Deck Hardware products 2010

Plastimo’s maintenance free headsail reefing range
Plastimo has launched a range of maintenance-free jib reefing systems. Designed to suit both novice and experienced sailors, the Plastimo headsail reefing systems are ideal for cruising and racing yachtsmen alike. 

The five models are designed to fit boats between four and 13 metres in length and are all available with either straightforward chainplate mounting or a turnbuckle version which allows for more accurate rigging adjustments. 

Prices of the updated 406, 609 and 811 systems range from £319.99 to £689.99
(including VAT). 

Every Plastimo headsail reefing system comes with a five-year warranty as standard reflecting the high warranty standard the company provides on all its products.
 
Each unit is assembled in France drawing on the company’s 40 years of expertise in high-pressure injection and composite material engineering. All moulded components in the Plastimo jib reefing systems use high-pressure injection techniques.
 
This engineering process gives the composite material properties which are comparable to certain metals, but without the risk of corrosion which makes them virtually maintenance-free.
 
The three updated models – the 406, 609, 811 - are available in the S-series featuring a single-groove spar or the T-series with a twin-groove spar. The patented assembly system of the S-series allows for very easy installation with no need to unstep the existing forestay. The T-system allows the use of the jib reefing on a hollow forestay when racing or the setting of twin headsails to avoid hoisting the spinnaker.
Plastimo
 
Deck hardware from Bainbridge
In January, Bainbridge introduced Quick to its customers. This includes windlasses, water heaters, battery chargers and electrical support equipment, as well as a comprehensive range of stylish lighting.
 
The Italian based manufacturer is well respected industry wide and its products are the first choice for many boatbuilders. Quick windlasses make boating more enjoyable, by reducing the amount of effort required to lift and lower heavy ground tackle, making anchoring easier, faster and safer. Most Quick windlasses are equipped with a gypsy, are designed to work with both rope and chain and are available with or without a drum.
 
With 18 different models to choose from and gypsy sizes ranging from 6mm to 14mm, there is a Quick windlass to suit every application.
 
Also launched in January was the full inventory of deck hardware products available from RWO. This includes fairleads, deck organisers, stanchion gear and travellers, to name a few.
 
Other products now being stocked by Bainbridge Marine include the popular range of performance dinghy products from RWO, such as blocks, rudders, tillers, spars and rigging.
 
Anchors have always featured prominently in Bainbridge’s product range and have continued do so in 2010. The new D-Type self launching anchor complements Bainbridge’s existing claw and grapnel anchor ranges, with stainless steel being offered in addition to galvanised across the range.
 
Bainbridge Marine will soon be launching its new range of Storm hatches. The stylish design has been carefully developed to offer a cost effective, fully certified hatch system suitable for both new build and ‘drop in’ aftermarket replacement. In addition to being an easy, no modification replacement, Bainbridge’s new range of hatches are suitable for most boats, having been built to popular industry standard sizes and the design blends well with existing hatches from other manufacturers.
 
A new edition of the Bainbridge Marine catalogue is currently in production and a brand new e-commerce site, a valuable resource for trade customers and boat owners alike, will be launched this month.
Bainbridge
 
New manufacturing capacity at Sea Sure
Sea Sure has now invested in considerable additional manufacturing capacity in the UK.
 
Two new CNC lathes and further equipment to increase their injection moulding capability have just arrived at Sea Sure’s South Coast base in Warsash. Demand for Sea Sure’s engineered products has significantly increased over the last six months, and this new equipment further enhances their production capacity.
 
‘Product design and development have always been based in the UK. In recent years we invested in tooling and production in the Far East to ensure we maintained the lowest production costs,’ said Sea Sure MD Graham Brown. ‘The situation has now changed; with the dollar exchange rate at its current levels and Far East production costs continuing to rise, it is now more cost effective to manufacture many of our products back in the UK.’
Sea Sure
 
Barton Marine – equipment for all sailboats
Barton Marine’s vast range of deck hardware offers equipment for all sailboats from dinghies and keel boats through to large cruising and racing yachts up to 16m. With all hardware designed and manufactured at the company’s Kent facility, Barton has become renowned for its high quality, exceptional value and innovative products.
 
A specially designed Barton traveller system is even used by Sealine powerboats, incorporated into a full length convertible roof to facilitate smooth and maintenance free operation.
 
New deck fittings
Barton’s new deck fittings include its compact, Size ‘0’ Stand-Up Block.
Perfect for both dinghies and day boats and also as a turning block for spinnaker sheets and size ‘0’ mainsheet traveller control lines.
 
There are two versions of Size ‘0’ Stand-up Blocks available, a plain bearing version which has a recommended retail price of £7.50 ex VAT and a ball bearing version which retails at £9.50 ex VAT.
 
The range has been extremely well received by both the trade and public due to their great value for money, exceptional strength and good looks.
 
Clutches
The DO550 Clutch is highly durable and provides exceptional strength, with a holding power of up to 550kg. High grade plastic components, stainless steel rope fairleads, coupled with aluminium cams and bases in a ‘Spectro’ grey anodised finish ensures a strong yet lightweight product.
 
Operating the clutch is easy with its powerful, ergonomic handle, which makes opening and closing the clutch mechanism simple and precise. The design also allows the lines to be adjusted with minimal slippage when in the closed, locked position. The DO550 Clutch is priced at £38.00 excluding VAT (RRP).
 
Foot Blocks with Cams
Designed to hold the load on the Foot Block allowing the winch to be used for another application.
 
Manufactured from marve grade aluminium and ‘Spectro’ grey anodised for high UV stability and durability. Sheaves are precision turned from solid ‘Ertalyte’ bar with a profile that is kind to modern ropes. Through bolt mounting gives added strength and allows the units to be stacked. RRP at £36.50 ex VAT each
Barton Marine Equipment

Seldén Code X
Gennakers and Code 0 sails have become increasingly popular over the past years. The ability to furl these sails, the way a genoa might be furled, makes for a convenient way to increase sailing performance and pleasure.
 
Seldén has been manufacturing furling systems since the 80s and are world market leaders in jib furling (Furlex) and mainsail furling. All this experience has been put into the design of the Seldén Code X, focusing on reliability and function.
 
The system is operated with an endless furling line which runs over a line driver. A narrow line guide fitting which can be adjusted to one of 15 positions leads the line on to the line driver which benefits from stainless ‘teeth’ for a good grip. A wedge shaped line stripper separates the line when unfurling allowing the line driver to spin freely. All structural parts are reinforced by high strength Duplex steel and in combination with composite parts the system is both strong and light.
 
The furling line is usually led back to the cockpit and to help handling of the endless control line Seldén has developed a new custom Tandem-block. This is a fiddle block with two cam cleats.
 
The new Code X is available in CX15, CX25 and CX40 versions for boats up to about 60ft. This product is also recommended to be used in conjunction with the popular Seldén aluminium or carbon gennaker bowsprit.Prices for the new system start from £715 including VAT. 
Seldén Mast
 
Lewmar's radio control for windlass and thruster
Lewmar has introduced a practical, compact, hand-held radio control device that allows full operation of a yachts anchor windlass (winch) or thruster from anywhere on a boat, or in certain cases ashore when mooring Scandinavian style. 
 
Available with three buttons (for windlass operation) or five button (for windlass and thruster), Lewmar's new radio control makes it easier for an unassisted person to perform tasks, such as anchoring or docking and offers greater visibility during manoeuvres.
 
The two-piece system includes a hand-held waterproof transmitter and a receiver capable of receiving signals emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter includes switches for controlling the various components of the boat, such as anchor windlass and/or a thruster.
 
The receiver 2/4 relay outputs become active when corresponding signals from the transmitter are received. The outputs of the receiver are connected to the existing windlass or thruster control box or solenoid. The receiver outputs are connected in parallel with the conventional controls, so that the radio control can act in addition to, but does not replace, the conventional control system provided with the boat.  Additional radio controls can be linked to the system if required.
 
Lewmar's new, waterproof remote control is easily installed on existing boats that are equipped with control boxes or solenoids, and does not require boats to be modified, other than by connecting the receiver to the electronic controls. Prices from £219, €317, US $350, AUS $395.
Lewmar
 
Allen Brothers’ compact jammer
The compact design of this mainsheet jammer is perfect for use on smaller dinghy classes such as Mirror, Cadet and Solo. The reduced height of the sturdy arms allows for lower sheeting angles, whilst the low friction swivel base effortlessly slides into position as you tack.
 
The A.677 cam cleat with over-fairlead will confidently cleat and release when it’s needed and the ratchet block gives added holding power when required.
 
The product could also be used as part of a kicker/cunningham system on larger dinghies and keel boats. Also available without ratchet block.
Allen Brothers
 
GV-Ropegripper makes stern-to mooring a pleasure
A British inventor has finally found the answer to the difficulties of mooring in the Mediterranean and UK, with an ingenious new product that is guaranteed to turn any crew member into a mooring expert.
 
GV-Ropegripper is the brainchild of Gordon Vickers, a British inventor with years of boating experience in the Mediterranean, where the widespread practise of mooring stern-to creates a frustrating set of challenges for yacht and motorboat crews alike.
Mooring with your stern towards a fixed quay or jetty has, at some point, given every boater a headache.
 
After watching countless crews struggle to get the slime line from winch to cleat without losing tension or injuring themselves, Mr Vickers decided to do something about it. A few sketches later and a working GV-Ropegripper prototype was born.
 
The gripper is placed against the bulwark, or toe rail and the slime-line is taken through the fairlead, across its open jaws and then around the winch or windlass. Once the right tension is reached, the GV-Ropegripper jaws are closed and modest foot pressure applied. The mooring line is now securely locked and two hands are free to remove the line from the windlass and secure it on the cleat without straining your back, damaging your hands or feet and with only minimal loss of tension. Having served its purpose, GV-Ropegripper simply returns to the chain locker.
 
GV-Ropegripper is not sensitive to rope thickness, measures 280 x 90 x 80mm and weighs only 750gr. It’s made from varnished 13-ply marine grade plywood and is extremely robust. The price for ending mooring despair is £45.00 and, for a limited time only, the postage and packaging is free (usual cost is £8.00).
GV Ropergripper - ropegripper.com.
 
New carbon mast pod from Scanstrut
Mounting maxi style instruments on the mast has never been the easiest task, but now a new lightweight, flexible carbon mast pod from Scanstrut makes installing instruments quick and easy, providing the ideal solution for racing boats.
 
Scanstrut has developed a unique, off-the-shelf, carbon mast pod designed to fit up to four maxi instruments. This tough but super lightweight fitting features Scanstrut’s ingenious flx-technology, enabling it to be installed on the wide range of masts found on yachts from 8m (30ft) and above. 
 
The carbon mast pod comes complete with mounting kit, and for complete ease of installation, even the fixing holes are pre-drilled. For added security, the mast pod kit comes with tamper-proof screws, which means they can only be removed using a special tool provided with the installation kit. 
 
Scanstrut’s new carbon mast pod is designed to offer maximum protection for mast mounted maxi instruments, and features a full height rear splash guard to help protect the instruments from over the deck water deluges. 
 
Designed to fit instruments from all the leading manufacturers including Raymarine’s new ST70+, B&G, Nexus, and Tacktick, it retails at £600 ex VAT and is available from all leading marine chandlers.
Scanstrut 
 
Glowfaster...Glowsafer says Kayospruce
Kayospruce has added to its GlowFast performance range of products for the race boat market; luminous draft camber stripes allow trimmers to see sail shapes throughout the night for optimum trim that can be fitted to either new or retrofitted to clean sails.

With the illuminated stripes, boatspeed is not compromised through the hours of darkness and trimmers can trim without having to use torches. And for those concerned that their identity or settings are on display to their nearest rivals, GlowFast properties are only visible up to just under 200m.
 
All GlowFast products in the range can be charged with just ten minutes of natural or torchlight, although under normal conditions, the ‘charge’ of daylight will provide up to 20 hours of visibility.
 
Luminous tell tale patches and rope clutch labels complement the performance range, giving additional visual checks on trim, and on adjustment of further trimming control lines led through rope clutches.
 
From a safety point of view, non-skid tape is available again with GlowFast properties, so it can be applied to slippery surfaces such as a forehatch or deck windows, where crew are likely to tread during manoeuvres. This will allow them to see potentially dangerous areas.
Kayospruce