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
Available choices depend largely on "use" and size.
Racing Superyacht
(of which there are an increasing number!)
TSC offers the smallest lightest solution.
Cruising superyacht
Relative weight and windage benefits between the composite options are not likely to come into the decision.
Full length shroud set is not going to be practical in terms of handling and maintenance and transport to/from remote locations.
Discontinuous TSC or PBO are the only solutions.
Choosing between then comes down to relative attitudes towards risks associated with chafe, impact and lightning.
Cruising yacht <100ft
Relative weight and windage benefits between the composite options are not likely to come into the decision. TSC and PBO are the best options. Choosing between them then comes down to relative attitudes towards risks associated with chafe, impact and lightning.
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.
