Porthole windows stuck closed

[alt]

The 2 Porthole windows in my rear cabin are rarely opened. Went to open them today and they're stuck closed via the black rubber (ish) seal.

1) Any ideas to help break this seal, without breaking the seals? I'm going for luke warm soapy water over a few days, maybe?

2) Anything to spray on the rubber to prevent happening in future? I'm going for PTFE / Silicon spray?

Just to add, i've used as much force as i'm willing to use from the inside, so not open to the idea of pushing from the outside.

 

[jrudge]

Wd40?

 

[alt]

Wd40?

WD40 + Rubber = not good idea. That said, if it was just used to penetrate for an hour or two, may not do any damage, provided it's cleaned off after. I'll put it on the "last resort" list, but thanks for the tip.

 

[rbcoomer]

What about something like the silicone oil they used to use in photocopiers - very slippery stuff?

I think they do something similar for turbos don't they - a high temp variant. silicone is quite inert I thought...

 

[BruceK]

Silicon to preserve the rubber going forward but you may have no other option than to try and break the seal from the outside (assuming the portholes open inwards and thinking along a suction cup principal) and use a small spatula / paint scraper to break the seal.

 

[tico]

If they are the same frames as used by Fairline etc (made by Trend) then replacing the seals is not that big a job. replacement seal material is available, in fact i'm sure i have a couple of metres spare in the boat store

 

[omega2]

Better closed than open in rough weather??

 

[alt]

Crisis averted!

I left the windows unlocked for 24 hours. When I returned they opened with just a little bit of persuasion.

When i'm cleaning the boat next week i'll be giving the rubbers / frames a clean and finishing off with a coat of Silicone Spray.

 

[ICTM]

Gummi Plege rubber care (available from Amazon etc) is highly regarded for use on hard top convertible roof seals - I use it for that and on my hatch seals and it works well.

 

[Andrew M]

Yep, Gummi Plege is great stuff, have been using it for years prior to having boats, didn't realise it was still available. We've got decent sized oval portholes, Trend ones, and I keep them from sticking by polishing the seating face of the metal frames and rubbing Vaseline on the equivalent rubber facing, has worked well for us in the 5 yrs we've had this boat and the seals are still in very good condition.