Window Woes

So those awesome wind-down windows of Kamalii's have finally had a not-so-awesome moment. As I mentioned in my previous post, the conclusion was clear: there is no way into the copper bins that house the window winding mechanisms without cutting stuff up. In my first ever "WTF?!" moment with Kamalii, it seems the window mechanisms were installed and then the caping was placed over the top before they then installed the verticals for the coachroof and built the cabin on top, i.e. no thought whatsoever to how you are supposed to service the units.

After much analysis and weighing the pros and cons of different ways of getting inside, the decision was to cut out the section of capping and go in from the top. It has all worked out well, and once everything is cleaned up and varnished again it should not be noticeable.

It turned out that the cap/bearing for the winder had somehow had all its fasteners unwind themselves and it fell off, jamming itself between the glass and the frame. Just lucky that we did not end up with another broken window (refer California posts...).

There was a time when I was terrified of joinery work. Nothing like owning a wooden boat to confront that fear!

Section of capping cut out and removed.

Top of the winder mechanism. The bearing cap fits over the bronze shaft on the right.

The offending article.

 

Mechanism fixed and capping replaced. Note the three teak plugs around the entry point of the crank. Had to drill these and then through the copper bin in order to be able to screw up the fasteners for the bearing cap.