COMMON QUESTION: Does this used sail with a 6mm luff tape fit my furler?
You’re at home, scrolling the marketplaces for a good used genoa, but in doubt what type of furler is installed on your boat. Luff tapes come in sizes from 4mm to 7mm, the most common is 5mm, see below the furlers of the most popular brands:
TYPE | LUFF TAPE | REMARKS |
---|---|---|
FURLEX | ||
100S | 5 | |
200S | 5 | |
300S | 6.5 | |
400S | 5 | |
500S | 6 | |
PLASTIMO | ||
609S | 6.5 | |
609T | 5 | Twin grooves |
811S | 6.5 | |
406T | 5 | Twin grooves |
608S | 6 | |
HARKEN | ||
MKIV | 5 | |
MKIV ocean | 5 | Units 0 – 3 |
MKIV ocean | 5 or 6 | Units 4 – 4.5 |
SCHAEFER | ||
1100 | 5 | Twin grooves |
2100 | 5 | Twin grooves |
3100 | 5 | Twin grooves |
4100 | 5 | Twin grooves |
What can go wrong?
- When luff tape is too big, the sail gets stuck in the groove and it won’t go all the way up or it will never go down!
- When the luff tape is smaller than indicated, the sail can get ripped from the groove and be damaged or worse, you’ll be out of control in heavy winds!
- Want to be sure about the size? Use a caliper.

Resail, there is always a second life for sails!