Luff foam on RF jib

[mike gartland]

I'm looking into ordering a new 110 or 120 jib for my CP-23 which has a CDI roller furler.  Most requests for RF foresail quotes ask whether you desire "luff foam".  I'm not sure what this is and what function it performs.  I can't find anyting on my current 155 genoa (Johnson Sails) that I would identify as "luff foam" but I obviously don't know what I'm looking for.  To the best of my knowledge my sails are original (1989). Is luff foam difficult to see or wasn't luff foam in use back in 1989?  Please enlighten me.

Thanks,

Mike

[breeze]

The Foam Luff is well worth the extra cost, if you furl the jib to reduce sail area. When the sail is unfurled all the way there is a curve in the sail, same as a wing on a plane. As you roll the sail around the forstay the foam helps to keep the same air foil shape. With out the foam your jib will be distorted and you will loose power, especially to weather.
David

[Craig Weis]

Hummmmmmm, I'm not sure if I like the idea of only partially unfurling the head sail.

What happens?
Well the triangle rises up; or goes further up the head stay and the moment of effort goes higher and might [?] add to a greater instability, just when the wind is kicking up. What do you think? skip

[rmonsma]

Mike,
Foam luff is a way to keep the sail shape correct when the sail is furled.  In roller furling systems the sail shape becomes distorted as the sail is furled.  The foam luff enables the sail to maintain a correct shape longer than otherwise possible.  This is a good thing.

Roger

[Paul]

Agreed.  I sailed on a 30' Pearson a few years ago that had such a jib.  Worked nicely.

[mike gartland]

Thanks to all who replied.  I think I'll go with the foam.

Fair winds to all,

Mike

[roland cobine]

anyone have a picture of how the foam works?