Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

[Gromulin]

I've read some of the threads on windshield spread here, and after I finished freaking out a bit, I doubt it's a bad structural issue. Everything is solid, and I'm pretty sure that it's spent most of it's life on a Trailer in a hot, dry climate. Las Vegas, to be exact.

My windshield is spread about 1/2" at the top, compared to the bottom, when you close the walk-thru window. Can the hull have "relaxed" from sitting on a trailer in 100 + degree heat for a long period of time, even if it was under a cover (gel-coat and upholstery look fine)? Just wondering since all the weight sits on the bunks near the centerline, instead of the weight being distributed if in the water.

Just curious. It's not so bad that the latch wont work, but enough to be noticeable. I kind of remember my old boat having a trim piece that could be adjusted to fill the gap...anyone heard of those?

Thanks in advance

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Well investigate for cracking and separating of the structure.

It is RARE for windshield to spread and normally structure failure is indicated by tight closing (which indicates deck/supports failing)....... you might have some adjustment depending on the windshield design.

I have a 5 piece windshield and the position of the side wings is critical to the proper fit.

What type of windshield do you have?

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Well investigate for cracking and separating of the structure.

It is RARE for windshield to spread and normally structure failure is indicated by tight closing (which indicates deck/supports failing)....... you might have some adjustment depending on the windshield design.

I have a 5 piece windshield and the position of the side wings is critical to the proper fit.

What type of windshield do you have?

Well..I guess it's a 5-piece. It's a curved piece up front and a straight piece going down the sides. It does not flex when I hit a big wake or am in chop...I've watched the gap and it doesn't change. No cracks anywhere that I can find. Could it have been caused by people bracing themselves on the windshield? How do you go about "adjusting"?

I'll post a picture later...should always take the pictures before I post...

 

[Bud B]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

I had that problem with my Sea Ray Sundeck when it was sitting on my lift. The hull would flex closed and actually jam the windshield. I had to put a piece of wood in between the consoles to prevent it. Then I adjusted the bunkers til it didnt jam any more. Seems possible your boat sat heavy on the center rollers of the trailer and spread open.

Fibreglass continues to cure (and shrink) for a long time and gets harder with age. So you could have a permanent set now. There should be some adjustability in the hinges or overlap strip. Doesnt sound too serious, but I know how you feel.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

When a winsheild is mounted properly to the cap and it deforms you could have a serious probelm....Your cap is deforming or your hull is deforming your cap. Can your post a picture.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Does the windshield have vertical bracing rods attached from the dash/consoles to the the fixed sections to either side of the swinging walk-through section? Maybe those are just not set or installed at the correct length.

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Does the windshield have vertical bracing rods attached from the dash/consoles to the the fixed sections to either side of the swinging walk-through section? Maybe those are just not set or installed at the correct length.

Yes, it does. I need to check those braces. If people have been grabbing the top of the windshield and pushing forward over the years, it would have the same effect on the windshield. Will post a pic this evening.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Yes, those front supports are important and if they have both flexed then you are out of alignment......look across when the window is closed and see if the entire assembly is straight.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Can I borrow your alum streacher Bob ? .. or mebbe your Glass Streacher tool ?

No .. your Frame for your windows will Not Distort..nor with the glass that it sets in...

I have never seen ( even in long periods of time in the Hoist ) will a Frame distort..

You may be on shoring ( though that is not suggested ).

You may be IN the sling ( Yes this could bring the deck up to were you cannot close the center window ).

All things considered.. you will not Missform alum or glass m8.. your only option is the risers of the window itself ( like Bob said ).

Pics ?

YD.

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Pics ?

Life and Soccer practice got in the way of going to get pics. I hate it when life interferes with boating. Will have my priorities straight tonight.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Can I borrow your alum streacher Bob ? .. or mebbe your Glass Streacher tool ?

YD.

Sure as soon as I get it back........ it's out on loan!!!

If the upright supports are bent of if the wing sides have moved ..... the alignment will be off

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Here's some pics of the windshield. You can just make out a Quarter in one, for scale. It looks like it's been that way for a while from the wear pattern on the starboard frame. Problem?

 

[Bud B]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Im no expert, but I'll bet thats always been like that. Does it change in the water? Looks like it is too far forward at te top.

I would try taking the two screws out of the base of the two strut supports just to see if you get any relief motion toward alignment. THere is probably some give in the side seams. Dont stress it tho! Let it come by itself.

 

[oops!]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

i am hoping this is a fit problem.......you will need to adjust your windsheils by loosening the bolts that are under the bottom main frame and then try to manipulate it back...

tail gunner and yd are correct....the boat will not "spread"

if its not a fit problem you have hull issues.

 

[Bud B]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

One way or the other. The bottom is too far back or the top is too far forward. Try the struts.

Favorite quote:

"Everyone is entitled to their wrong opinion"

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Before you move to much around do this....Take a level and place it on the dashes....id be willing to bet the dash on the starboard side is 1/2" higher than the port side indicating again a cap or hull issue..If so you need to see someone in a marinia that is knowledgeable

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Looking at the new pics... Sure looks like a refit to me m8..

I dont see a gasket on the flat side of the walkthrough/mate surface to your STBD shield..just a small wear .. ( Not years and years of wear breaking the painted surface ).

IF you lower/adjust that STBD strut then you Might close the gap..but the walkthrough shield Is allready low on the SB side..thus lowering that even more will look like a Hack job..

Ill bet dimes to dollers that is Not the OEM sheild ( And if it was then installed improper ).

Its Installed improper no matter..

What probably happend was the sheild was replaced..the new sheild had predrilles holes in the mounting..and the tech tried to screw them into the same holes as the OEM part..thus fit was Wrong ( the holes were too close to pass up a so slam bam thing happend during install ).

They were just to lazy to fill the holes and drill/fit/lift/caulk new holes for proper replacement..

I have Never had a replacement sheild that Direct mounts LOL..

I could be wrong though..

What your gonna have to do is Remove the Whole shield..fill the holes with some Mohair ( glass mixed with epoxy or poly + Cabosil .. keep the repairs small ) then remount Dry with only a few holes/screws here and there to make it allign.. then drill the rest of your base mount.

After all the holes are properly drilled out to fit .. you remove the shield again.. Caulk the holes and quickly mount your shield ( 2 people install ).

Hope this helps..and keep us updated please.. Id love to know if I missed the bar on this one ).

YD.

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Yacht Dr. - Thank you for your detailed explanation, I really appreciate it. I'll finally be getting it home from storage after a final trip out this weekend, so I can get into it farther and see if you are right.

Arrgh...something else to add to the Winter list.

 

[Bud B]

Re: Windshield spread and sitting on a trailer

Alot easier to first try the BOTH struts and adjusting by the hinge on the center fold to split the difference I think. THEN just LOOSEN the bottom to see if you have some play. Its not all THAT far off.