In the Special Fittings section you will find fittings intended for special boat use that do not fit into the usual fitting or block categories: windshield mounting plates in black, white and grey, the 185C openable windshield bracket, lashing eyes in 5 and 6 mm stainless steel models, the Bätsystem bow ladder bracket and the Allen boom joint.
What does "special fitting" mean and when is it needed?
Special fittings cover products that are designed for a very specific purpose and do not fit into the more general fitting or block categories – these are often needed when the boat has a special design or need, such as an opening windshield or rigging that requires a specific type of boom joint.
The windshield mounting plates and the opening bracket (185C) are specially designed for a sturdy but adjustable attachment of the boat's windshield - the opening model allows the windshield to be tilted or opened, for example, for better visibility or ventilation.
The shear eye is a multi-purpose basic fitting used in various attachment and connection points in rigging – the stainless steel material is highly resistant to seawater, and the size (5 or 6 mm) is chosen according to the load of the application.
The Bätsystem bow ladder bracket is designed specifically for the installation of bow ladders from that manufacturer, and the Allen boom joint allows the boom to move in a controlled vertical direction at the attachment point without excess friction or jamming.
When looking for a specific specialty fitting, always check the product's exact dimensions and compatibility information before ordering – specialty fittings are often model or manufacturer specific and are not as universal as standard deck or sailboat fittings.
If you can't find the special fitting you're looking for in the selection, it's worth contacting the seller - many special needs are more common than you might think, and the right part may be found in another category or can be ordered separately.
Installing a special fitting often requires more precise planning than a standard fitting, as the mounting point and surrounding structure must be adapted to the dimensions of the fitting in question – inaccurate installation can significantly impair the function or durability of the fitting.
Always ask the seller for advice if you are unsure about choosing the right special fitting for your specific application, as making the wrong choice can prove to be a costly mistake after installation.
Many specialty fittings are small but indispensable parts of a given installation – for example, a hinged windshield bracket may be the very part that allows the entire windshield to function as desired.
It is worth checking the boom joint regularly for wear, as it is in constant motion during sailing and is more susceptible to mechanical stress than other more fixed fittings.