CaspersCruiser
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2016
- Messages
- 931
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-27 Classic
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2709G112
- Vessel Name
- Cookie
- MMSI Number
- 368203460
Like many Ranger Tug owners, I struggled with sliding windows that seemed welded closed. The previous owner of my boat kept a foot-long piece of 1x2 wood in the storage area above the helm and showed me how to use it to pry open the windows.
I thought there had to be a better way. First, I cleaned the accumulated sand and dirt from the window tracks. It took some time and patience. A shop vac and miniature tools intended to clean computer keyboards and such worked well. The little tools can be purchased at Lowe's or H-D. Then I lubed the seals with silicone and the latches with white lithium grease. It worked great and the windows just glided back and forth. Until the large helm and port companion seat windows didn't. Damn. Back to the stick.
However, I have discovered a work-around that has completely solved the issue for me. I'm not smart enough to figure this out on my own. I read about it in an archived post that I ran across while looking for something else. I've waited to post about it to make sure it seems to be a long term solution.
Here is the work-around: When closing the window, after it catches, release the latch and pull back slightly on the window until the latch meets the catch. Then when opening the window, push it forward slightly before pulling back. This action seems to break the seal that appears to be the root cause of this annoying problem. I haven't had to use the stick since I've started using the work-around, even after not opening the windows for 10 days or so while I was away on a work trip. I would still recommend cleaning and lubing the tracks. After doing that, the shorter sliding windows have functioned flawlessly. The only windows that stuck were the larger helm and port companion seat windows. Now using the work-around, I no longer have trouble with them.
I thought there had to be a better way. First, I cleaned the accumulated sand and dirt from the window tracks. It took some time and patience. A shop vac and miniature tools intended to clean computer keyboards and such worked well. The little tools can be purchased at Lowe's or H-D. Then I lubed the seals with silicone and the latches with white lithium grease. It worked great and the windows just glided back and forth. Until the large helm and port companion seat windows didn't. Damn. Back to the stick.
However, I have discovered a work-around that has completely solved the issue for me. I'm not smart enough to figure this out on my own. I read about it in an archived post that I ran across while looking for something else. I've waited to post about it to make sure it seems to be a long term solution.
Here is the work-around: When closing the window, after it catches, release the latch and pull back slightly on the window until the latch meets the catch. Then when opening the window, push it forward slightly before pulling back. This action seems to break the seal that appears to be the root cause of this annoying problem. I haven't had to use the stick since I've started using the work-around, even after not opening the windows for 10 days or so while I was away on a work trip. I would still recommend cleaning and lubing the tracks. After doing that, the shorter sliding windows have functioned flawlessly. The only windows that stuck were the larger helm and port companion seat windows. Now using the work-around, I no longer have trouble with them.