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Should I buy a Force 5?
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SailNet Pals: I just joined your community, and it looks like a great resource. Here is my current situation for which I would love some advice: I currently own a 1982 Sailnetics FJ. This boat is a nice boat, but it is not very convenient. Amazingly enough, it requires two to step the mast. I can get the mast into the position, but cannot attach the shrouds and forestay by myself. It is a long story, but suffice it to say, I can't do it myself. Also, the boat is not comfortable for the passenger because of the seat design and line placements. My wife is not comfortable in the boat, and is not that crazy about being in a tippy boat. So, I'm thinking of selling it and getting something a bit smaller that I can handle myself easily, but could occasionally take a passenger. There is a Force 5 for sale here locally that might be nice. I have read some reviews, and it is hard to tell if this boat is easy to rig and sail. I don't plan to race it. I might occasionally want to take a passenger such as a child, or possibly another adult who doesn't mind getting wet. Is this boat a good choice?
My son has one and it's a great little boat (the price was right) It's easy to rig and the cockpit is large enough for two people. He thoroughly enjoys sailing it
The Force 5 was introduced by AMF/Alcort in response to the Laser. Very similar to the laser and very fun. Certainly a good boat to have. I liked the mid-boom sheeting on the Force 5, which seems better to me than the arrangement on the Laser. I think the Force 5 is just a bit slower than the Laser, but still plenty fast. You would have a much harder time trying to find any one-design racing on a Force 5. But overall, Sure a great boat! David
OK, it sounds like this is a good boat. Is it fairly easy to slip the sail over such a long mast? Also, there will be times when I want to leave the boat at a dock or mooring for a few days. Since the boat has no main halyard set up, what do you do with the sail? Can it be furled around the main and tied? Or do I have to take it down each time?
The sail slips on the mast easily on land (meaning you, not necessarily the boat) It would be pretty tough/impossible to do that if you were standing on the boat while it was floating at a mooring! So, yes, if you are planning on keeping the boat on a mooring, you'd have to take the mast, boom, and sail off first. Really, though, that size of boat is best kept ashore. Don't be shy if you have more questions... David
Interesting. OK, I am a 48 year old 170 pound guy. Could I get a kid, or another adult in this boat on occasion if I want to? From the pictures of the hull it looks like there is room in front of the thwart seat for another person. I just wonder if it would be comfortable in that spot?
Good question.. Sorry I was too lazy to bring it up myself.. At 175 lbs, you are the perfect weight for the boat solo. I have had Lasers out in lots of wind, with a crew member that size, and myself at around 150. No problem as long as you are able to move fast during tacking, etc. I used to sail Lasers with my Dad, who weighed about 160, and myself at 80 - 100 lbs. No problem, as long as you position yourself carefully/quickly. So, in summary, no, two people on a Laser/Force 5 isn't a problem, as long as everyone likes each other and can move quickly. If you're looking for a boat to take more than one other person, or someone who is badly out of shape, then you are looking at the wrong boat. You will learn amazingly fast on the Force 5, as long as you don't mind getting wet! David
I have heard the Force 5 described as "A Laser for grownups". I keep my boat at the yard that is now the manufacturer for the Force 5. See WEEKS YACHT YARD.COM . I can testify that they do good and conscientious work.
This is very useful advice. I am at cross purposes since the main problem with my current boat is I can't easily single hand it for a variety of reasons. Now, I could get a bigger boat that I can handle myself, such as a Lido 14, or a Catalina 16.5, but part of my problem is finding somebody in my family who wants to sail. So the thought of having a smaller boat that I can handle myself on a moments notice is the idea, but with the possibility of bringing another sailor along occasionally. So, this boat could be the ticket. I haven't seen the one locally here for sale, and won't be able to see it until tomorrow, so this could all be moot if the boat is too much of a project. I don't mind replacing rigging and blocks etc. myself, but if the hull has problems, or the trailer is a mess, then that could be the deal breaker.
I agree with your thinking.. I have sailed Lido 14s.. Nice boats! But, certainly you could singlehand it. The Force 5 would meet your needs a bit better, I think, if you are primarily going to singlehand it, the Force 5 (or a Laser, for that manner, as they are essentially equivalents, except for the reasons noted above) Will be lots more fun. The boat is probably not a good buy if it has any major problems, as you said. Remember that you are paying "new" prices for anything you have to replace! David
Well, if the basics of the boat are good, I don't mind replacing lines and blocks as needed. But if the hull has problems, I don't know how to do fiberglass work at all.
Yep... I'll bet your lines and blocks are fine. On a Laser, a typical hull problem was leaking at the daggerboard trunk. Don't know about the Force 5...
What I read about the Force 5 is that the older ones leak at the autobailer spot. There is a double hull there, and for some reason they were not sealed that well in the hull with epoxy. The Force 5 website has a whole article on how to fix it yourself which doesn't look that bad. We'll see how this boat looks. Part of my problem isn't just the boat. I tend to trailer fairly far at times, and I want a decent trailer. I am willing to do some work to the trailer, such as rewire it and repack the bearings, but if the trailer is otherwise a mess, that can be a problem. New trailers are darn expensive.
I've had three Lasers, and cartopped two of them. A pain, but you can do it.
dndrich said: Yeah, but I really want to avoid that. I plan to single hand it, and lifting a 145 pound boat onto the top of my Honda just won't work for me! So, a trailer is a must. Doesn't have to be pretty, but solid. Click to expand...
I owned and raced a Force Five for many years. I won't repeat much of what others have commented upon as it is mostly accurate. I thought the boat was great but want to mention a couple of additional points. First, the boat is definetely slower than a Laser notwithstanding the larger sail plan of the Force Five. Second, the larger sail plan made the Force Five a bit to handle for a lightweight like myself in a breeze (I'm about 155 lbs). Of course, in a breeze, someone my weight also struggles with a Laser. Third, and related to the second point, putting the mast up in a breeze by yourself can be somewhat of a struggle. Mike s/v Liberty Tartan 34C
Very useful information. How would you say this boat compares to say, a Zuma or a Hobie Holder 12? Or a Pico? The only thing I don't like about the boats that use a sleeve sail is that it is sure nice to raise a mast, and then raise the sail with a halyard. Also makes it possible to drop the sail while still in the water, such as at a dock or mooring.
Yep.. The sleeve type sail is a pain... Simple and efficient, but not a s easy to raise/lower.
last year i had a laser pico which i loved that sounds like would fit your needs perfectly. it is a simple boat that is easily singlehanded with just the main or the main and jib. its slow and the jib doesnt help much, but the second person will feel useful, while having fun. it also has a plastic hull that is indistructable. good luck. -kai
The Laser Pico or Vanguard Zuma would truly meet my needs. Trouble is, I never see one of these for sale used in my area. So I would have to buy a new one. The Pico would be about $4000 with a trailer, and the Zuma would be closer to $5000 with a trailer. Now, I would have a hard time getting that one past the wife for my toy! But those boats would truly fit the bill for me I think. The Force 5 is available, and I would consider it because if it would work, it is much less money since it is used.
have you checked craigslist? pico's are rare but zumas are fairly common. they are also not very expensive for a very nice one. ive seen some barely used zumas go for $1000. -kai
I live in Sebastopol, near San Francisco. I check craigslist every day. I have never seen a zuma for sale here once! Bummer.
Well if you just moved to MA you would beable to find one. think about it. haha.
Force 5 OK, I looked at the boat today at the only local sailboat shop here in Sonoma County. The owners are very nice. The boat has been sitting there for years, and shows it. They want $1500 for it with a beat up trailer. The boat will need some work, but not a ton. I will have to take the wood work off and clean and oil. I will have to buff and polish the hull and deck as it is heavily oxidized. The running rigging is in good shape with nice Harken hardware. I will have to take the lines off and soak in Woolite. The tanks were full of water. I suspect the auto bailer, which is apparently a problem in these boats. That should be a reasonably easy fix. He has to find the sail and blades. I suspect they will look fairly old, but who knows. This seems like a very steep price for this boat. If I remain interested, I would offer maybe $1000. Even that might be high. There is a local sail maker that could possibly convert the sail into a zipper style, and then I could attach a fairlead to the top of the mast, and raise the sail with a halyard rather than the sock style. I dunno. Looks like a project. But in this price range I don't think there are too many gems.
dndrich said: OK, I looked at the boat today at the only local sailboat shop here in Sonoma County. The owners are very nice. The boat has been sitting there for years, and shows it. They want $1500 for it with a beat up trailer. The boat will need some work, but not a ton. I will have to take the wood work off and clean and oil. I will have to buff and polish the hull and deck as it is heavily oxidized. The running rigging is in good shape with nice Harken hardware. I will have to take the lines off and soak in Woolite. The tanks were full of water. I suspect the auto bailer, which is apparently a problem in these boats. That should be a reasonably easy fix. He has to find the sail and blades. I suspect they will look fairly old, but who knows. This seems like a very steep price for this boat. If I remain interested, I would offer maybe $1000. Even that might be high. Click to expand...
dndrich said: There is a local sail maker that could possibly convert the sail into a zipper style, and then I could attach a fairlead to the top of the mast, and raise the sail with a halyard rather than the sock style. Click to expand...
i say dont rush it. the price sounds a little to much. you'll find the right one. -kai
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Boat Arrangement
Rigging the Force 5 Sailboat
Cunningham (downhaul) ¼" Red 12’ in length
Outhaul ¼" Blue 10’ in length
Vang (boomvang) ¼" Green 13’ in length
Main Sheet 3/8" Red 30’ in length
Travelers (2) (attached) ¼" Blue 5½’ in length
Bow line (optional) 3/8" Green 20’ in length
The Cunningham or downhaul controls the luff tension of the sail. This is the ¼" 12' Red line. It goes through the grommet on the sail down through the outside bullseyes and to the outer clam cleats.
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Force 5 Boomvang
Force 5 Outhaul & Downhaul
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| Boat Name | Force 5 | |
| Manufacturer | AMF | |
| Hull Type | Board Boat | |
| LOA | 13'10" | (4.22m) |
| Beam | 4'10" | (1.47m) |
| Weight | 145 | (65.9kg) |
| Ballast | (kg) | |
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| Berths | ||
| Draft Up | (m) | |
| Draft Down | (m) | |
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| MIC | ||
| Shortypen ID | 223 | |
| Clone | ||
| 2013-02-20 | by: | ||
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COMMENTS
The FORCE 5 was designed in 1972 by Fred Scott and Jack Evans of AMF Alcort. By 1974 it was their second best selling boat. Over 12,000 boats were built up until 1989 when AMF Alcort changed hands several times in a short period of time. In 1993, Weeks Yacht Yard became the new builders […]
Force 5 - Wikipedia ... Force 5
The Force 5 was introduced by AMF/Alcort in response to the Laser. Very similar to the laser and very fun. Certainly a good boat to have. I liked the mid-boom sheeting on the Force 5, which seems better to me than the arrangement on the Laser. I think the Force 5 is just a bit slower than the Laser, but still plenty fast.
The FORCE 5 was designed in 1972 by Fred Scott and Jack Evans of AMF Alcort. By 1974 it was their second best selling boat. Over 12,000 boats were built up until 1989 when AMF Alcort changed hands several times in a short period of time. In 1993, Weeks Yacht Yard became the new builders of the FORCE 5.
The Force 5 was designed in 1972 by Fred Scott and Jack Evans for AMF Alcort, the sailboat manufacturer responsible for building and marketing the internationally acclaimed Sunfish sailboat. The Force 5 was destined to be the company's second best selling boat, having sold over 15,000 boats around the world. The Force 5 was designed to be a ...
Force 5 Sailboats.com
Boat Arrangement. Rigging the Force 5 Sailboat. Cunningham (downhaul) ¼" Red 12' in length. Outhaul ¼" Blue 10' in length. Vang (boomvang) ¼" Green 13' in length. Main Sheet 3/8" Red 30' in length. Travelers (2) (attached) ¼" Blue 5½' in length. Bow line (optional) 3/8" Green 20' in length. The Cunningham or downhaul controls ...
Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice looking to start your sailing adventures, this Force 5 sailboat offers the perfect combination of performance, reliability, and fun. It's an excellent opportunity to own a well-equipped sailboat at an affordable price. Price: $1500. Equipment:
I've put the. lateen rig on so many boats (I have the original sail rig for. the boats but used lateen setup for ease when I felt like it. I once had a beautiful green stripe Sunfish lateen rig on a. Force 5. I wrapped some sheets of plastic around the mast. base so it would fit more snug in the F5 step. I really like.
Classic force 5, precursor to the laser. Newer sail and 2017 trailer included. Feel free to call or email if you want more info. Equipment: Location: Mullica Hill, New Jersey. L102694 . ... This AMF Force 5 : Added 26-Nov-2023 AMF Sailboats AMF 13'11s New Jersey AMFs. Featured Sailboats: Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats.
AMF sailboats for sale by owner.
Wednesday night racing with a new boat. Can't wait to do it again. Force 5 sailboat, Texas sailing, Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club
I've owned both for quite a few years. My observations: Force 5 has/is: - much better controls since the get go (Harken blocks, mid-boom sheeting, a real traveler, an 8:1 vang since 1978) - more comfortable to hike on due to the curved deck - more durable sail - more design weaknesses, but most have been fixed with new designs incorporated by the current builder (post 1993) - reasonably ...
The FORCE 5 was designed in 1972 by Fred Scott and Jack Evans of AMF Alcort. By 1974 it was their second best selling boat. Over 12,000 boats were built up until 1989 when AMF Alcort changed hands several times in a short period of time. In 1993, Weeks Yacht Yard became the new builders of the FORCE 5. Embed.
The Force 5 was built by AMF from 1975 to 1989. Weeks Yacht Yard resumed production in 1993. LOA 13'10" Beam 4'10" Displacement (hull only) 145 pounds Sail Area (Standard Rig) 91 square feet, (Junior Rig) 62 square feet Draft 3" board up, 3'2" board down
Intensity Sail for the Force 5 Price: $225.00 Sale price: $189.99: Intensity Sails Force 5 Short Rig Sail Price: $199.99 Sale price: $159.99: Dynamic dolly for Force 5 $575.00: Robline Dinghy Sheet in 6mm, 7mm or 8mm diameter for Mainsheets -Per Foot. Price: $0.89 Sale price: $0.69: Ronstan Hull Drain plug Price: $11.37 Sale price: $9.66
WEEKS Products Page - Force 5 Sailboats.com
The FORCE 5 was designed in 1972 by Fred Scott and Jack Evans of AMF Alcort. By 1974 it was their second best selling boat. Over 12,000 boats were built up until 1989 when AMF Alcort changed hands several times in a short period of time. In 1993, Weeks Yacht Yard became the new builders of the FORCE 5. Embed.
The Force 5 was designed in 1972 by Fred Scott and Jack Evans of AMF Alcort fame. By 1974 it was their second best selling boat and one of the fastest growing one design fleets in the nation. It...
Force 5 AMF, 1983 sailboat for sale Price $1100. 13'10" Force 5, 1983 with Galvanized Trailer Smithfield, Virginia. Great Single Handed Force 5 sailboat and galvanized trailer.Length Over All (LOA) 13'10" Beam 4'10" Displacement 145 pounds Sail Area (Standard Rig) 91 square feet Draft 3" board up 3'2" board down ...
Call Boat Owner Thurmond 802-525-3386. Basic Decription: Classic sailboat, designed by award winning designer Robert Perry. Teak interior. Custom trailer and cradle built in 2006. 1978: 27 foot Fixed Keel Sloop with fiberglass hull designed by Robert Perry. Custom 2006 PJ trailer with pintle hitch, with steel cradle.
The Force 5 has a much larger sail (16 sq ft more, in a higher performance configuration.) So you go faster but have to hike harder! It is certainly a fun boat. On the other hand, a Sunfish is easier to rig (I don't think a Force 5 has a halyard, and a Sunfish does, so it is easier to hoist a Sunfish sail.) A Sunfish is also a little easier to ...