off of increased friction. Their simple construction allows them to handle significantly higher working loads than both High Load and Dynamic Blocks, as there are no bearings that could be damaged under extreme stress.

Mainsheet System

Smooth and responsive sheeting is crucial for controlling the 49er’s powerful sails, especially during manoeuvres.

Jib Sheet System

With the beefed-up loads from the new stiffer sails, keeping things smooth is key to making jib trimming a breeze. Swap out your blocks for our high-load versions and throw in our new high-performance swivel cleat to keep friction to a minimum and your setup running sweet!

Control Lines (Vang / Cunningham)

Being able to quickly and easily adjust the Vang or Cunningham is super important. The goal is to make the change and get back to full trapezing as fast as possible. So, having a system with low friction and precise control can really make a difference.

One way to improve this system is by using articulating double or triple blocks. These blocks are different from others because they can move independently from each other, which lets them align perfectly with the load on the line. This helps keep the rope centred on the sheave, reducing friction.

Add a high-load sheave to the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate low-friction system.

Spinnaker Sheet System

Getting your kite up quickly is a big deal, and there’s a specific block in the 49er setup that you can tweak to match your style. You’ve got two options: you can either lash together Tii-on blocks for a custom back-to-back setup or go for a ready-made back-to-back block straight off the shelf.

Here’s a handy tip: the size of the sheave (the wheel in the block) matters. Bigger sheaves spin slower but make pulling easier, kind of like the gears on a bike. Think about how a big chain ring gives you an easier gear for climbing—blocks work in a similar way. So, if you’re after a lightning-fast hoist, go for a smaller sheave, but just know it’ll take a bit more effort to pull.

Accessories

Don’t worry, we’ve even got the fine details covered! Here’s a short list of some of those extra bits and bobs which are just as important!