Onboard systems and electronics: innovation you can feel with every nautical mile
On a Gunboat, innovation isn't a gimmick. It's the silent layer that makes a high-performance sailing catamaran instinctive, safe, and ready to go, whether you're sailing upwind at 12 knots or settling into a calm anchorage at dusk.
We often talk about carbon structure, hydrodynamics, and sail plans. But there is another pillar that is just as critical to speed and comfort when sailing: onboard systems, i.e., the systems, marine electronics, hydraulics, sensors, and energy management that allow the platform's potential to be fully exploited.
Because performance is not just about what the boat can do. It also depends on what the crew has access to, in a smooth, safe and consistent manner.
Why are onboard systems important on a high-performance catamaran?
Every new project begins with a visible reality: owners want more than just raw speed. They want:
- Comfort at sea and at anchor
- Confidence when loads increase
- An intuitive sailing experience, whether cruising or racing
- A boat that remains responsive without being demanding
That's why Gunboat's approach to onboard systems is twofold:
- Supporting life on board (power, air conditioning, plumbing, onboard comfort systems)
- Supporting sailing performance (hydraulics, deck equipment integration, rigging load monitoring, navigation systems, autopilot intelligence)
That's the difference between a quick design on paper and a platform that comes to life in your hands.
Hydraulics: instant control, built-in safety
High-performance sailing generates high loads. Trimming, sail adjustment, maneuvers, and appendage controls require power, and they require it immediately. That's why hydraulic systems play a central role in the development of modern Gunboats. A well-designed hydraulic system allows for:
- Quick adjustment of sheets
- Confident execution of maneuvers under load
- Instant access to significant power when conditions change
But on a Gunboat, hydraulics are not just about strength. They are also about control and safety. Hydraulics provide measurable data: pressure translates into force. And force is information.
This means that the system becomes a kind of performance feedback loop, helping the crew understand:
- What loads are being applied,
- What the platform can safely deliver,
- Where the “slider” is between comfort margin and maximum performance.
This is a subtle but powerful innovation: more performance, with greater awareness.
Rig load sensors: the sailor's “dashboard” for stability
If you've ever sailed on a powerful multihull, you know the feeling: the boat accelerates, the loads increase, and you want to be sure that the geometry and stability of the mast remain exactly where they should be. That's where rig load sensors come in. Gunboat integrates load monitoring to help manage: cable tension, mast stability, rig geometry from port to starboard.
It's not about turning sailing into spreadsheets. It's about making high loads readable, so that decisions such as trimming (sheeting in/out), heading (luffing/bearing away), and sail balance become more confident and accurate.
Marine electronics and navigation: intelligence that makes sailing easier
Modern electronics have become indispensable, but Gunboat focuses on a specific priority: making the boat easier to use at a high level. Beyond measurement and navigation data, electronics are increasingly focusing on key features with the autopilot as the main focus.
On long voyages, and often on a daily basis, the autopilot is not just an accessory. It keeps the boat on course while the crew rests, cooks, or simply enjoys the sailing. That's why Gunboat invests heavily in robust autopilot systems, energy efficiency, and intelligent control modes (focused on comfort or performance). The goal is simple: keep the boat on course with minimal energy consumption while preserving the feel of sailing.
The Gunboat approach: systems that unlock the platform's potential
Combine all these elements and you get Gunboat's definition of innovation: technology that expands your usable wind range, reduces workload, and keeps the platform in its ideal operating zone. That's how a Gunboat remains exciting when you're sailing confidently while others are motoring.
