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Safety: Tension Limiter.
We have developed an ultra-sensitive tension limiter in order to protect the boat's equipment against potential damage. Electric winches, due to their high power, present a risk of breaking certain equipment, for example when a reef becomes blocked or a rope gets stuck in a pulley. Our tension limiter is designed to detect these scenarios. Find out how it works below.
Principle.
The SailForce electric winch calculates the real-time tension on the line. Users can customize tension limits, ranging from 10 kg to the maximum tension capacity of the winch (which varies depending on the winch's size, from 800 kg for a size 40 winch to 1600 kg for a size 70 winch).
When the tension on the line reaches the defined limit, the motor stops instantly.
Operation.
Tensions on the lines vary significantly depending on the maneuver. To configure effective and situation-specific tension limits, it is essential to be able to set specific tension limits for each maneuver.
This is why we have introduced "Maneuver Programs" (1).
Each program stores its unique tension limits.
Switching from one program to another (2) is simple and quick; just press one of the keyboard arrows.
Each "Maneuver Program" offers two independent tension limits:
- Tension limit for high speed. (3)
- Tension limit for low speed. (4)
Fully Customizable.
To meet the specific needs of each sailboat.
Adjust the tension limits.
Directly from the winch control (Advanced Command).
Choose the number and names of the programs.
Through the SailForce electric winch smartphone application, available for iOS and Android.
Why is it essential to have different tension limits?
Most maneuvers typically have two stages:
1.
The initial phase requiring speed with relatively low tension (e.g., hoisting the mainsail to the masthead). High winch speed, or speed 1, is generally used at this stage.
2.
The second stage typically involves fine-tuning the sails with higher tension (e.g., trimming or tensioning the mainsail halyard once it's at the masthead). This is when low winch speed, or speed 2, is employed.
Detecting an anomaly during the first phase means identifying a relatively low tension anomaly. In contrast, detecting an anomaly during the second phase entails recognizing higher tension. This is why it is essential to have two distinct tension limits for each winch speed.
Example: Hoisting the Mainsail.
Stage 1: Hoisting the mainsail using high speed.
Hoisting the mainsail requires a tension of 100 to 200 kg on the halyard. A typical anomaly at this stage is a jammed reef or a slider getting stuck.
To optimally use the tension limiter at this stage, simply set the tension limit for the winch's high speed (speed 1) between 100 and 200 kg, depending on the boat (size and configuration).
This ensures safe mainsail hoisting: if a reef is jammed or a slider gets stuck, the tension on the line will abruptly increase and reach the tension limit. The motor will immediately stop, preventing equipment damage.
Stage 2: Trimming the mainsail with low speed.
Depending on the sailboat, the required tension varies between 450 and 800 kg. Therefore, you need to set the tension limit for the winch's low speed to a sufficient tension level to complete the maneuver.
Once the limits are set, you only need to select the "Hoisting the Mainsail" program:
- 1: Press the high speed until you reach the tension limit.
If the mainsail is hoisted without anomalies (jammed reef or other issues):
- 2: Switch to low speed until you reach the tension limit.
Your mainsail is hoisted and adjusted.