Stuck Window

Jimmylee · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 6:30 pm Post subject: Stuck Window

We have a 22-ft cruiser that sits in our driveway year round up here in Bellingham. Even though I have used the boat all winter, it had been a while since I tried to open the port window. When I did this past weekend, it was stuck solid. I cleaned up the green stuff on the outside of the window tracks, but it still wont budge.

Any ideas on how to free the window???

Thanks in advance

Chip

Aurelia · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 6:51 pm Post subject:

I would try pushing more up on the window handle while trying to move the window backward. If you have another person handy, try using two hands on the outside and two on the inside (steam them up first for sticking action) then lift up on the window because it is likly stuck in the bottom track more than anything. I would also flood the track with warm water to lube it up without making a mess. After you get it free, clean the tracks out and use one of the many lubes out there to get that thing slipping again. I like teflon spray or silicon but there are others out there. Those big suction cups with handles for autobody work would come in handy if you have access to one or two. Nice to see another C-Dory out there with little kids aboard!

Greg

thataway · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 7:17 pm Post subject:

Use liquid rollers by Mary Kate (silicone) in the track regularly. This prevents the problem. Good description of how to free it up.

localboy · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 7:39 pm Post subject:

I used a power washer to clean out the tracks; just sprayed down/up the windows from outside. Amazing amount of PNW "green" washed out. Then I followed up w/ what Gred did and lubed the bejeezus out of the tracks w/ spray silicone.

Jimmylee · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 8:54 pm Post subject: Stuck Window

Thanks for the replies guys, very helpful.

bjidzik · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 9:02 pm Post subject:

Even with a wash out & lub, my starboard side window will not open sometimes.

I have a loop of line that I put into the latch. A simple push down on the latch and a pull back on the line will usually free the window.

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 8:55 am Post subject:

Used to happen on my 22. I found that I could use a bladed device (screwdriver or the like) between the frame and latch and VERY CAREFULLY pry there loosening the window. Be sure you lift up the latch so that it is free to slide. Then, lubricate that track as others have said.

Charlie

matt_unique · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 9:26 am Post subject: Ditto

lloyds · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:09 am Post subject:

I have a cribbage board sitting right under the front of that window. When it won't open I put it in the gap between the frame and the handle and pry. Comes right open. Everything on a boat has to perform multiple functions.

digger · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:58 am Post subject:

One thing that I've found is that sometimes the window has moved in a way to tighten the latch. If I push the window closed even more, then I can release the locking mechanism, and pull it open. Just a thought. Ron

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 1:35 pm Post subject:

On my older "87 Cruiser, the latch mechanism has multiple ribs on which the lever/catch can engage. (On Edit: I think this is the same issue which Ron discusses above, with a slightly different degree and/or solution.)

If you "slam" the window shut, it over-tightens on the farthest rib, making dis-engagement difficult, so you learn not to do that!

If, however, you accidentally over do it, then you need to open the lever with one hand and with the other hand with a broad blade screwdriver, pry between the metal catch lever and the metal window frame to force it open.

I don't like to pry on glass (whenever I can avoid it), as it tends to fracture and chip.

Algae and mold build-up aren't a problem in a covered slip on an inland lake.

Joe. Teeth

slapshot · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 4:34 pm Post subject: stuck window

Both windows were stuck on our new boat. It turns out they were jammed. With starboard side to dock, Jack on the inside and me on the outside, I pushed the back bar of the window while he pulled the latch. Pop! It was open. The hard part was the port side. Jack climbed on the side, had one hand on the top rail and banged on the back bar while I pulled inside. Pop! Good news is that he didn't launch into the water. I'm not sure his knees will ever be the same. We sprayed all window tracks (and screen tracks) with spray silicone. All are sliding nicely.

lloyds · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 4:58 pm Post subject:

The back bar requires some care. I think it is either a pressed fit or glued. not sure which. I know I pushed on mine last week and it started to come off.