Roller-furling vs non-furling

I'm looking at used genoas and wondering about some differences between furling and non-furling sails. Does anyone know if furling headsails have a different shape design than non-furling? Due to limitations on sail size availability, I'm considering purchasing a hank-on non furling sail, adding luff tape to it, and using it on a furler. Furthermore, most used sail websites do not specify furling or not, but may state a luff tape size. Are all sails with luff tape made for roller furlers, or do some non-furling sails also have luff tape? Any knowledge would be much appreciated.

-Evan

Not a problem

If you find a hank-on sail you like, AND it is in very good shape, then it is common and worth it to have a sailmaker recut it for a furler. He/she will cut off the hanks, draw a new luff curve, and add the luff tape.

This is a $150-350 job in most cases, so do not do this if the sail is marginal. But, if it is a really nice sail, go for it. Do not try to do this yourself without help from an experienced sailmaker. The luff curve has a huge impact on sail shape, and if you screw it up the sail will never set correctly..
Cheers,
S

If you convert a sail, you'll also want to put some sort of UV cover on it to protect it while furled. In sunnier climes, e.g Florida, the preference is probably to use Sunbrella, however if further north, like even here on the Chesapeake, UV Dacron is becoming popular, as it has less weight.

furling, non-furling

Thanks for the helpful information Seth and Emerald.

Evan

Evan,
I just went through this. The local loft had a used genoa in nice condition but with hanks. It was redone as a 155% for my 34, with luff tape installed, recut on the foot and Sunbrella added for UV protection. I am very pleased with it. It is the headsail on the boat in the picture, sets nicely and cost me about 50% of a new one.