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Tuff Luff Problem Solving

Wednesday, 21 August 2024

Ensure the crew is not sheeting the genoa before the sail is fully hoisted and proper luff tension is applied. Sheeting the genoa too soon will result in pulling the boltrope out of the feeder and prefeeder, and can damage the Tuff Luff just above the feeder.
The luff tape should be the correct length. Please ensure the luff tape extends 6″ below the feeder. A short luff tape can pull out of the Tuff Luff and crack the foil. The feeder supports the foil and the luff tape.
Careful attention to proper halyard lead at the masthead is very important. Ensure that the halyard is parallel to the Tuff Luff. An improper lead aloft can pull the sail out of the top of the foil.
Ensure the luff tape is clean and the Tuff Luff is clean. If necessary, have your sailmaker make a cleaner tape in order to clean your Tuff Luff. Use a dry lubricant, such as McLube on the boltrope.
When not sailing, it is important to tension the Tuff Luff to prevent the foil from resonating (vibrating) at the dock or during winter storage. The foil is an advanced virgin PVC formulation of very high quality Geon, but special care should be given to the system. A 2-foot length of luff tape with grommets can be manufactured by your sailmaker to allow the Tuff Luff to be tensioned.
If stored on the headstay during the winter, ensure the Tuff Luff is straight and protected properly, as improper care is not covered under warranty. Do not remove the Tuff Luff once installed. Re-installing the Tuff Luff can lead to breakage.
Not all luff tape is the same both in quality and sizing. This can cause problems with the operation and friction within the system. Some No. 5 & No. 6 luff tape is fractionally different in size and construction. Ensure that your sailmaker is aware of variance in luff tapes, as this can affect the hoisting and dousing of the sail.
Check the luff tape for tears & damage, as a poor luff tape can damage the Tuff Luff foil.

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