Product Feature: A New Generation of Precision – The Acetal Pivoting Mast Step

10 July 2025

At Allen, we’re always refining performance through engineering innovation. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Acetal Pivoting Mast Step – a lightweight, cost-effective evolution of our popular Aluminium Pivoting Mast Step.

First developed as a breakthrough in the dinghy and small keelboat market, our original aluminium pivoting mast step was inspired by the ball-and-cup design commonly found on catamarans. However, instead of multi-directional articulation, our step offers controlled fore-and-aft pivot within the mast step channel. This allows for dynamic rig tuning on the water without compromising mast alignment or deck integrity.

Now, we’ve taken everything great about that original design and, in partnership with Jon Turner, we have made it even more accessible.

The New Acetal Version: Smarter, Lighter, More Efficient

Crafted from durable acetal, this new version (A9200) delivers the same rig-tuning advantages in a lighter, more affordable format. By enabling greater articulation of the mast heel, it promotes a smoother and more consistent mast bend profile – critical for fine-tuning sail shape and performance.

Whether you’re pushing your boat to the limit on the racecourse or simply after a more forgiving rig setup, the pivoting step reduces point loading on the deck and spreads compression forces more evenly – enhancing both performance and longevity.

Key Features:

Stainless Steel Pivot Bar – The structural core of the unit, this bar carries the mast load and serves as the pivot axis. It also provides attachment options for control lines.

Lightweight Acetal Body – A durable yet budget-friendly material that reduces weight without compromising strength.

Sloped Deck Profile – Designed to prevent the jib from catching on the mast step during tacks, making for cleaner, faster manoeuvres.

Below-Deck Access – A 7mm hole allows a halyard or other line to pass through the base – ideal for internal routing.

Pairing Options:

The Acetal Pivoting Mast Step is compatible with a range of mast heel plugs to suit various mast profiles:

A9250 – Round Mast Heel for 37.5mm ID

A9251 – Round Mast Heel for 41mm ID

A9252 – Round Mast Heel for 46mm ID

SHOP MAST STEPS & GATES

Still Available: The Aluminium Pivoting Mast Step

Prefer metal over polymer? Our original CNC-machined Aluminium Pivoting Mast Step (A9100) isn’t going anywhere. Milled from tough 6082 aluminium and finished with a sleek black anodising, it offers the same controlled pivot motion with the added rigidity of metal – ideal for sailors pushing the limits in more demanding conditions.

Whether you choose the precision-machined aluminium or the lightweight acetal version, both steps offer the same fundamental benefits: smoother mast bend, reduced deck load, and better overall rig efficiency.