F32 sliding door frame distorting in rough seas

lottanerv · Post by **lottanerv** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:01 am

The framing around my sliding glass door and stationary windows in the rear shfts and sways out of square in rough seas. As the boat rocks from side to side from wave action there is also a cracking/ creeking noise coming from the stbd side of this framing. I can see the framing around the stationary glass panels (on either side of the sliding glass door) move about 1 back and forth as the boat rocks. The more rocking the more movement. The rubber seal around the glass frames is slowly coming out from the movement.
What is going on? Is my boat braking a part? How worried should I be? How can this be reapaired.
I bought in the ocean in Southeast Florida.

ScurvyDog · Post by **ScurvyDog** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:03 am

I don't think there is anything to worry about. My F32 flexes around the rear windows and doors. It creeks abit when it rolls in the waves. I have never had any of the rubber or doors pop out though.

rick1954 · Post by **rick1954** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:04 am

Lotlanerv,
I think you have a prob that needs attention. Every boat has some sort of elasticity to it , but what you are saying is extreme I think. Did you not have a survey on this boat before you purchased it. Please before you head out in the waves again, have the boat gone over by a reputable person.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:19 am

Guys, I just went through this on my 32.

The framing is held together by horizontal threaded bolts, a couple of inches long at the tops and bottoms. Over time, these bolts rust and break. While they may appear to still be there, they will rust and not hold the top door frame together with the side or verticle frame, or pull out of the treaded insert.

The boat as most do, flex some. I took out the door and bottom threshold assy as one piece (easy- 5minutes) then find all the screws and slightly loosen, take some Dawn or similar dishwashing soap and spray in all the corners and sides where the glass meets the rubber. With a helper, hammer and a block of wood, gently tap in at the top and bottom evenly to square back up. Once back together, you can drill and put a stop screw in at the top of the threshold to keep the frame assy square. You may have a hard time trying to get the shrunk rubber seal and glass to fully seat where they meet by the side, if this is the case, then do what you can and take a small bead of clear silicone and apply where needed on both sides.

Hope this helps.

lottanerv · Post by **lottanerv** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:34 am

Stripermann2,

Thanks, what a relief to find that I probably don't have a real seious problem. I need some clarification on the fix you propose. Are you saying I should remove the whole frame around all the glass panels in the rear? Should I replace the broken/rusted bolts you menion. Does the "stop screw" you suggest stop the swaying?
I guess I need the remedial instruction set.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:42 am

PM sent.

jav · Post by **jav** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:54 pm

Striperman..

if you have anything on that porceedure, I'd be real interested too.

TADTOOMUCH · Post by **TADTOOMUCH** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:30 am

I have another F-32 in our marina that is down from mine with that same sway problem. I would like to be able to explain the repair to the owner so he can fix his. Can you post the instructions here on the forum.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:56 am

Guys, I spoke with Lottanerve yesterday. His issue, is more than the salon glass coming out of square. It appears that his bridge is racking/twisting somehow possibly due to support issues, including the salon door and fixed glass area.

My offer, was of securing the fixed glass back into place and securing.

Buckknekkid · Post by **Buckknekkid** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:55 am

I replaced the bulkhead under neath my cockpit door. Pics available and its a tough expensive job

rick1954 · Post by **rick1954** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:01 am

As I said, when you have movement as to which Lottanerv was describing, you have a big problem. Lottanerv, be safe and solve the problem before you take the boat out again.

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