Picked up a Force 5 dinghy plus trailer years ago, for the low low price of $100. Prior owner had let water sit in the mast tube, cracking it vertically. Trailer bunks were set up improperly as well, leading to some gnarly cracks in the hull. Without having any sailing experience, I was besotted with her (I can’t resist a good project), until I learned the sail slipped over the mast and wasn’t raised via halyard. I set her aside for a few years while I worked on other boat projects that fell into my lap (O’Day 19 & Westerly Centaur).

I’m based on a river with height restrictions in both directions, preventing me from actually sailing with the O’Day and the Westerly. The dinghy can make it under with feet to spare. I’d like to get some actual sailing in, so I’ve set myself a goal to finish the rehab and get her on the water before the end of the season.

Mast tube has been repaired. Ground out and beveled the cracks in the hull, then fiberglassed several layers over. I hate mixing gelcoat, so I’ll be painting instead. PVC replacements for the thwart bits are sitting in the pile, ready to go.

Trailer needs some work as well: bunkers need to be secured better, tires and bearings need inspection.