struggling with cabin windows

[Doryman]

[drjohn71a]

Yes, Warren, that's the knife and I do use it closed. However, picturing the Starboard helm window from inside, the knife handle is placed between the front channel and the window latch in the 11 to 5 o'clock position and the lower edge of the handle is user to lift up and back on the window latch.

Only the blue plastic contacts the window frame and latch.

'Sounds crazy, but it works.

John

[Edward Thieme]

My windows were very tight too and I found spraying Armorall on the bottom of the window and working the window open and closed a few times cured the problem.

Ed on "Rambler"

[Chester]

[Chester]

[jacuthbert]

Thank you for my morning laugh Chester! What a picture I got with Armoral + bike seat!
Amanda

[Walldog]

[Robbi]

If the problem is the window jamming closed, here is a picture from the tech library that shows what happens at the latch.



I have never done the fix that is shown, but I have had my window latch go over the second tab shown in the picture. The solution for this problem is to push forward on the window handle, then depress the latch and pull back. Kinda counter intuitive. Look at the latch before you do this to make sure this is the problem. You don't want to make it the problem!

When I close the windows I do not apply much pressure as the latch engages to prevent the override.

Robbi

The second problem of the windows sticking in the tracks, good information here. Thanks all.

[williamsdf]

Thanks for the liquid rollers solution to my sticking windows problem. I've been struggling with this issue for the longest time, and now one of them have gone too far...had to brace myself using all of my strength to finally break that window free. I will visit my local west marine store tomorrow and eagerly anticipate easier days.

Quixote

[drjohn71a]

Several factors are involved in the window sticking phenomenon. One is the accumulation of salt and dirt in the channel.

Dock spiders build nests in the channel drainage grooves and one must direct a power water spray upward thru the drain slots from underneath. Lots of debris is flushed upward.

The vibrations from engines compacts salt, sand and dust.

Avoid any lubricant that is sticky or wet. Only use Dry Lubricant Spray with Teflon (ptfe).

Once the window is stuck, a vertical lifting motion is the easiest way to open it. I used one of those folding, blue, emergency knives from West Marine, and wedged it sideways so I could lift the front of the window while rotating the 5/8 inch thick handle up and aft against the forward window channel. Just the slightest upward lift while pushing aft will release the confining debris and the window will slide.

I tried all the expensive sprays mentioned, including the Boeing lube, but the only long term answer avoids silicone, grease, oil, etc. Any wet lube will attract and hold dust. Only Dry Lube with Teflon will work.

Routinely spraying out the debris from below, thru the drain slots, will prevent problems.

[breausaw]

Had the same problem with our new to us 25. What you need to do in bend out the aluminum where the latch attaches. A crescent wrench works fine, just start in the center of were the latch comes in contact and bend the aluminum frame work out a bit , not much, expand in both directions. It is totally a flaw in the design of the window frame. Look closely at how the window closes and you will see the outside frame keeps the latch from opining enough to pull the window back. Just tweak the frame outworks a bit and it will close fine and open too.

Simple mechanics, not rocket science.

[BaseCampAnne]

I have a new suggestion.

I used to get so frustrated with the stuck windows, tried several lube-type suggestions and then thought the problem was gone because I got a different boat. (Not because of the windows)

Alas, these slider windows stick also:-(

My climber son noticed me struggling and told me I needed leverage while the movable piece is depressed. He took a simple piece of cotton line about a foot long that I practice knots with and tied it in a loop. The line is the perfect diameter to hold in the lever so that when I pull the loop (with both hands) straight back the window opens every time. No mess, no cost and no more grumping