Interview with Rob Lyne about Allen's new high-load blocks and thimbles
by Mark Jardine 20 Nov 2015 08:43 GMT
20 November 2015
Allen's new high-load block and thimbles © Mark Jardine
We talked to Rob Lyne of Allen Brothers at the METS Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam about their new range of high-load blocks and thimbles.
Mark Jardine: Rob, can you tell me why you've brought out this product range, and what applications they are used for?
Rob Lyne: The reason we brought out the high-load blocks was mainly because a couple of our sponsored sailors have wanted us to make a block that would stand up to a tonne of load. One of whom is a famous Moth sailor who has a habit of breaking stuff on a regular basis. What we've done is CNC machine the aluminium cheek sides, there's a stainless steel sheave, and a special ball bearing system inside which can take much higher static loads. We've tested this up to 1250kg and it still works with no problems.
MJ: It would seem in the Moths, especially as they are bringing the booms down lower, the kicker loads are getting massive. Are these blocks specific for the Moth, or can they be used on other boats?
RL: You can use them on any class, but the particular reason we created this block was for the loads on Chris Rashley's Moth. It can be used in all sorts of applications. We've actually had a gentleman visit the stand at METS who is going to use the product on his hot air balloon! Mainly because it is aluminium and stainless steel and can withstand 127 degrees heat inside the balloon, which is an application we'd never thought about before.
MJ: With the thimbles, we're beginning to see these used instead of blocks in certain applications. What are the advantages and why would people want to change to using thimbles instead of blocks?
RL: The main reason again is load. Thimbles can take a much higher load, but they are not as good in a multiple-use situation as you have more friction. We've always had the middle-size thimble as a standard product, but we keep being asked for smaller and larger ones. We've deliberately gone down the route of making six different colours, purely to make them stand out.
MJ: Thank you Rob for your time. It's an eye-catching range and extremely high load!
RL: Thank you.
www.allenbrothers.co.uk