marine wipers

Types of marine wipers

Marine wipers are an essential part of vessels. They help maintain visibility by clearing water droplets, spray, and other debris from the glass surfaces. There are different types of marine wipers, including:

• Wiper blades

  These are the most important parts of a marine wiper system. Wiper blades come in different types:

  • Conventional wiper blades

    They have a steel or plastic frame with several joints. Conventional wiper blades are widely used in smaller boats or vessels.

  • Beam wiper blades

    These marine wipers have a steel frame-less design. They are typically made of flexible rubber. The design of beam wiper blades makes them ideal for high-speed boats. This is because they have a low profile and do not lift off the glass surface when the wind is strong.

  • Hybrid wiper blades

    As the name suggests, hybrid wiper blades combine the beam and conventional marine wiper blade designs. They are suitable for commercial vessels. This is because hybrid wiper blades are effective at high speeds and in harsh weather conditions.

  • Flat wiper blades

    These marine wiper blades have a similar design to conventional wiper blades. However, they do not have any arm or adapter to connect the blade to the wiper motor. Flat wiper blades are suitable for small boats and recreational vessels.

  • Scraper wipers

    These are unique marine wipers. Instead of a rubber blade, they have a metal or plastic scraper. Scraper wipers are suitable for extreme weather conditions, such as when there is ice or thick snow.

• Wiper motors

  The wiper motor is another important component of marine wipers. It powers the wiper blades. Marine wiper motors are different from conventional wiper motors. They are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. Marine wiper motors also have higher torque. This ensures that the wiper blades have enough power to clear the glass surfaces, even in extreme weather conditions.

• Wiper arms

  These connect the wiper blades to the motor. The wiper arms are between the motor and the blades. They transmit the torque from the motor to the blades.

• Wiper control systems

  These are used to control the wiper motors. The wiper control systems allow users to adjust the speed of the wiper blades. Some marine wiper control systems have automatic settings. They detect the amount of water on the glass surface. Then, they move the wiper blades at an appropriate speed.

Specification & Maintenance of Marine Wipers

Marine wiper blades come in different specifications to cater to various vessel sizes and environmental conditions. Here are standard specifications to look out for:

• Wiper Size

  Marine wipers come in different sizes, ranging from 10 inches to 30 inches or more. The size of the wiper blade should match the size of the vessel and the area to be wiped.

• Wiper Type

  There are two common types of marine wiper blades, namely, flat blades and bracketless blades. Flat blades have brackets and attachments, while bracketless blades have a simple and modern design.

• Material

  Marine wipers are made of high-quality materials like stainless steel, plastic, and rubber. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and suitable for harsh marine environments. High-quality rubber is durable and offers good wiping performance.

• Wiper Motor

  The wiper motor is an essential component that drives the wiper blades. Marine wiper motors are designed to be powerful and durable to withstand the harsh marine environment. They come in different voltages, like 12V or 24V.

• Wiping Speed

  Some marine wiper motors have adjustable wiping speeds, including low, medium, and high-speed settings. This feature allows the wipers to adapt to different weather conditions and the degree of soiling.

• Wiper Control

  Marine wipers can be controlled manually or automatically. Manual controls include switches or levers, while automatic controls include rain sensors or programmable controllers.

• Corrosion Resistance

  Marine wipers and their components must be designed to resist corrosion caused by saltwater and harsh marine environments. Look for wipers with corrosion-resistant coatings or materials.

Maintaining marine wipers is crucial to ensure their optimal performance and longevity. Here are some standard marine wiper maintenance tips:

• Inspect the wiper blades regularly for signs of wear, damage, or tearing. Replace worn-out or damaged blades promptly to maintain effective wiping performance.
• Clean the wiper blades regularly to remove dirt, debris, and salt deposits. Use a soft cloth or brush and mild cleaning solutions. A clean blade offers better wiping performance and reduces wear on the glass.
• Check the wiper arms and attachments for tightness and secure fitting. Ensure that the wiper blades are correctly attached to the wiper arms to avoid malfunction.
• Inspect the wiper motor and control system regularly. Ensure that the motor runs smoothly and the control system works well. Address any issues promptly to ensure the wiper system's reliability.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for blade replacement intervals. Depending on usage and environmental conditions, the blades may need to be replaced every six months to a year.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to the wiper motor and other moving parts periodically. This helps reduce friction, wear and tear, and ensures smooth operation.
• Store spare wiper blades and components in a clean, dry place protected from sunlight and moisture. Proper storage helps maintain their quality until needed.

How to Choose Marine Wipers

When choosing marine wipers, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the correct and effective operation of these essential visibility maintenance tools.

• Wiper Blade Size and Type

  It's important to consider the marine environment and vessel size when selecting the right size and type of wiper blades. Larger vessels, such as cargo ships and cruise ships, require longer blades to cover extensive and tall windscreen areas. In contrast, smaller boats and yachts need shorter blades since their windscreens are smaller. Choosing the correct size is vital, as insufficiently sized blades can leave uncleaned areas (known as "blind spots") or damage the windscreen by scraping it with oversized blades.

• Wiper Motors

  Wiper motors are responsible for driving the wiper blades and determining their speed and strength. When selecting wiper motors, one must consider the size and weight of the vessel, the windscreen's slope and height, and the environmental conditions (e.g., wind and water spray). For larger vessels operating in rough weather, more powerful motors with higher speeds and dual or triple wiper systems are necessary to ensure the blades can cope with the force and cover the entire windscreen area. In contrast, smaller boats and yachts can use less powerful motors and single or double wiper systems.

• Material and Corrosion Resistance

  Due to its proximity to saltwater and harsh weather conditions, marine wipers must be composed of corrosion-resistant materials. Stainless steel, for example, is a popular choice for wiper blades and motors because of its durability and resistance to rust. Furthermore, the wiper blade rubbers must be made of high-quality materials to endure the abrasive marine environment. Natural rubber and synthetic rubber (e.g., EPDM) are two popular choices for wiper blade rubbers.

• Wiper Systems

  Consideration must be given to the type of wiper system that best meets the vessel's size and requirements. Wiper systems on vessels can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, with each system having its advantages and disadvantages. Electric wiper systems are the most common on small boats and yachts because of their low cost and ease of maintenance. In contrast, larger vessels with more complex and powerful wiper systems, such as hydraulic or pneumatic systems, are suitable.

• Speed and Control

  The speed and control of the wiper blades are also essential factors to consider. Variable-speed wiper motors allow adjustment of the blade speed according to the weather conditions and the users' needs. For wiper systems with multiple speeds, intermittent or dual-speed operation is more convenient and energy-efficient.

• Installation, Maintenance, and Service

  Finally, installation and maintenance requirements must be considered. Some marine wipers are easier to install and maintain than others, which can save time and cost. Furthermore, it is essential to select reliable suppliers who can provide quality products and excellent after-sales service.

How to DIY and replace marine wipers

There are several steps to follow when replacing boat windshield wipers. They include:

• Removal of the old wipers

  When replacing the marine windscreen wiper, start by removing the arm covers. Then, the nuts holding the wiper arms to the motors should be removed. The old wiper blades should be removed from the arms by pushing the retaining clips.

• Preparing the new wipers

  Before installing new wiper blades for boats, it's essential to check that the wiper motors' rotational direction matches the desired sweep direction. If they don't match, the motor's wiring should be reversed. The new blades should be prepared to match the old ones in size and type.

• Installing the new wipers

  Once the old wipers have been removed and the new ones prepared, the new blades should be attached to the wiper arms. The wiper arms should be installed onto the motors, and the nuts should be tightened securely. Additionally, the arm covers should be put back on, completing the installation.

Q&A

Q1: What are marine wipers made of?

A1: Marine wipers are made of materials that resist corrosion, such as stainless steel, bronze, or certain high-performance plastics. The wiper blades are often made of natural rubber or synthetic materials like polyurethane, chosen for their durability and ability to provide a clean wipe.

Q2: Can the marine wipers be used on land?

A2: Yes, marine wipers can be used on land. They are designed to meet the requirements of a marine environment, which is often more challenging than that of a land environment. Therefore, their performance on land applications should meet or exceed the standard performance and durability requirements.

Q3: What is the difference between a wiper and a marine wiper?

A wiper and a marine wiper are essentially the same in function; both are designed to wipe water or debris off a surface to provide a clear view. However, a marine wiper is specifically designed for use on boats and ships, built to withstand harsh marine environments, including high humidity, saltwater exposure, and varying wind speeds. Marine wipers are typically more robust and corrosion-resistant compared to regular wipers.

Q4: What are the different types of marine wipers?

A4: There are several types of marine wipers, including:

• Conventional wipers: These are the most common types, using a pivot system to move the blade back and forth across the glass.
• Frame-less wipers: These have no external frame, allowing for a more uniform wipe and reducing the chance of ice or snow accumulation.
• Hybrid wipers: These combine conventional and frame-less designs, aiming to provide the advantages of both types.
• Electric wipers: These wipers are powered by electric motors, offering adjustable speed and potentially variable intermittent settings.
• Pneumatic wipers: These wipers are powered by compressed air, suitable for applications where electrical systems may be unreliable or unsafe.