No sticking the windows

[tparrent]

My port side window was stuck pretty good a few weeks ago but I eventually got it open with a lot of grunting and groaning. I added some lubricant on the track and all has been fine since then.

The starboard side window used to open fine but is now stuck closed and no amount of pulling is having any effect. The latch is not sticking, it’s the window track that is the problem. Any thoughts on how to get it open? I thought about using a heat gun but worry that may be too hot if too close and not hot enough if too far away - or it may have no effect at all.

One my 22, the windows were difficult to open but never actually stuck closed.

[Baxter]

I have used wd40 as temporary solution. It is not a live.
Then after moving used silicone spray to lub.
Helped keep the salt out.
I use heat for lots of stuff but would not for this.

It is annoying problem.

Good luck.

[ssobol]

On my 22, I found that shifting the moving part of the window up and down often helped. I also found that not slamming the window closed helps too. Just push them far enough closed for the latch to catch.

Haven't had this problem after thoroughly rinsing the tracks and applying silicon spray.

[smckean (Tosca)]

I used to have this problem. Once I got it loose, I power washed the tracks and used silicone spray. No problem since. Got it loose pretty much like Baxter did.

I was amazed how much crap the power wash dredged up out of those tracks!

[fishingjoe13]

A small block of wood against the rail on the back end of the window, a rubber mallet, and light tapping and patience. Then I just give mine a shot of silicon spray every couple of months, no more problems.

[tomherrick]

I've had a pretty good rate of success with penetrating oil. Spray the binding surfaces a few times, let it sit, maybe spray a little more, let it sit, then give it shot. A couple of times I've had to wait overnight for the oil to penetrate sufficiently so I didn't cause damage to whatever materials were stuck.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penetrating_oil

[thataway]

If you use any liquid silicone or penetrating oils, and do not totally remove them, salt, algae, and dirt will clog up that felt track again. Be sure and use only dry silicone lubricant. Mary Kate Liiquid rollers is one brand. There are several others.

Use soap and water at first to get it lubricated. Work back and forth if you can.

Before opening clean the track aft as much as you can with soap, water and an old tooth brush. Be sure it is totally clean and dry. spray the dry silicone .Then as you open the window, do the same there. After all dry, spray all around the track the dry silicone.

I use a mini pry bar; end has vinyl sleeve, so no mar. Put it between the inside handle and the frame, and very slowly put pressure on it. If not moving, use a small phenolic or rubber mallet to gently tap forward on the handle and then gently pry aft. Eventually it will move a little and then you can tug on the handle.

If you put too much pressure on the handles--they will eventually detatch--and jump overboard...I have done that a few times. They are not cheap.

[gulfcoast john]

Each lower felt window track has a covered drain hole which drains down the side of the boat. When debris clogs it, grime has no where to go but build up in the track. Squirt hot water in a syringe or baster down the drains to keep them open. We have a designated Window Track toothbrush, too. I wouldn't want penetrating or any oil going down the track drains. Sticking very often involves some mis-alignment of the long windows in the vertical (not horizontal) plane, though you can't tell where by just looking.

Incidentally, to remove the sliding screens there is K shaped spring running in the TOP screen track. Push the screen frame upward to compress the K and pull it out from the bottom track to remove it.

Add dry silicone, toothbrush, syringe to your list...and a Thermacell for spring. The days are getting longer!
Good Luck!
John

[Wayne McCown]

When washing the boat, I spray water up into the external "weep" holes. It is amazing how much gunk/dirt drains out the other holes in the track. I repeat the process, hole by hole, until the water drains out. No sticking since I adopted this approach.

[T.R. Bauer]

When your boat gets old like mine, you won't have to worry about it any longer. Mine stopped sticking years ago. Of course, they also leak now....

[South of Heaven]

I remember having this problem too! One time I literally couldn't get it budge and I thought I was gonna break the window handle!!

[Volant]

A electric dental water pic is a good method for occasional cleaning of the window tracks. It can be more precisely aimed at problem areas and doesn't make a major mess. Also can be done anywhere without a hose.

[Standas]

During my project of repainting and replacing the rubber seals on my windows I replaced the felt track. Slides much easier now.

[hardee]