Should I buy a Force 5?

dndrich · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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?

sandsailor · #2 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

i just got one for my kids to learn how to sail with and they cant wait
they have it in the pool with the mast on learning how to right it so when they do flip it they can recover it themselves.
the mast is three pieces and there is no standing rigging very simple.
most of them come with a trailer but for $25 mine did not so if you do , have fun...

RickQuann · #3 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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

djodenda · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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

dndrich · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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?

djodenda · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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

dndrich · #7 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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?

djodenda · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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

gc1111 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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.

dndrich · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

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.