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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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Wednesday, may 28, 2008, seven reasons why force fives are better than lasers.
21 comments:
You did get a release from Joe Rouse before posting his photo in your third reason? (btw ... I think I'm your 4th reader)
Id really like the yellow boat in the photo- seriously, what is it?
Seriously, it's a prototype for a next generation Force 5 built by Brian Weeks. It's called a Force 5 EXT . Not sure of the present status of this version as the website seems a bit out of date, talking about the "second testing" scheduled for summer 2006.
A vote for the laser here. Notice I never started a Force Five Olympic campaign. Besides, they say there's safety in numbers. On a completely unrelated topic, I stole your list of things gimmick today. But at least I gave you a subtle shout-out at the end.
Edward, writing a list is a well-known technique for overcoming blogger's block. I didn't invent it. Well, actually I know seven ways to overcome bloggers' block... but that's a story for another post. And thanks for the subtle shout-out... I'm glad you didn't tell all your regular readers (all three of them) that it was me that had the arrogance to belittle your upcoming trans-galactice voyage.
Gerald should be rigging his Laser 2 soon so he can challenge any local BN5 sailors.
As the owner of another Laser wannabe boat, the Megabyte, I feel privileged that you allow me to read your blog. :-) Unlike the FFers at least I can claim some shared heritage via Messrs. Bruce and Fogh. At last weekend's Whiskeytown Regatta I was envious of the Lasers and even the Banshees who had enough boats for their own classes while we three megabyters were relegated to the "open" class.
Tilly old man you've gone and done it to me again. ROFL!!!!!! Any Mouse Numero Uno: Me cago en la mar! David, you're envious of Banshees? Wow! Things are getting strange.
Since I've worn out five Lasers in my life, I consider myself a force-5 kind of guy. I won't be tempted with a Farce-5. BTW, did you airbrush or photoshop the wires out of that yellow/lime green boat above?
No airbrush or photoshop was used in the preparation of this post.
I like the Orangutan arms. There is an actual secret society of windsurfers on Long Island who call themselves the Wind Chimps for the same reason. Do people race Force 5's?
Without stays, that spar looks too stiff to be aluminum.
Yes puffin, believe it or not, people do actually race Force 5's. I've seen it with my own eyes.
You might be right vigilante. But it sure looks like aluminum in the pictures at Force 5 EXT .
The Force 5 with wings has already been done. Check out the Wing Dinghy: http://www.antrimdesign.com/monohulls/wingdinghy.html Current owners have added full-batten flat top sails.
But does the Wing Dinghy have a zipper?
David there are a lot of dinghies with wings. Jim was not the first person to come up with this idea, nor will he be the last. Have you seen the Moths from the 70s? Wings big Daddy, wings! Vigilante, it's because of guys like you that many non-laser sailors hate laser sailors. "I won't be tempted with a Farce-5."
There's no reason for any waterman or waterwoman to hate a watercraft (unless it's a jetski).
Being a 36 year old Force5 sailor I have to agree with most of your points. The boat is comfy for us larger 6'5" 230lb sailors. We are a very fiendly bunch with 15-18 boats showing up for our weekly races. They are fun to sail and the zipper is a realy dumb idea. Tillerman if you happen to be in New London CT on a Thursday night stop by Thames Yatch Club and come sailing with us, we always have an extra boat hanging around. Mark
I forgot to add this to my previous post, the insignia...also a dumb idea. Mark
Is anyone still on this chat? I'm an athletic small boat sailor who sails Lightnings, JY15s and Laser. Due to a total knee replacement, I'm on the hunt for boats that allow me to continue to sail/race. A Force 5 may be that boat. I can tell you the Laser doesn't allow for anyone with a knee that flexes about 125degrees. Cockpit is too narrow and too short relative to where you want to sit in some conditions. The boom is very low and when vanged hard requires the Skipper to lay flat on the deck to get under boom. That said I can only go so low on the one side my knee will not bend.... I have some questions: How high is the boom gooseneck from the deck? How do I get in a boat in May 2016 in Southeastern CT.
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- Sailing Anarchy
Laser vs. Force 5
- Thread starter Shane M.
- Start date Apr 3, 2005
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Waspy mcwasp.
- Apr 3, 2005
Every comment I've posted on this topic has been relevant to the topic. Lasers are a better boat in my opinion, and I've stated my reasons for that.........you just cry like a little newborn girl.......who's the troll here?
Fishingmickey
Super anarchist.
Howdy Ya'll, I'm a Laser sailor... and love the boat. I grew up sailing a Force 5 and a Sunfish. I've thought about buying another Force 5 for that fact mentioned above, you can sail two comfortably in it. Where two in the Laser is a joke. Now in the hands of good competant sailors, with equally stiff hulls and good sails. I'm not so sure the Laser would win. Never had a chance to see the two race head to head together, but it sure would be fun to give it a go. Fishingmickey
- Apr 4, 2005
Every comment I've posted on this topic has been relevant to the topic. Lasers are a better boat in my opinion, and I've stated my reasons for that.........you just cry like a little newborn girl.......who's the troll here? Click to expand...
Lasers are ideal for people weighing 120 (4.7 rig) to about 185-190. If you are heavier than 190 go to a mega-bite and then you can learn about really going fast! Lasers are well built but when not upkept well, the mast step gets f'ed up and the hull does get soft. But, if upkept well it can last 10+ years for the non hardcore laser sailor.
Team Jenna Racing
I used to have a force 5, have also sailed lasers alot. For racing a laser is definately the way to go (there's a fleet of them... i'm looking for one to buy right now)... for daysailing I liked the force -5 better. Reasons: felt more stable than the laser way more comfortable cockpit with a better control layout and can fit 2 people comfy. I thought it was every bit as fast as a laser.
islandplanet
I've thought about buying another Force 5 for that fact mentioned above, you can sail two comfortably in it. Where two in the Laser is a joke. Click to expand...
- Apr 5, 2005
Force 5 weighs 145 lbs. 91 sq ft of sail. Laser 130 lbs. 76 sq ft of sail. I've owned both and raced them against each other. They are pretty even with an advantage going the the Force 5 in breeze w/proper weight on board. That said I'm a Laser freek and have owned 4 of them since my Force 5. I"m into racing and there is no scene like the Laser scene, (in my neck of the woods). I also weigh over 200 lbs. and do pretty well in all conditions, but I would be happier, (and have been happier) in my Laser at a lighter weight. 190 works best for me.
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Laser - Force 5 Question
Discussion in ' Sailboats ' started by BobBill , Aug 29, 2011 .
BobBill Senior Member
gggGuest said: ↑ If his sail is well designed for the Laser mast it probably won't work too well with different spars... Much better to have the mast bend the sail is designed for. Just 'cos it fits, when it comes to the really sophisticated modern sails, doesn't mean it will work to best advantage. Click to expand...
brixvold Junior Member
Do anyone have any other suggestions for a more optimal laser/seahopper sail? I've written to Hansen Sails but would like to know if there is something like it in Europe. I'm looking for prices on getting a sail done for a seahopper 2.
I have had the impression that Hanson is no longer making sails...but that may be wrong. Why not a sleeved Laser Radial from Intensity Sails...good item and priced right? One could use the sleeve or use hook and loop fasteners with a grommet to bend the sail from yard and mast, etc.
Doug Lord Flight Ready
brixvold said: ↑ Do anyone have any other suggestions for a more optimal laser/seahopper sail? I've written to Hansen Sails but would like to know if there is something like it in Europe. I'm looking for prices on getting a sail done for a seahopper 2. Click to expand...
Richard Woods Woods Designs
Maybe Rooster sailing can offer something? they sell "replacement" sails for many popular classes http://www.roostersailing.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=1 Richard Woods
I'm currently asking http://www.i-sails.com if they can help me with the slightly larger sail of the Yamaha Seahopper 2. The Seahopper2 is a laser clone from Japan. Quite a few are to be found in Europe for some reason. This is the official site and measurements http://seahopper.net/modules/tinyd0/index.php?id=14 Roostersailing seem to have matching prices, couldn't hurt to ask them too, thanks. I'll try European before I turn to US makers, it is such a hassle with customs getting stuff from over there.
Seahopper Thanks! Good Luck...
I got replies from roostersailing and i-sails, none of them where interested in doing a custom sail. Now I'm wondering if a lasersail might do the trick, the prices for custom sails around here are considerably higher.
Read this back when yu first posted it and figured you would end up with a sleeved sail like Force 5s, Lasers etc use at some point. Economics. If you decide to go that way, I would recommend going with the Laser's Radial first, as it is smaller but will do job and not overpower the rig or damage it... Intensity.com sells them at very reasonable prices, as most stuff they advertise.
Do you know where to find the measurements for the force 5 sail perchance? I asked intensity sails and they werent keen on providing me with an improper sail for my seahopper.
Here is class link http://force5.us/main/index.php?opt...1:boat-arrangement&catid=48:rigging&Itemid=77 BUT, I would strongly suggest you use the Laser Radial sail, a bit smaller, but will not overpower you or stress your spars, which are likely not built to handle the F-5 sail, at 78 or whatever square feet...you want to sail, or bail? If my mind is right, the luff of the 5 sail is 13 feet, 7 inches, but better check the site. If your boom is moveable, any Laser or Force 5 sail will work. The Radial is a bit shorter and you might have to raise the boom and lengthen the outhaul, but neither is hard to do. Know this, the Force 5 spars are substantial...I use them with my Kite as second set with Radial and 5 sails...I honestly do not think Laser or your spars are sturdy enough to use regularly with a 5 main...pics below give idea of Force 5 but will load later. APS and other links have Laser sail/spar specs, am fairly sure. Spars on different boat...the top section of the 5 was replaced with rebuilt carbon surfer mast... I see the F-5 has a smaller sail, I would recommend check that and comparing to Radial and go with the one that has larger area, but will say I think the F-5 gear is more substantial than Laser, as are the hulls and so on. In the pics below, while not shown, I think on my F-5 lower mast section has a steel base welded to the AL just below the filler in the last pic, but the weld is not so clear. As a ref, I believe the mast is 19 feet in OA height and weighs near 22 lbs or 10 kilos. I found a pic that may show the steel bottom section, if that is what it is, with the crafted additions to fit Kite finished.
Attached Files:
Auzmastandboomstepped.jpg, mastinplace.jpg, auxmastbase.jpg.
Thanks Unfortunately the force 5 class description says nothing about sail size. I must have been sleeping at the helm, the seahoppers sail area is not that much bigger than the laser. I'll get a laser sail, and maybe change the position of the boom.
Force5_Laser_Seahopper2.pdf
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For the money, I do not think the Radial would be a bad choice. It will do the job and if the wind is up, not dunk you or kill you. The large 5 sail is 91 square feet, the large or standard Laser is 72. I mentioned stress on your spars, but the other side of the coin is the stress on the mast step, which can be substantial. I figured you cannot go wrong with the Intensity Radial, as it will not require shorter mast etc. I will review my files and if I can find the 5 sail dimensions, will post here for you and whomever needs. I think I got the info from Sailrite...and if I go out in the Kite with the 5 rig, I will measure the luff and foot...and post.
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- Sailboat Guide
Force 5 is a 13 ′ 10 ″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Fred Scott, Jack Evans and built by AMF Corp., Alcort, and Weeks Yacht Yard starting in 1972.
Rig and Sails
Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3
- SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
Displacement / Length Ratio
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort Ratio
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening Formula
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
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.
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Put the wind at your back
Putting a Force 5 Back together
I let someone talk me into racing a Force-5 sailboat. For those that are not familiar with this particular ride, its a lot like a laser. Its 14 feet long. One sail. Mahogany centerboard and rudder. It was originally built by AMF and is not sometimes built by Weeks Yachtyard in New York state.
I did not get to do all the fixes that I want to. For instance, the wood in the cockpit in the original boats was mahogany. When I got the boat, the original mahogany was with it, just completely rotted. The prior owner had taken the time to cut out new wood from some unknown half inch plywood. I have no idea if its marine grade so I epoxied it, varnished it and put it back on. The downside is it doesn’t look as nice or as substantial as the original, the upside is its on the boat. After I race it in the mid winter nationals I will get to work crafting mahogany boards and reinforcing the centerboard trunk. For now here’s a quick list of what I have done:
- sealed the cockpit drain with epoxy, then redrilled it and installed a new bailer
- epoxied and varnished exposed wood
- Some of the wood/foam or whatever backing in the boat had turned to mush. Where I could and the force is not too great I used “riv-nuts”. Where I couldn’t I cut inspection ports and used backing plates.
- All holes through deck sealed with butyl tape.
- 3 inspection ports
- New synthetic outhaul (instead of wire)
- new mainsheet and control lines
- 6 new Nautos mini cam cleats (never used them before, so this is a test)
- New aluminum collars and plastic mast section plugs.
- Lots of new rivets. Drilled out the old ones, many just failed as soon as the drill bit grabbed them.
- New hiking strap and aluminum backing plate with threads tapped into it.
Certain compromises were made. I wanted I new harken swivel control for my mainsheet, but its not in the budget. It would not have matter, since the thwart where I would mount it doesn’t have a place to mount it (its cut too small). When I create my new mahogany thwart it will have space…
The boat is ready to be sailed. It is not quite to the condition I want it. But after I sail it some I can make some decisions on what it needs and get to work on a full restoration.
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COMMENTS
'Avg' Portsmouth handicaps: Force 5 = 95.4; Laser= 91.1; hence, the Laser is a bit faster. ... The most glaring example is the sail which is roughly 20% smaller than a Force 5 sail and far less durable, yet costs significantly more even though it is produced in vastly greater numbers.
A Force 5 is an acceptable purchase IF - 1. can be had for a SONG, 2. You are not planning on racing much, as the Laser is only about 1,000 times more popular for OD racing, 3. You have access or ability to fabricate a rudder/tiller assembly that does NOT SUCK, as the stock one on a Force 5 surely does. Parts for the Laser are also far more ...
In my experience the Force 5 is better upwind and the Laser is faster Down. I like the Force 5 better cause it's more friendly to us larger folks, but the Laser has the better class/racing by far if you are into racing just about anywhere. The Force 5 is also 10 lbs. heavier, (hull only) than the Laser. I'd bet all up she's a solid 15 maybe 20 ...
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.
It is also the boat that is raced by a group at a cottage my in-laws own and will be easy to sell there if the time comes. The Sunfish is more difficult to take another person sailing than the Force 5. The Force 5 can also be a lot of fun in a breeze and is comfortable to sail.
3. The control lines are easier to reach on a Force 5. The Force 5 was designed after the Laser was launched and so the designer had the benefit of seeing how difficult it was to adjust the sail controls on the original Mark 1 1971 vintage Laser. As a result, the Force 5 has double-ended control lines that lead to both side decks.
Mainsail area. 91 sq ft. Racing. D-PN. 95.4. [ edit on Wikidata] The Force 5 is a small one-design racing sailboat that is similar to the more well known Laser but with a hard chine aft. Although it is designed for single-handed racing, two people can easily fit into the large cockpit. The boats are products of Weeks Yacht Yard on Long Island ...
Apr 5, 2005. #27. Force 5 weighs 145 lbs. 91 sq ft of sail. Laser 130 lbs. 76 sq ft of sail. I've owned both and raced them against each other. They are pretty even with an advantage going the the Force 5 in breeze w/proper weight on board. That said I'm a Laser freek and have owned 4 of them since my Force 5.
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. ... The boat is better suited for ocean passages (vs coastal cruising) if the result of the calculation is 2.0 or less. The lower the better. CSF = Beam/Disp (cubic ft)^.333. The displacement in cubic feet can be found by ...
Laser Standard / MK2 / ILCA 7. This is the most common Laser rig size, and the original rig on the boat when it was designed. It features a 7.06 square meter sail (about 76 square feet). In 2018, the Laser Class approved a new 'Standard' sail, which is referred to as the 'MKII' or 'Mark 2' to distinguish it from the first version.
BobBill Senior Member. Laser Force 5 Sail Interchangeability. Somewhat so, Doug. But it goes farther than just that...I have refurbished 73 Kite Class Dinghy, which is defunct as class but great wee boat. They were made with nice wood spars. Over time, spars do fail, and I acquired a Force 5 rig and sail, just in case.
The large 5 sail is 91 square feet, the large or standard Laser is 72. I mentioned stress on your spars, but the other side of the coin is the stress on the mast step, which can be substantial. I figured you cannot go wrong with the Intensity Radial, as it will not require shorter mast etc.
The force 5 weighs 145 and has a hard chine bottom, a full traveler for the main and all other rigging leads to the cockpit. It also has 91 sq ft of main. The laser has a round bottom, weighs 130 lbs, 76 sq ft of sail and "classic rigged" controls are on the boom and not as easy to reach as the force 5. Force 5 cockpit is bigger and can better ...
Force 5 is a 13′ 10″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Fred Scott, Jack Evans and built by Alcort, Weeks Yacht Yard, and AMF Corp. starting in 1972. ... 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 ...
Laser 4.7 / ILCA 5. The Laser 4.7 (or ILCA 5) is the smallest of the three Laser sails and was designed for young sailors just getting into Laser sailing. The 4.7 lower mast section is also different from the others in that is has a pre-bend near the boom fitting, allowing the sail to depower much easier.
Putting a Force 5 Back together. New Nautos cam cleats. I let someone talk me into racing a Force-5 sailboat. For those that are not familiar with this particular ride, its a lot like a laser. Its 14 feet long. One sail. Mahogany centerboard and rudder. It was originally built by AMF and is not sometimes built by Weeks Yachtyard in New York state.
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. ... Small Traveler Block for Laser® Sailboat $12.50: Ronstan Stainless Steel lined Bullseye Fairlead for the Sunfish Halyard with 2 screws Price: $9.24
AMF Force5 14'. This boat was a hot seller for a while and about 12,000 Force5 sailboats are still in service. Many compared it to the Laser, even calling it a Laser clone, but this is an unfair comparison. Both boats were designed with a specific purpose. The Laser was designed by the prolific boat designer, Bruce Kirby as a solo sailor, but ...
Force 5 against a laser, great boats. Man over board. Perfect day sailing in Texas. Texas sailing, J24 the goat, sail Dallas
ILCA & Laser Talk. Laser vs. Force 5. Thread starter Mick; Start date ...
Laser is similar in size but has a sock-over mainsail. So you put the sail onto the mast like, err, a condom. The sunny has a halyard and cat rig so the sail is easier to raise and to drop at the end of the day. But the Laser is an Olympic class boat and is a freegon BLAST in moderate to high winds. BLAST!!!!
Not wanting to make waves, but the Zuma is a great one-man boat as well. In fact, I often sailed solo on mine. Like the Sunfish, it's really a very light boat, weighing in at 130 lbs. (the same as a SF) but with a 5' beam. The advantage is that it can also carry more crew. Don't think of it as in the same class as the 340 lb. Catalina 14.2!
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 ...