Given the range of fibres and technologies now available - the right fibre depends not only on cable application but on the type of programme as well.
LATERALS
Cruising yacht <100ft
The default standard will be PBO, which offers lightweight, proven performance with the ability to coil and ship easily to remote locations. TSC will offer that extra in terms of performance but can only be shipped straight.
FORESTAYS
Furling foils
As the biggest, longest cable on a boat, huge benefits are to be gained by having composite forestays. PBO's incredible properties offer a unique solution. A removable fitting at one end to allows the soft loop to be fed through the foil and cable can be simply / quickly installed or removed from the foil to enable regular inspection and maintenance.
Torsional cables
Future Fibres offers the only PBO cables capable of generating the torsional loads required by these huge stays. Handling issues would tend to preclude the use of a Kevlar core due to the increased weight.
Aft ( Running/ Fixed)
FlexC™ or PBO offer the required lightweight and flexibility. Kevlar is often used to save budget but comes with a significant weight and diameter penalty.
