Hello,
When I had my H16, I installed a furling jib on it. Since we were strictly recreational sailors and launch from a boat ramp, it seemed like a necessary option to us. We loved it and when we bought our P18 last year, I converted it to RF also. I'm sure there is a performance hit, but I really didn't notice it, maybe because I have limited sailing experience. I used the kit from Murray's that includes the upper forestay pigtail. Idealy, you can eliminate the forestay completely, especially if you trailer the boat. Just raise the mast with the jib attached. Here's a photo of the difference in size from a standard H16 jib and a furling jib (SuperSailmaker's brand)

Good luck,
Jack