Everything that MattMeribeth (what a name!!??) is true.
What you have is probably a TUFF LUFF system. Candle wax works best to
lube a luff tape for such foils ... doesnt accumulate crud, just rub it
on the luff tape.

There is a shape problem that should be addressed:
If you go back to hanks you probably need to reluff the sail using 3
strand dacron boltrope - 1. to support the hanks from 'tear-out' 2.
restore the sail (if originally constructed for 3 strand boltrope).
..... such a boltrope is usually *prestretched* approx. 1" for every
10-11 ft. of luff length, then sewn/locked.
Luff tape sails are usually cut for no preloaded/prestretched, boltrope
luff sail usually need the preload ...... both to maximize the entry
SHAPE at the luff. It all depends if the luff tape matches the
'stretch' of the original boltrope when loaded by the haloyard.

If the sail shows 'scars' (evidence of removed stitching, etc.) of
having a prior boltrope/hanks then you should consider to restore to a
boltrope (with the preload). If NO sewing scars, then probably keeping
the luff tape and foil is best ... Its damn hard to convert from one
system to another and keep GOOD sail shape. Typically when going from
a luff tape to a hank/boltrope you wind up with a very fast but very
flat entry .... and not good for pounding and yawing into chop.

But then you probably already know how to shape by halyard tension to
properly position the location of max draft.

In article .net,
Matt/Meribeth Pedersen wrote:

"Stephen Trapani" wrote in message
...

Getting to the point, should I convert to hanks? Does going up and down
in the foil damage the sail significantly? Is there some other
advantages either way I should consider?

Unless you're racing, a luff foil has no advantage (other than aerodynamic)
over hanks. If you set up a reasonable downhaul system, the hanked
headsail is nice because it comes down when you want it. With a foil
you have to go forward to douse, and when you're dowsing the
sail is gradually getting less attached to the boat and can be
hard to control in a big wind, which is why the sail is coming
down in the first place

As far as wear goes, there should be no difference if you handle
the sails correctly. I have seen headsails damaged in a foil but it was
because someone thought that when the sail sticks you just grind on
the winch harder, instead of taking the sail down and releading the tape.

Actually I lied about the hanked sail. The hanks can sometimes leave
stains on the sail (which doesn't happen with a foil), the pistons on the
hanks can get salt encrusted/corroded and hard to remove from the
stay (that's what McLube is for), the hanks can chafe the sail when
it's stowed, and they can bark your knuckles when you're packing
the sail. These are all pretty minor though.

Matt