Performance Difference Harken Roller Furler versus Tuff Luff Foil

[Strimar]

Can anyone comment on the observed actual performance difference between racing headsails on a Harken Roller Furler aluminum foil and the performance of the same boat and headsail using a Tuff Luff racing head foil? (30-35' boat)

Thinking about switching as we mostly race.

 

[ctutmark]

Locally we did some testing with J120s. Our region (puget sound) is generally flat water so weight aloft is not huge factor in regards to pitching. The boats with tuff-luffs did not have to be as aggressive on rig changes to generate forestay sag. In light air the harken furlers had enough inherent rigidity to make headstay sag harder to get. 

If you sail in an area with swell or rougher water the reduced weight will likely be more noticeable. 

If you are racing something like ORC and your rig has been weighed, changing foils will need to be accounted for in your rating measurements

 

[Strimar]

Thanks hadn’t thought about headstay sag makes a lot of sense 

 

[Bull City]

Can anyone comment on the observed actual performance difference between racing headsails on a Harken Roller Furler aluminum foil and the performance of the same boat and headsail using a Tuff Luff racing head foil? (30-35' boat)

I cannot, but I imagine you will get dozens of detailed responses. 

 

[silent bob]

You’re also going to lose a considerable amount of sail area with the reduced luff length of the furler.