grand banks sliding window channels

GB32 sliding cabin windows have original SS tracks and are stuck closed. Thinking of replacing tracks with plastic, such as Beckson Single Channel. Anyone have a preference in tracks when rehabbing windows?

I've been using stainless track like the original. Available from Fisheriessupply.com

They are most likely stuck closed because of salt build up. Soak the lower tracks with warm water for a minute or two. I used a dawn dishwashing (squirt) bottle. All of ours, that had not opened in years, opened up. The forward windows are worse because of the salt spray.

Grupet, can you point to the unit on that url? There are many different window tracks...which one did you use? txs

Fisheries #76236, the Stanpro stainless model, matches the track on my 1979 GB. The site includes a dimensional drawing.

I offer my own solution used over the last 15 or so years.
Different boat but similar problems.
I had SS channel for tracks for my side windows sliders. If was ratty losing the felt which was bunching up interfering with the window movements.

My glass is laminated safety glass 1/4" thick.

I figured I could do better with UHMW plastic for the tracks. I tried one window and used the UHMW for the track. I cut it on my table saw so there were two tracks, one for each glass pane basically matching the SS track.

I cut tracks wide enough for easy glass movement back and forth. That left a strip of UHMW approx 1/8" wide in the middle to keep the glass panes separated.

I used a deburring scraper to remove the sharp edges, drilled mounting holes and countersunk them in the UHMW to match the existing holes in the wood trim and stop the screws from damaging the glass.

I learned quickly to remove the uppermost track FIRST so the glass could be tilted out for removal. The same for installation so the glass could be tilted in otherwise the glass must be held up into the upper track and the lower new track must be held into place while you argue with the lower glass edge..

It has worked well for many years now. I just got fed up with the SS tracks after a few replacements, their fuzzy liner and eventually the click and chipping from the screws which eventually became exposed.

It's not for everyone I realize but just a different way of doing the tracks. They do not collect salt spray in the felt so even though some are 10+ years old there is still no trouble with them.

The stainless tracks I've replaced are approaching 10 years and will need to be replaced again. I'll definitely try your UHMW poly approach.

The windows are stuck due to salt & other crud that has built up in the tracks. Short term you can get them open with some high pressure spraying to clear out the gunk. Regular town water hose pressure normally will suffice. Ultimately you will want to replace the track. It’s not a technically difficult job but it is tedious. Similar replacement track is available as mentioned in other posts. I owned a GB36 for 16 years and did both the short term & long term tasks successfully.

I forgot to mention that when mounting the new UHMW replacement tracks that for securing the new track I taped the old SS track securely atop the new UHMW track and used the old track as the pattern for the mounting holes.

I also ground, lightly, a drill bit to provide a countersinking of the new hole. Be carefull though as the drill bit may want to grab and pull itself in. THere are collars that can be bought to prevent that not only specifically for bits but for other shafts.

Then apply a good sealant to the screws and holes as you do not want water entering those holes.

I have started this tedious job and it is a PITA. I am also replacing the glass b/c it has become streaked and nothing takes it out. My goal is only to do the port & stb. windows in the main salon this off-season.
Someone suggested the Beckson channel mate so I ordered a couple of tracks just to see how I might use it. It is not the same width or height as my old SS tracks but close. The SS tracks had holes cut in the bottom for draining water. The felt allowed water to pass down to the tracks. The Beckson tracks supposedly stops the water by having a positive force against the window but I think some water is bound to find it's way? So maybe you have to cut holes in the Beckson also. Can you do this in that material? We'll see as I should receive the tracks this week.
One thought I have is to use the SS tracks on the top and sides and just the Beckson on the bottom. It's the bottom that wears out and gets stuck.
I'll be following this post.