On Sep 17, 5:36 pm, "KLC Lewis" wrote:
... There is a new rigging material out which is exactly that: high-tech
synthetic rope with a protective covering. Don't recall the name of it, but
it's very lightweight and exceptionally strong. At least in theory. Jury's
still out on how it works in the real world.

PBO covered with cheaper (!) carbon is available from several
suppliers. It has been used for years by all of the top long distance
racers with good results. In the lab it lasts longer than wire but it
is very vulnerable to UV attack (hence the carbon outer layer). The
expense and need to keep it perfectly covered make PBO an unlikely
choice for cruising. There is a new version of Dynema that was
specifically developed for standing rigging. Dynema (made under
license as Spectra in the US) is great stuff and ideal for rigging
except that it is subject to creep (slow, plastic elongation under
continuous load). Dynema sk 78 greatly reduces creep and is as good
or better than PBO on paper and it is much cheaper. It may well be
the future of rigging even for cruising boats but for now wire, rod or
dyeform are the only really attractive options for high load standing
rigging on cruising boats.

-- Tom.