Force 5 Class Association

The Force 5 rudder bracket comes from the factory (AMF Alcort made) with too small of bolts that are tapped into a plate that is fiberglassed into the stern. These usually work loose, strip out or even break.
The first thing to do is to cut an access in the rear deck to allow access to through bolt the bracket. Note the through bolted with nylon locking nuts.




Even if you already have a access port and some has through bolted them, I suggest upgrading to larger bolts as seen below:



The new size is just under a 1/4" across by 1 1/2" in length.



I also suggest putting the fender type washer on the inside.
Once you have removed the bracket. Place it on a flat surface to insure that the bracket is not bent at all. Please it a vice and straighten, then drill out each hole with a 1/4" drill bit. This should be the same size as the bolts. The hole being a tight will keep the bolt from moving around from the pressure while sailing.



After you get the holes drilled, drill out one of the holes in the stern as shown below.



Mount the bracket to the stern, put fender washer and nut on. Tighten up.






Drill out the remaining holes through the rudder bracket. Doing this insures that the bracket is straight and the holes will all line up during assembly.  Once done drilling, insert all of the other bolts to insure a good fit.



Next apply a good marine silicone for a good seal.



Once done install the rudder bracket with the new bolts and tighten down. Try to turn the nuts on the inside instead of the bolts as this will help keep the silicone in place. Insure all nuts are tight. Wipe off excess silicone around the bracket. Once done with the bracket, hook up the rudder to insure it moves easily and the holes for the rudder pin are lined up.