Center Windshield doesn't close properly

[trentmh]

I acquired a 1991 bowrider a while back and I knew it was going to need some work. I've read here on iboats that a sign of problems is when the center windshield will not shut properly, but I didn't find an answer as to why that was. My windshield is off somewhere between 1/4" and 1/2". Some of my floor is soft so I'm thinking about having it corrected which got me thinking about this whole windshield situation. Is this a problem that can typically be corrected without too much expense/effort or is it something even worth fooling with?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

When you Return the Hull to it's Original Shape,.....<br />The Windshield will Fall into place.............<br /><br />In other words,.....<br />Your Hull is Collapsing In upon it's self.............

 

[trentmh]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

In other words,.....<br />Your Hull is Collapsing In upon it's self.............

Possibly a stringer issue? Excuse my ignorance, but I'm not sure what gives a hull structural integrity from side-to-side. What would you speculate is the proper corrective action?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

The floor and sub structure (stringers) are the support for the hull. If they are going soft, then the boat can flex. <br /><br />Do a search on stringer replacement or new floors in this forum and you you will find lots of info and photos. Also check out www.shareaproject.com for more step by step photo documentation of boats being rebuilt. There is a nice one by Realgun and others you should read.

 

[bnk999]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

I have a similiar problem with my 14' trihull however my windshield is loose. It closes but it is not flush. When I hit waves sometimes I notice the windshield coming closer together. It is only off proabably 1/4". My floor feels totally solid. I replaced the carpet a while back and the whole floor has no rot that I can see or feel. Could this indicate problems with my stringers?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

It might just be age. Plus they do flex under stress. My whole boat shakes when the hull pounds on rough waters. But it is still pretty rigid under normal conditions given its age. <br /><br />You could try loosening the windshield frame bolts and re-alligning it. Have an assistant hold it in place while you tighten, or maybe duct tape it in possition while you tighten it. It may have shifted over it's life time, especially if its just a little. <br /><br />The real telltale of a problem is if after adjusting it, it keeps getting worse. Another thing to look for is stress cracks in corners where it might tend to flex.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

Bulkheads,...........<br /><br />Sometimes I've had to get Creative.........<br /><br />But, Some kind of Bulkhead will take the side flexing out of a hull.......

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

qab999:<br />Its totally normal for the tri-hull to flex, if it didn't it would crack. The old tri-hull Chris-Crafts, were bad about the windshield spreading in a hard turn.

 

[bnk999]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

THANKS cc lancer I thought it was no big deal until I read this thread-- then I started getting worried....

 

[Realgun]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

Ok not to worry help is here. <br /><br />Basically as others have said boats flex. On my boat before I started the work the windield was a wee bit off top to bottom. In lifting the consoles about 1/2 inches on both sides the windshield was fine. After I removed the support under the consoles I had 4-5 inches of play up and down and the windshield sagged badly.<br /><br />After the floor and supports were in place I was mad as the windshild was out about 1/2 inch at the top but ok at the bottom! So I tried and tried to lift the consoles, no go, to hard by hand and trying to put a screw in. The wife was able to lift the console so I could get the windshield straight. But in the end a jack and a piece of wood was better. All I needed was a n inch higher than we could do by hand. then the screws were installed and the windshield actually relaxed and the window lined up perfectly.<br /> <br />Basically it could be two things-<br /><br />1. the supports for the console or dashboards under the windshields have sagged and let the window come down.<br />2. The floor is not supporting the consoles as they did when new.<br /><br />Fix in the first case is easy, the second is a bit harder but doable.<br /><br />It would help to see a picture of the windshield and the support structure.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

Double post!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Center Windshield doesn't close properly

Realgun is Dead On..........<br /><br />Those Console Supports,+ the Consoles, in effect, Are a Bulkhead...............