In 1967, brothers Peter and Olaf Harken started building sailing hardware in a small trailer in Wisconsin. Peter's revolutionary idea — replacing steel needle bearings with plastic ball bearings — changed sailing forever.
His E-Scow dominated races as competitors watched sails release faster and equipment work smoother. Word spread about the "black blocks with white plastic balls." By 1976, Harken made its Olympic debut, followed by the America's Cup in 1977.
Today, Harken is 100% employee-owned, with manufacturing in Wisconsin and distribution in 48 countries. Their MKIV and Reflex furling systems bring the same precision engineering that made the ball bearing block legendary — trusted by racers who demand perfection and cruisers who need reliability.
Harken offers two distinct furling system families. MKIV for headsails on your forestay. Reflex for cable-less Code Zero and gennaker furling. Both engineered with the precision that made Harken legendary.
Professional roller reefing and furling for genoa and jib. Available in Ocean (cruising-focused) and standard (racing-optimized) versions for boats 22-80 feet. Built with sealed ball bearings and hardcoat-anodized aluminum.
Innovative furling for Code Zero and gennaker sails without a dedicated forestay wire. The luff feeds directly into the foil with a torsion cable providing structure. Lightweight, fast, and perfect for performance sailing.
Precision-engineered in Wisconsin. Trusted by professional racers and serious cruisers. Explore our complete selection of Harken furling systems.
Professional genoa and jib roller reefing systems
Code Zero and gennaker furling systems
Complete Harken Reflex Code 0 furling system, suitable for use with or without anti-torsion cable. Available in three units for boats from 6.7 to 16.5 metres.
Complete Harken Reflex gennaker furling system with anti-torsion cable, available in three units for boats from 7.5 to 17.7 metres
American precision engineering meets decades of racing innovation. Here's what sets Harken apart from the competition.
Sealed ball bearings in drums and swivels ensure smooth rotation under load with minimal friction.
CNC-machined components manufactured in Wisconsin to aerospace tolerances for perfect fit.
Type III hardcoat anodizing provides superior corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
Trusted by Olympic medalists and America's Cup teams for performance under extreme conditions.
| Feature | MKIV Ocean | MKIV Standard | Reflex Code 0 | Reflex Gennaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Cruising | Racing/Performance | Code Zero | Gennaker |
| Installation Type | Forestay | Forestay | Cable-less | Cable-less |
| Boat Size Range | 22-80 ft | 22-80 ft | Various | Various |
| Bearing System | ||||
| Starting Price | €1,985 | €2,700 | €1,015 | €2,695 |
Expert advice on choosing, installing, and maintaining your Harken roller furling system.
The four major roller furling system brands compared. Bearings, foil profiles, maintenance, prices and which boat each system suits best. Based on technical specifications, not opinions.
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Learn how to properly winterize your roller furling system. This guide covers sail removal, cleaning, lubrication, and spring preparation to keep your furler in top condition.
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Learn when DIY roller furler installation makes sense, what tools you need, and step-by-step guidance for installing your own furling system safely and correctly.
Read articleExpert answers to common questions about Harken furling systems
Harken pioneered the ball bearing block in 1967, bringing aerospace-level engineering to sailing hardware. Their MKIV and Reflex systems feature precision-machined components, sealed ball bearings, and hardcoat-anodized aluminum construction. As a 100% employee-owned company, Harken maintains strict quality control with all critical components manufactured in their Wisconsin facility. The result is equipment trusted by Olympic sailors, America's Cup teams, and performance cruisers worldwide.
The MKIV Ocean is designed for cruising sailors who prioritize reliability and ease of use. It offers the same Harken quality as the standard MKIV but without racing-specific features you won't need for coastal or offshore cruising. The standard MKIV includes performance enhancements like lighter weight components and optimized drum ratios preferred by racers and performance-oriented sailors. Both systems fit boats from 22-80 feet and deliver smooth, reliable furling in all conditions.
The Reflex series uses an innovative cable-less design where the luff tape of your Code 0 or gennaker feeds directly into the extruded foil. This eliminates the need for a dedicated forestay wire, reducing weight aloft and simplifying installation. The torsion cable inside the foil provides structural integrity while allowing the system to rotate smoothly. This design is perfect for asymmetric sails that need to furl and unfurl quickly during racing or cruising maneuvers.
Experienced sailors with mechanical skills can install Harken systems using the detailed installation manuals provided. The MKIV systems typically require 4-6 hours for installation, including removing the existing forestay, assembling foil sections, and installing the drum unit. Reflex systems are generally simpler as they don't require forestay modifications. However, proper installation is critical for safety and performance, so professional installation is recommended if you're not confident working with rigging systems.
Harken sizing depends on your boat length, forestay length, and sail area. MKIV systems are available for boats from 22 to 80+ feet. Measure your forestay from the stemhead fitting to the masthead, and check your headsail area in square metres. For Reflex systems, consider your Code 0 or gennaker luff length and sail area. Use the Harken sizing charts in each product listing, or contact us with your boat specifications for personalized recommendations to ensure optimal performance.
Not sure which system is right for your boat? Use our AI-powered product advisor or contact our sailing experts for personalized recommendations.
