The 49er skiff runs a friction-critical hardware package built almost entirely from Allen high-load, ball-bearing and articulating blocks, with dedicated systems for the mainsheet, jib, control lines, spinnaker and trapeze. This system-by-system guide lists the exact fittings, Allen part numbers and quantities used across the boat so you can rebuild, upgrade or fine-tune your setup for maximum efficiency and minimal friction.
49er Fittings Guide | Boat Tour
49er block types at a glance
| Block type | Bearing / sheave | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Load | Stainless sheaves, caged ball bearings + axles | Demanding, high-load positions | Slightly heavier; unmatched durability |
| Dynamic | Acetal sheaves, stainless ball bearings | General-purpose sheeting | Balanced weight/performance; less robust under constant high load |
| Plain Bearing | No ball bearings | Extreme stress, take-up positions | Higher friction but greater load capacity; lightweight and cost-effective |
Which block should I choose for the 49er?
Choosing the right blocks for your 49er comes down to your priority in each position: lighter weight or reduced friction. High Load blocks use stainless steel sheaves, caged ball bearings and axles to handle heavy loads with low friction and exceptional durability, making them ideal for the most demanding positions. Dynamic blocks pair acetal sheaves with stainless ball bearings for a balance of weight and performance across most applications. Plain Bearing blocks forgo ball bearings entirely for greater load capacity and low cost, accepting higher friction in exchange for a simple, durable design that suits extreme-stress and take-up roles.
How is the mainsheet system set up?
Responsive, smooth sheeting is critical for controlling the 49er’s powerful sails, especially during fast maneuvers. The mainsheet runs a ratchet block on the sheet, high-load single blocks on the boom, and a bridle block, so the sheet loads without binding.
| System | SKU | Description | Quantity | Alternative SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainsheet Ratchet Block | A21401 | Pro-Ratchet 40 | 1 | A2150 |
| Mainsheet Boom Blocks | A2030HL | 30mm High Load Single | 2 | A2030 / A2030Tii / A2030TiiHL |
| Mainsheet Bridal Block | A2030HL | 30mm High Load Single | 1 | A2030 / A2030Tii / A2030TiiHL |
What fittings does the jib sheet system use?
With stiffer sails increasing load demands, the jib system relies on high-load and extreme-high-load blocks plus a high-performance swivel cleat for smoother adjustments. The full jib package covers the track car, purchase, cheek blocks, ball stopper and shackle.
| System | SKU | Description | Quantity | Alternative SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jib Track Car Block | A2020XHL | Extreme High Load 20mm Single | 1 | A2030HLF / A2030F |
| Jib Swivel Cleat | A5866-77 | High Performance Swivel Cleat | 1 | A4866XB-ANGLED |
| Jib Purchase Outer | A2030TiiHL | 30mm Single High Load Tii-On | 1 | A2030Tii / A2030 |
| Jib Purchase Inner | A2020TiiHL | 20mm Single High Load Tii-On | 1 | A2020Tii / A2020Ti3 / A2020Ti3HL |
| Jib Sheet Cheek Blocks | A2026HL | 20mm Cheek Block High Load | 2 | A2026 |
| Jib Sheet Ball Stopper | A..22 | Small Ball Stopper | 1 | |
| Jib Shackle | A-622105 | 5mm Jib Shackle | 1 |
How are the control lines (vang / cunningham) rigged?
Quick vang and cunningham adjustments keep you efficient on the trapeze. Articulating blocks and high-load sheaves reduce friction and allow precise control, so the whole cascade of cheek, double, triple and single blocks runs freely under load.
| System | SKU | Description | Quantity | Alternative SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control Line Cheek Blocks | A2026HL | 20mm Cheek Block High Load | 4 | A2026 |
| Control Line Double Blocks | A2022AHL | 20mm Double Articulating High Load | 4 | A2022TiiHL / A2022Tii / A2022 / A2022HL |
| Control Line Triple Block | A2024AHL | 20mm Triple Articulating High Load | 1 | A2024 |
| Control Line Single Block | A2020HL | 20mm High Load Single | 1 | A2020 / A2020Tii / A2020TiiHL / A2020Ti3HL / A2020Ti3 |
| Kicker Mast Vang Block | A2020HL | 20mm High Load Single | 1 | A2020 / A2020Tii / A2020TiiHL / A2020Ti3HL / A2020Ti3 |
| Control Line Take Up Blocks | A2020PTi3 | 20mm Plain Bearing Ti3-On | 4 | A2020P / A4078 / A2020 |
| Control Line Thimble | A..87-20 | 20mm Aluminium Thimble (Black) | 4 | A.156 |
| Control Line Cleat | CL211M1A | Racing Junior Clamcleat | 4 | |
| Wing Bushes | A.439A | Aluminium Through Deck Bush | 4 | A.439 / A.439T |
What does the spinnaker sheet system include?
A fast spinnaker hoist can decide a race. You can build the system from Tii-on blocks in a back-to-back configuration or use pre-assembled back-to-back blocks, and sheave size directly affects the effort required, so choose based on your style and needs.
| System | SKU | Description | Quantity | Alternative SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinnaker Pole Deck Block | A4993 + A4035 | 25mm Single Clevis Pin Head HL | 1 | |
| Spinnaker Pole And Halyard Back To Back Block | A2038HL | 30mm High Load Back To Back | 1 | A2030Tii / A2040Tii / A2050Tii / A2038 |
| Spinnaker Halyard Cleat | A..77-497 | Cam Cleat With Mega Pro Lead – Small | 1 | |
| Spinnaker Halyard Ring | A..56 | Nylon Sail Ring | 1 | |
| Spinnaker Halyard Take Up Block | A2020Tii | 20mm Single Tii-On | 1 | A2020Ti3 |
| Spinnaker Halyard Hoist And Drop Blocks | A20401SRHL + A4033 | 40mm Single With Lacing Eye And Spring HL | 2 | A20401S / A1034 |
| Spinnaker Sheet Ratchet Blocks | A2360WAVE | X2 Auto Ratchet 60 WAVE Sheave | 2 | A2150 / A2160 / A2160WAVE / A2360 / A21401B |
Which accessories complete a 49er setup?
Don’t overlook the small details. Halyard tensioners, trapeze rings and cleats, fast pins, shroud adjusters, boat-breaker blocks and an outhaul clip refine the setup and give you an edge on the racecourse.
| System | SKU | Description | Quantity | Alternative SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jib And Main Halyard Tensioners | A8606 | 6mm Dog Bone | 2 | A8608 / A9603 / A9604 |
| Jib Tack Dog Bones | A8606 | 6mm Dog Bone | 1 | A8608 / A9603 / A9604 |
| Trapeze Ring | A4261 | Wide Trapeze Ring With 20mm Block | 4 | |
| Trapeze Cleat | CL253 | Trapeze ClamCleat | 4 | |
| Fast Pins | A5005 | 5mm Fast Pin | 4 | |
| Shroud Adjusters | A4772 | Heavy Duty Vernier Adjuster | 2 | |
| Boat Breaker Cleat Block | A2027 | 20mm Triple, Cleat and Becket Block | 1 | |
| Boat Breaker Cheek Blocks | A2026 | 20mm Cheek Block | 3 | |
| Outhaul Clip | A-64000 | Small Snap Shackle | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What blocks does a 49er use?
The 49er is built primarily from Allen high-load, dynamic and plain-bearing blocks. High-load ball-bearing blocks handle the most demanding positions, while plain-bearing blocks are used in take-up and extreme-stress roles.
What is the difference between High Load, Dynamic and Plain Bearing blocks?
High Load blocks use stainless sheaves with caged ball bearings for durability under heavy loads; Dynamic blocks use acetal sheaves with stainless ball bearings to balance weight and performance; Plain Bearing blocks omit ball bearings for higher load capacity and lower weight at the cost of more friction.
Which ratchet block does the 49er mainsheet use?
The mainsheet uses an Allen A21401 Pro-Ratchet 40 (alternative A2150), paired with A2030HL 30mm high-load single blocks on the boom and bridle.
What ratchet block runs on the spinnaker sheet?
The spinnaker sheet uses two A2360WAVE Auto Ratchet 60 blocks with WAVE sheaves; alternatives include the A2150, A2160, A2160WAVE, A2360 and A21401B.
How do I reduce friction in my 49er control lines?
Use articulating high-load blocks and matched sheave sizes so lines align cleanly, and add plain-bearing take-up blocks where loads are highest. Keeping bearings clean and rinsed also preserves smooth running.
Can I substitute alternative Allen part numbers?
Yes. Each system table lists alternative SKUs alongside the primary fitting, so you can swap in compatible Allen blocks based on availability or your preference for weight versus load capacity.