Cyclops Load Sensors: Taking Sailboat Rigging to the Next Generation
A level saloon floor is a comfort feature; it is not a load gauge. A catamaran can feel comfortable even though its rig is working very hard. That is one reason we think load sensing deserves a place in the conversation about cruising boats, especially charter boats and catamarans, not just race boats.
Catamarans do heel, but generally much less than comparable cruising mono-hulls in normal operation. Their wide stance gives substantial initial stability. The familiar warning of increasing heel is much less apparent on a catamaran, although sail and rig loads are constantly changing. Loads can rise sharply while the boat still feels level.
Cyclops Load Sensing Technology
Cyclops’ catamaran guidance makes the same basic point: reduced heel gives fewer clues about loading.
We see load sensing as very useful input for many reasons. It can show how a measured stay or fitting responds when you trim, change course, reef, sail through a gust, or even punch through a wave. That feedback can help a crew learn the boat and spot changes that deserve attention. Most importantly, it can give the skipper/ crew and even send data to other shore-based devices and users (looking at you charter boat owners) with critical or excessive load data; thus allowing the crew to react by reducing load, reefing or easing, and potential liability assertions which could be useful data for charter companies potentially.
The other real advantage we see as riggers is being able to dial in the specific tensions as recommended by the boat builder and/or spar manufacturer, thus preventing potential damage to the boat and/or the boat’s rigging, simply by using this clever load sensing device.
Appropriate tension settings at the dock can make the difference between a skipper complaining about the excessive swaying of the leeward shrouds and the skipper being trapped in the head because the rig is so tight that you can’t open the bathroom door any longer; we call this “the Loo Gauge” LOL!!
Some thoughts on SmartTune bodies, load pins, and soft-attach sensors…
| Option | What it measures | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| SmartTune | Axial load through a replacement turnbuckle body in a compatible standing-rigging position. | Thread size and hand, engagement, length, articulation, load range, and access. |
| SmartPin / wired Digital Direct pin | Load at a purpose-specified clevis-pin connection, such as a forestay or shroud attachment. | Pin and bearing geometry, load direction, anti-rotation arrangement, cable or radio route, and calibration. |
| SmartLink | Load through a suitable soft-attach fitting, for applications such as a mainsheet or selected control line. | Attachment method, alignment, load range, chafe protection, and how that local reading relates to the rig. |
| Gateway and display | Receives sensor data and makes it available to compatible instruments or software. | Exact gateway model, network, display version, software license, power, and alarm support. |
SmartTune
The SmartTune concept is particularly appealing when a compatible turnbuckle body can be replaced while retaining an appropriate standing-rigging arrangement. It is important to order by the thread size/ fitting specification. For example, a 5/8-inch UNF thread designation is not a statement that the wire is 5/8 inch.
Load sensing pins
Load-sensing pins can suit installations where replacing the turnbuckle is impractical. Cyclops offers load-pin solutions including wired Digital Direct pins, with factory calibration and electronics integrated into the pin. A pin that fits the hole is only part of the specification: bearing surfaces, shear arrangement, alignment, and retention must also be correct. Custom load pins will require load-pin connector cable which is an accessory. For wired pins, plan protected cable routes, strain relief, connectors, and the network interface. The most suitable system is the one that measures a useful location and remains reliable in everyday service.
For wireless sensors, confirm the battery and charging requirements of the exact generation supplied. You can browse our Cyclops SmartTune turnbuckle sensors, SmartLink options, and Cyclops BG11 Multi Gateway for more product information.
A rig is an interacting structure. Adjusting one stay changes how another loads, and the boat’s loading condition can affect readings. While the boat is afloat follow usual dockside tuning work and follow the spar/ boat builder’s requirements if available. Our mast-tuning article and turnbuckle adjustment guide provide some background; keeping in mind that the final specification should be specific to the boat.
A simple display
Cyclops’ Smart Rig Manager organizes data into dock tuning, live sailing, and trip analysis. Marlow’s US introduction now provides support for Garmin, Raymarine, and B&G displays via an appropriate Cyclops gateway. It’s important to verify the exact display, firmware, gateway, and subscription before specifying an installation; brand compatibility alone is not enough.
Our opinion: a simple, clearly labelled display with an agreed response is usually more valuable to a cruising crew than an impressive page of unexplained figures.
Watch: Cyclops Smart Rig Manager
Charter fleets: the value is in the data
A charter fleet is an especially interesting use case because the skipper changes while the boat and rig remain. Load monitoring could help connect the handover, the sailing week, and the return inspection. The following are just some thoughts on an operating approach, rather than a claim that a standard retail sensor automatically provides a complete fleet-management service.
| Stage | Practical use | Record to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Before departure | Check the baseline, sensor health, display, alarms, and reefing brief. | Boat ID, sensor IDs, date, settings, checks, and person responsible. |
| During the charter | Give the skipper understandable feedback and a clear response to warnings. | Available load history plus sail-plan and incident notes. |
| After return | Review exceptions and compare the dockside condition before the next booking. | Inspection findings, changes, and any decision to withdraw or release the boat. |
| Across the fleet | Compare like-for-like boats and identify recurring problems. | Comparable configuration, service history, defects, and completed corrective work. |
The practical benefit could be rig load data in the investigation of an abnormal event, more consistent crew training, and/or just better information for the owner, skipper, crew or rigger.
Remote monitoring requires its own check. Although this is some pretty nifty tech, a gateway by itself does not magically guarantee continuous shore-side alerts. There will need to be considerations like: cellular service, cloud access, a staff member watching the fleet, and just technology glitches as a whole.
Could this help with insurance? A conversation worth having
For a charter business, private cruiser, be it a mono or a multi, we have to think that a documented monitoring program may help explain what was reported. Keep in mind, it will likely never remove responsibility for maintenance, seaworthiness, crew briefings, seamanship, or just plain acting on a known problem.
We think a private vessel or fleet with documented inspections, trained crews, useful monitoring, and prompt corrective action has a sensible risk-management story to put to its marine insurance broker. Whether that leads to a premium reduction, different deductible, or other terms is a question for the broker.
Ask the broker what evidence the underwriter would actually recognize, and see what they say. Like we’ve mentioned, this is still some pretty new tech and we doubt it’s even on Mr. Insurance Company’s radar….yet!
We reiterate: Maintenance still matters
Continue scheduled inspections and manufacturer service requirements. Load sensing cannot see hidden corrosion, a crack, a compromised chainplate or tang for that matter. Keep in mind that trend or fatigue analysis does not certify remaining service life or extend a replacement interval without appropriate engineering support.
Build sensor checks into that service plan. Cyclops’ service-healthcheck guidance notes that high loads, shock events, long use, and installation changes can affect accuracy. Record recalibration or diagnostic work along with the rig’s maintenance history. See our rig-inspection discussion for the broader picture.
Where we would begin on your boat
Tell us the boat make, model, year, rig arrangement, current turnbuckle and pin details, and installed electronics. For a fleet, add the number of boats and the operating area. We can then discuss a useful sensor layout and a realistic installation scope.
The Cyclops introductory special through The Rigging Company pairs two eligible SmartTune, SmartPin, or Digital Direct sensors with one free Multi Gateway with Smart Rig Manager. The new multi-platform gateway brings that rig information to compatible Garmin, Raymarine, and B&G displays. Ask our team to confirm sensor eligibility, display compatibility, current offer terms, and Smart Rig Manager licensing for your installation.
Cyclops offers even more load sensing options, including but not limited to: soft attach sensors, as well as Code zero toggles.
This is just the beginning! Thanks for the read and be sure to explore our services, or contact our team in Annapolis, St. Thomas or Online.
