The Strainstall STAR (Safe Towing and Recovery) system is designed to give towing vessel masters a direct reading of tension in a towing hawser. It consists of load cells or a load measuring pin fitted to the towing hook, quick-release hook or winch, plus a readout/alarm warning unit which can be set  with overload thresholds to suit the gauge of rope or wire being used for the towing operation.

There are 3 typical STAR configurations:

• A single-channel system with the load pin designed for incorporation into the swivel joint of a tugboat
• Quick-release hook for double-drum winches, with both outputs leading to a single display unit with a switch to select the desired measurement channel  for marine towing winches, with the load being measured by load cells in the brakestay or under the bed of the winch.

Other features:

• Simple installation 
• Full environmental sealing 
• Accurate readings 
• Easy maintenance 
• Optional additional outputs