It looks like I may need to replace the Tuff Luff on Rhapsody soon. The one I have was installed in 1996 and is split about a foot from the top. It appears that there are 3+ options that have been discussed on the forum previously. They are:

Schaeffer Tuff Luff 1706 http://www.tuffluff.com/specifications.html
0.17 lb/ft
or Tuff Luff Aero A-1706 http://www.tuffluff.com/SCH183_Aero_sellsheet.pdf
0.15 lb/ft

Head Foil 2 (HF2 40 I think) http://www.headfoil.com/prod01.htm#1997
0.12 lb/ft

Harken Carbo 7001.12 http://tradeonly.harken.com/pdf/4281-lr.pdf
0.162 lb/ft

From class rule 5.8.1.2, the max fore/aft dimension allowed is 31mm (~1.22")

My sails have #6 luff tape and that won't change!

What are people's latest experiences with the different options available?

Bill,I'm installing a Harken Furler complete with new headstay within the next week or two, the existing headfoil is in perfect shape, you're more than welcome to have it.

Koos - I'll take you up on that. Let me know when you've got the new setup installed and we can arrange a convenient time to get together for the exchange. I owe you a beer or 10!

Thanks - Bill

Bill, call me Saturday or Sunday 04/26&27 at 617-835-9851, I'll be at Apponaug Harbor Marina stripping the mast.

As posted above, the Head Foil is the lightest, and therefore least weight aloft.

Scott - what model number is that? I assumed it was HF2 40 by looking at the spec sheet and comparing with the Tuffluff 1706 that I currently use.

Separate Topic - 2008 North Americans. The challenge was presented to all the Lake Pepin J/30s. I know there is one possibly two trailers out there in the land of 10,000 lakes. You and Kate need to get Screamin'O to the NAs this September! If not Screamin'O how about Relentless, Winsome, Ten Seven, Windependence, Hushgully, Blew J, or Oden's Quest.....What do you say???

I can't remember the actual model number. If you email them, they'll tell you. It may even be the next size down...I don't recall.

re: NA's. We have done some talking here. We'll talk more when the boats get in the water and racing starts in the next few weeks. It's something that some of us would love to do, its just a long haul. We'll keep you posted.