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Marine compound mooring and towing cables are usually formed by cables, chains, buoys and underwater bodies. They are exposed to the action of the water in relative motion, and hence the need to predict the static configuration of these complex mechanical systems under typical conditions from the early stages of the design process. This paper introduces a new mathematical model and a matching numerical method based on finite differences, in order to predict the static configuration of mooring or towing compound cables. The model is validated by analyzing some case studies using a computer program that was specially written for the purpose. The same program is then used for the analysis of a lazy S riser application. The conclusion is that the new model provides a coherent and efficient means to analyze moored/towed systems.