Allen Brothers is based in Essex and has been providing design skills and manufacturing expertise for the production of high performance sailboat equipment since 1956. 

The company is launching a new product range, the new low profile Stealth folding deck cleat has been designed for safety and protection of the crew as well as its aesthetic sleek design.

Installation of the Stealth cleat is simple and allows for fast fitting by the boat builder. As the product is surface mounted it is not necessary to provide drainage and the associated below deck works. However for a smooth look on moulded decks, builders can include a moulded recess which allows the top of the cleat to sit flush with the deck.

Stealth cleats are designed with an integral fairlead and a detent folding mechanism to hold the cleat firmly open or shut. The cleats range from 150mm arm length with a safe working load of 2000kg up to 400mm safe working load of 9000kg. They are suitable for boats from 25ft (7m) to 75ft (23m).

Available in either black anodised aluminium, or stainless steel for a high polish super yacht feel, the cleats all have a lifetime guarantee. Prices for the black machined aluminum version range from £156.00 for the 150mm to £350.00 for the 400mm, prices are including VAT, excluding works.

 
Allspars now has in stock anti-tortional rope for sailmakers to use as luff ropes, Karver furlers for free flying furling sails.The Karver furling lock, the KF-H is the only system on the market that combines the furling and locking mechanism in the same unit.

The lock mechanism allows the swivel to lock the halyard and the sail directly onto the mast. The lock works automatically using the halyard to lock and unlock. Used for flying sails (such as staysails and gennakers) it replaces the usual block system where luff tension comes from the long 2/1 or 3/1 halyard and a lot of compression in the mast.

The system and the sail are locked on the mast and the luff is tensioned from the bottom by a 2/1 or 3/1 purchase placed under the lower part of the furler. The compression in the mast is minimized and it is possible to use a smaller and lighter halyard as it only carries the weight of the sail.

Once the system is dropped on deck, there is only the very light hollowed male end remaining on the mast and the furling-lock mechanism is on deck and accessible for maintenance.

New Karver blocksare the ultra strong, ultra light, ultra small blocks which are available in two ranges, the first is the titanium and the second is stainless steel. The cheeks are in carbon fibre and the bearing in ceramic or high strength alloy.

 
The Lewmar Pro-Series windlass from Bainbridge Marine is the professionals' choice - chosen by more boat builders than any other manufacturer. The Pro-Series is suitable for boats from 6 to 14m (20-45ft), is designed for easy installation.

The housing is made from 100% 316 stainless steel, making the product well protected and durable. For additional ease of use, the Pro-Series has a manual recovery system built in and you can now upgrade your Pro-Series windlass with a Pro-Fish Freefall Kit.

Also available from Bainbridge Marine are the new Lewmar V700 and V1 vertical windlasses. With 100% stainless steel housing and a sleek flush-mount design that hides the motor down below, the V700 is one of the most attractive and durable windlasses available. It works at the push of a button and has two built-in features making it unique – motor protection and anchor lock. It’s affordable and comes with a 5 year warranty.

The V1 is the world’s most compact vertical stainless steel windlass for power and sailboats. This beautifully styled deck unit conceals a robust, reliable, worm gearbox, offering maximum strength and control. You can enjoy rope-chain or all-chain anchor rodes with the touch of a button. The V1 is FastFit™ equipped - it can be installed quickly and easily and ensure proper drive shaft alignment.

 
Following the increasing success of their Ball Bearing Mainsheet Traveller Systems, Barton Marine has introduced a range of simple pre packaged kits. These simplify the choice and purchase of a mainsheet traveller system by just selecting boat size and control line purchase required.

The attractive packaging contains all parts required including, track, traveller car, end fittings and comprehensive fitting instructions. There are three versions available in size 1 and size 2 and they are suitable for boats up to 11 m (36ft) LOA.

All feature the sliding bolt track fastening system that will enable existing fastening holes to be utilised. Control line choice of 2:1 or 4:1 are available with cleating on track ends or car.

These attractively packaged kits make the stocking and purchase of this product a simple matter for both dealer and customer alike. This range is a continuation of Barton’s policy to make the stocking, selling and customer choice of product a simpler decision.

To date, pre packaged Lazy Jack Kits, Single Line Reefing, Boomstrut have all benefited from refined packaging to the advantage of both dealers, their customers and in turn have increased sales for all.

 
Cooney Marine is introducing a range of Davit and Passerelle Covers for its range of marine products, following strong demand from customers. The products will be launched during the forthcoming Southampton Boat Show.

Available in six colours the Sunbrella Plus material used for the covers is 100% rot-proof solution dyed acrylic, resin based waterproof and ultraviolet ray proof coating on one side. The Tenara thread used in the construction is unaffected by uv radiation, salt water, acid rain, cleaning agents, industrial pollutants, snow and micro-organisms.

The products will be available direct from Cooney from July, the covers can, if required, be embroidered with the boat name or logos as specified by the customer.

Cooney also operate the only two tube manipulators of their type in the UK, providing unique CNC tube bending with no marking, stretching or rippling to tight radius. Perspex Forming is covered using a large twin track CNC forming oven, enabling 2.5m x 1.25m sheets to be processed.

The company’s fabrication and welding facility is incredibly flexible and produces anything from small bench parts to large buildings on site, from one off specials to large volume production. It is also able to produce piece parts or complete assemblies dependent on customer requirements. Welders are coded, Cooney has one of the largest polishing facilities in the area enabling anything from grained to full mirror finish to be applied to product on site.

Cooney Marine has teamed up with Fibratrim to produce complete solutions of production and custom made bimini covers. Cooney has worked in conjunction with leading marine upholsterers Fibratrim of Burntwood, Staffordshire, who with over 25 years experience in marine and leisure upholstery the company has, like Cooney become synonymous with first class products and service.

The covers are produced using the latest 3D CAD design and production technology operating to ISO9002 quality systems, with the stainless frames being produced on Cooney’s unique tube bending equipment.

Cooney Marine has invested in an advanced system to enable them to offer a complete 3D digitising solution for the marine industry. Cooney has worked 3D modelling since 1997 using Pro-Engineer packages for design work and have recently invested in Solid Works packages also. The addition of digitising equipment and skilled operators completes the 3D loop.

The system can be used to provide production information not only for the stainless work, but also for inside panels, ‘teak’ decks, windows, work tops, in fact most areas on or in a boat can be modelled once the areas have been digitised. Cooney is interested in helping builders by providing the digitised information on a sub contract basis to them, helping them detail up panels to ensure consistency in production.

 
The latest addition to the C-Quip range of deck fittings are the Aqualine hatch latch handles. These 316 Stainless Steel castings have been in development for over a year and now feature a raised centre to prevent ‘toe damage’ and one of the most comfortable grips on the market allowing the raising of the heaviest of engine room hatches.

The range includes two sizes of locking and unlocking units with the larger available with a compression feature to ensure a tight seal to the hatch rim. We are confident that these are the best quality fitting available for the price on the market today.

C-Quip is constantly developing new parts in conjunction with its OEM customers. All the major UK builders buy custom built stainless parts from us which is proving to be an extremely popular option. This service is available to all our customers with the only restraint being volume.

Tooling is an expensive past-time but if you can use enough of the part or you have a bright idea or new design concept that you think might be the next big thing in production boat design, come and see us. The company would be very pleased to discuss options with you.

Currently we produce custom port lights, hatches, cleats, fairleads, hinges, latches, stanchion bases, ladders, skin fittings, rail bases, chain stoppers, bow rollers, steering wheels and much more. All you need do is supply a drawing or concept.

 
English Braids revise rope specifications each season but some ropes are constantly being ‘tweaked’ for better performance characteristics. Dyneema is one of these where the individual aspects of the rope’s performance are a compromise of a list of criteria.

Typically the introduction of a new fibre will allow the rope-maker to achieve higher strength and lower stretch in the rope but this is just the start of designing the rope to meet the demands of the specifier, rigger, skipper and crew who may well have conflicting expectations.

Splicing is just one aspect where the new 2007 range is showing an improvement. Lower extension is the prime mover for development and this is a whole subject on its own. The company wants the rope to maintain the performance the Dyneema delivers right from the reel through its hard life working with the hardware.

To do this English Braids uses a number of post construction processes that build into the Dyneema rope the characteristics needed. Recently English Braids and DSM High Performance Fibres, the producers of Dyneema fibre, have been testing the new ropes in the laboratory in Geleen, Holland to achieve the design performance criteria. This partnership of fibre producer with ropemaker is central to finding the solutions to rope issues for the running rigging requirements of an offshore yacht.

English Braids is launching the new Dyneema ropes in May and these new designs range from 5 to 14 mm diameter. New colour combinations are available and more solid colours have been introduced in reply to the demand from riggers for a wider choice.

 
Distributor IMP now offers a complete range of deck and furling equipment, with the addition of the Nauquip range of products

For the 2007 season Andersen Winches’ sales are sure to go from strength to strength with the Compact Motor offering an easy installation with unrivalled performance. Available in 12 or 24V, below or above deck versions and consuming up to 50% less power than conventional electric motors, it seems Andersen is the choice for electric winches.

Schaefer Marine has introduced the New ‘M’ series blocks to its outstanding and comprehensive range for 2007. An evolution in block design, the blocks are not only lightweight, but maintain the legendary strength for which Schaefer is known. Visually stunning and available for a number of applications the M series possesses unique features typical of Schaefer’s innovation.

With increased warehouse space, IMP now stocks a large range of Forespar Hardware including whisker/spinnaker poles, poles ends, Nova Lift and Nova Davit, lightning dissipater, chocks and mast lights. With lead times reduced and stock quantities increased, IMP is confident of growing Forespar sales for 2007.

Added to the existing deck equipment of GEBO glazing, portlights and hatches and profurl furling and in-boom products UK boat builders and alike will want to investigate the many quality products available from this UK distributor.

IMP is confident that by completing the Deck Package with these additional products, it will allow existing customers to be more efficient by providing a one stop shop as well as introduce new customers to an alternative supplier. Training and technical knowledge is offered on all their products with samples and visits from IMP staff available when required.

 
Cranedavits, the lightweight epoxy Kevlar DAME award winning davits are manufactured by Kenneth Ryland. The main features are the graceful lines to compliment modern yachts, operated by our own epicyclical gearbox, with standard white finish or a choice.

Amongst the other products marketed by the company, are the Sanshin range of remote control searchlights with the introduction this year of the all new Metal Halide, HR-1170. This compliments the existing range of super search lights for yachts from 10m to mega yachts.

The full range of Goiot deck equipment is available, with a large selection of spare parts being held in stock. Amongst other items stocked, are the Lagun cockpit tables and frames and Duralac anti corrosive jointing compound.

 
Marlec’s Rutland Windchargers have been a constant over the last 25 years with two marine models available for coastal and long distance cruisers.

Wind generators and solar power may be the latest buzz in political circles but smart cruising sailors have been using them to best advantage for years. Battery charging wind turbines, now termed micro wind turbines, are frequently found in marinas worldwide.

“It’s the silent operation and our innovative flywheel effect generator that we attribute our success with the Rutland’s to.” Said Marlec’s sales director, Teresa Auciello. ‘We are mindful that our customers don’t just want good performance but it must look smart enough to be seen on their yachts. We introduce refinements, so for example our latest Rutland 913 model has a new streamlined body.’

Solar panels are popular on boats and Marlec’s semi-flexible ranges enable users to easily fit panels that follow a curve line. SunWare, the German semi-flexible solar panel manufacturer are represented by Marlec in the UK.

The range extends up to an output of 70W. If a trickle charger for maintaining unattended batteries is needed the glass fibre backed Spectra Solar panels from 5 to 20Watts start from just £64.95.

 
Marlow Ropes has been moving from strength to strength since its acquisition at the end of 2005. Over the past year and a half Marlow has been investing heavily in order to improve products and service. This includes new IT systems and improvements in stock holding of both raw materials and finished goods.

2007 marks the 200^th anniversary of rope making on the company’s historic Hailsham site, and to coincide with this Marlow has built a brand new factory, sales office and warehouse on the same site.

The new factory will manufacture all of the company’s top end products manufactured from high tech raw materials such as PBO, nomex, aramid, vectran,technora and dyneema. The warehouse, machinery and sales office will relocate over April – May 2007.

Marlow has recently signed a preferred supplier agreement with Royal DSM N.V. who manufacture the dyneema fibre. This partnership allows Marlow to continue developing affordable next generation performance ropes for racers and cruisers alike, using the latest developments and grades of the fibre including SK78.

Marlow has also continued to supply ropes to the very best of British sailors including Offshore Challenges, Skandia RYA team GBR, Sir Robin Knox Johnson in the Velux 5 Oceans and several new British Open 60’s being built this year.

The company has also been working hard on its UK strategy and recently announced at the BBeX show that Allspars of Plymouth has set up, in partnership with Marlow, a new service to the UK marine trade providing custom cut lengths of Marlow performance rope at competitive reseller prices.

This new service means that UK based riggers and rigging chandlers can now minimize wastage and stock-holding by purchasing customer specific lengths of Marlow’s market leading range of cordage.

 
Opas has a range of stainless steel products suitable for use by the marine trade. these fittings include 'D' , 'O' and Triangle rings, Trigger/Snap hooks, Carabiner hooks, quick release sail shackles, buckles etc. The company has been in business since 1889 and now carries a stock of over 4000 products for the Marine trade, outdoor events industry, road transport and Ministry of Defence.

Their core products, dot fasteners, beaver brand eyelets and rings, velcro hook and loop, and the famous Tenax fastener are all of a proven track record for quality and reliability. The company has enjoyed a good relationship with these manufacturers for over 80 years and discerning buyers and end users alike, know that these brand-names will not let them down.

There are many copies of these tried and tested products from unknown origin that do not stand the test of time, therefore no substitute for the real thing.

Because copying has always been with us, testament to the success of the product, the point was driven home in previous publicity by DOT fasteners with the release of their own famous ad ‘Don't spoil the ship’.

As Opas is a BSI accredited company, supplying to the exacting standards of the Ministry of Defence, it is committed to continue to supply branded products. Opas also prides its ability to supply up to 90% of its product range from stock for immediate despatch. This saves customers from down time and unnecessary overheads in the workshop.

Protex Fasteners Ltd designs and manufactures the world’s largest range of over-centre type. A fully 316 stainless steel fastener from Protex Fasteners, designer and manufacturer of the world’s largest single range of over-centre fasteners, is the ultimate solution for marine applications.

Able to withstand hostile and corrosive environments, the medium duty 320-1260 rigid claw fastener incorporates an anti-tamper lock that automatically engages upon closing the lever, making it ideal for cockpit lockers.

Protex’s website features all products along with technical specifications and downloadable CAD drawings and 3D models for most of the range.
 

When Ivor Barfield founder of STA-LOK Terminals introduced his new self - fit wire rope terminals at the 1973 London Boat Show, he never considered that some 34 years later STA-LOK Terminals ltd would be one of the world’s leading manufacturers of stainless steel fittings for wire ropes, rods & fabricated assemblies.

Committed to ongoing product design and development STA-LOK products are manufactured to the highest standards, with a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality, reliability and value.

With over 35 years manufacturing experience within the industry, STA-LOK has developed a wide range of products to meet the demands of all market sectors, with thousands of standard products available off the shelf for next day delivery.

Our custom manufacturing service for OEM’S can deliver one off components or complete production solutions to meet individual design specifications. Complimenting the company’s in house manufacturing, STA-LOK Terminals Ltd stock a wide range of stainless steel wire ropes, wire cutters and associated rigging hardware.

Understanding that globalisation in world markets has put pressure on UK manufacturing, STA-LOK has developed a range of business services to help business professionals gain faster access to technical information, free marketing support, and services designed to improve efficiency and increase turnover.

Images from top left.

Allen Brothers – As the Stealth cleat is surface mounted drainage is not required.

Allspars – The Karver furling lock – KF-H is the only lock on the market that combines the furling and locking mechanism in the same unit.

Bainbridge – The Lewmar Pro-Series windlass is easy to install and designed for boats from 6 – 14m.

Barton – The Barton Ball Bearing Mainsheet Traveller System simplifies the choice of traveller system and is attractively packaged.

Cooney – Cooney’s Davit Cover is unaffected by uv radiation, salt water, acid rain, cleaning agents, industrial pollutants, snow and micro-organisms.

Cooney - Cooney Marine has teamed up with Fibratrim to produce complete solutions of production and custom made bimini covers.

Cquip - C-Quip’s Aqualine hatch latch handles are available in two sizes ensuring a tight seal.

English Braids – English Braids use a number of post construction processes to build the Dyneema rope.

Imp – The Andersen Winch Compact Motor is available in 12 or 24V in below or above deck versions.

Kenneth Ryland - The Sanshin HR-1170 complements the existing range of super search lights for yachts from 10m to mega yachts.

Marlec - Marlec’s Rutland Windchargers are available in two marine models for coastal and long distance cruisers.

Marlow - Marlow has built a brand new factory, sales office and warehouse coinciding with the 200^th anniversary of rope making.

Marlow - Marlow manufacture using PBO, Nomex, aramid, vectran, technora and dyneema.

Opas - Opas’ famous Tenax fastener has a proven track record for quality and reliability.

Protex– Protex is the designer and manufacturer of the world’s largest single range of over-centre fasteners.