Sliding Windows

Anybody have a suggestion for gluing the latch handles back on. I'm picking up some liquid roller spray and will try some dilute vinegar to clean the track. Not sure if I'm ready to start prying :?
 
could try the same glue used for car mirror on the windshield.
 
It does seem odd to me that the R-25s and R-27s (not sure about the other Tug models) exhibit this port side navigator's window sticking when latched making it almost impossible to open when required. Given that at times it's important to be able to open the window in an emergency, the sticking window surely could be viewed as a safety hazard. From this aspect I would have expected Ranger to have solved this issue by now.

I wonder if the issue arises because the port side window is likely used less than the starboard helm-side window ? This is the case on our boat.

I do know for the new R-29 the windows have been completely re-vamped and have latches that do not stick. I say this from me trying to open/close them earlier this year at the Seattle Boats Afloat.

Be that as it may, one has no option but to apply one of the fixes described in this discussion thread or as I do, leave the port side window slightly unlatched.

The point made about trailering possibly being the cause for the port-side window sticking does not seem credible to me as we do not trailer our boat and it did/does have the latch issue being described here. I suspect it's a manufacturing/assembly issue or simply a design flaw in the window.
 
Nobody has mentioned the real solution, the windows that are used by the factory do not seem to match the level of quality of the rest of the boat. We took delivery of an R27 this summer and the windows were really our only disappointment.
 
Last I heard, Ranger was using Diamond Sea Glaze windows. They are well-regarded in the marine industry. About half of the commercial boats I have driven were spec'd out with DSG windows and/or doors.
 
LADY JANE":1ygd1rtf said:
Is there a home remedy or dedicated product that alleviates salt in a stuck sliding window channel?
Click to expand...
Only operating the boat in fresh water ? :lol: Sorry, couldn't help myself.

This window design has been around for as long as I can remember with the same sticking issue. They work great when used frquently. And (seemingly) regardless of environment get sticky when not used regularly. I'm amazed that the industry hasn't developed an improved design. Maybe a marketing opportunity for any aspiring inventors out there. Can you spell Shark Tank?

From a practical standpoint, any silicon based lubricant helps (does not fix). The reason for the "silicon based" is that it tends to capture less solid crud. The previously mentioned roller spray, sunbrella fabric treatment, WD40, etc. all work for some period of time. Keep in mind silicon based caulking doesn't do so well in this application 😉
 
Thanks again to those Tugnuts with the most competent and comprehensive remedies to the common safety issue of seriously jammed windows. This is one malfunction that we Tugnuts can do without.
 
The liquid roller after the vinegar cleaning worked well for us. My question was how to reattach the handle that we pushed off. What seems to have done the trick is a slow drying adhesive sold and recommended by the guy at West Marine.

Jeff
 
For our jammed sliding-side-windows, we tried Dan's suggestion, to spray silicon inside of each window track, especially the sticky UPPERS. Now the sliders open and shut smooth as....ever! Also, a good suggestion for reattaching the handle back on to the sliding-window was from the "Wanderer" with "Rear View Mirror Adhesives". Permanently attaching a handle back on to a slick glass surface is something else. The West Marine adhesive is the Real Deal that Jeff was successful with. Dave says Epoxy works great, but details warn, it could turn into a mess if not done carefully. The thing is: This whole window/handle OPERATION should work as long as both surfaces, the glass and the handle, are practically STERILIZED first. BB+
 
LADY JANE":eibdrq31 said:
For our jammed sliding-side-windows, we tried Dan's suggestion, to spray silicon inside of each window track, especially the sticky UPPERS. Now the sliders open and shut smooth as....ever! Also, the best suggestion for reattaching the handle back on to the sliding-window was from the "Wanderer" with "Rear View Mirror Adhesives". Permanently attaching a handle back on to a slick glass surface is something else. The West Marine adhesive is the official Real Deal that Jeff was successful with. This whole window/handle OPERATION should work as long as both surfaces, the glass and the handle, are (nearly) STERILIZED first. BB+
Click to expand...

Hello Bill,

On my previous boat I had similar Diamond Seaglaze windows along the sides of the pilot house. They didn't stick but I did have one of those 'end-edge' mounted handles come off. I tried remounting it with rear-view mirror stickum...didn't hold.

Eventually I thought of using epoxy...so I cleaned the glass and the inside mounting surfaces of the handle with solvents to get both really clean, then buttered up the inside of the handle and stuck it in place on the window. I put the handle in place beforehand and carefully taped the glass at the edges of the handle in it's mounted position. The tape was to prevent the squeezed out epoxy from adhering to the glass and making a sloppy repair. It all worked well. I used 30 minute cheap epoxy and thickened it with...I don't recall but I made it a peanut butter consistency. I buttered the inside bonding area of the handle and pressed it into place. I used a couple pieces of duck tape to "clamp" it in place until the epoxy set up. All the squeeze out landed on the previously placed masking tape - oh wait, it wasn't making tape it was clear strapping tape like what you use to tape the bottom of a cardboard box. About 2" wide, clear.

Anyway, the epoxy held up well.

dave
 
Has anyone heard of any stuck Portside slider window problems among the new 2016 models? It would be a cryin' shame for this window track malfunction to continue. BB+
 
Thank you Jim B. I took your suggestion, got a can of Liquid Roller, and the windows slide easily now. /Stu
 
I have had good luck using a 100% silicone spray. Make sure it has 100% silicone on the label.

Clean the channel first, let it dry then spray the silicone in the channel.
 
On my 2009 RT25 my windows stuck A LOT. Liquid Rollers spray helps.

But after a handle popped off & took a swim, I knew I needed a backup... so I bought those suction cup handles they use for installing big plates of glass:

https://www.amazon.com/FCHO-Suction-Alu ... B07HNRB2CJ

I'd recommend anyone with sticky windows get one. Great for emergencies, gives you an instant handle that you can really pull on. It's a no-brainer at ~$20.
 
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