COULD THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY SAVE YOUR BULKHEADS?? 🤔 - (Episode 272)

Could Cyclops Load Sensors Save Your Bulkheads? A Look at New Technology for Cruising Sailboats

Right guys, we’ve got an exciting installation here. Indie Marine has sent us these Cyclops load sensors to try out, and they’re going to measure the load on our shrouds. These could be the way of the future for cruising sailboats as they not only allow tensioning the rig at the dock but also show the loads experienced out at sea.The current guideline is to never put your rig or cap shrouds under more than a third of the breaking strain. Our wires are 16 mil, with a breaking strain of 21 tons (21,000 kg). Ideally, we want to see no more than 7 tons but closer to 5u00a01/2 tons to know when to reef.The information from these sensors will be sent to our Raymarine Axiom chart plotter, allowing us to view the data at a glance. There’s also an app; I’ve just downloaded it. The load sensors are battery powered and currently registering 30u00a040 kg of load, which is normal as they’re calibrated for thousands of kilos.They come with a charger that wirelessly sits on the unit. We have the gateway here, which plugs into the Raymarine SeaTalk network, and an antenna to be mounted somewhere in the middle of the boat for communication with both load sensors.The Future of Cruising SailboatsThese Cyclops load sensors could potentially save your bulkheads by providing accurate load measurements on shrouds. The technology is relatively new for cruising sailboats and could revolutionize how rig tensioning is managed.Benefits of Using Cyclops Load SensorsWith the load sensors, boat owners can: – Adjust rig tension more effectively at the dock – View load data on their Raymarine chart plotter or app – Monitor loads experienced while sailing – Make informed decisions about reefingThe Installation ProcessThe installation involves releasing the shroud one at a time, taping off identical lengths for consistency, and securing them tightly. It’s crucial to maintain even tension across both sides of the rig.Testing the Load SensorsThe initial reading shows a load of 1u00a01/2 tons on the app. The recommended minimum is 2.2, but the crew prefers not to go beyond 5u00a01/2 tons. This conservative approach is based on past experience with broken bulkheads and the importance of proper rig tension.The Next StepsThe crew plans to use these load sensors as they prepare for sailing in different environments. The data will help them make informed decisions about when to reef and ensure the rig is always tensioned optimally.ConclusionIn this video, we explored Cyclops load sensors as potentially game-changing technology for cruising sailboats. By accurately measuring shroud loads and communicating the data via an app or chart plotter, sailors can better manage their rigs and potentially save their bulkheads from excessive stress.Related VideoDon’t miss out on more great content. Subscribe to follow our journey around this beautiful planet [Music]