Windshield wiper Kits

[rsn48]

So the three brands I have noticed are Ongaro, Marinco, and Seadog. Any preferences and options. I'm not sure I want the windshield washer option, I think I'd go through a tank very quickly of fluid. Looking at these brands in catalogs and on the net, its hard to tell quality from not, any opinions? I tore out my old system, whatever it was, and now literally have two empty holes where the units used to be.

 

[rslifkin]

I put in a set of Roca wipers over the winter. The W12 motors and their matching pantograph wiper arms. They've only seen a little use so far, but they seem very solid. Price was comparable to the Ongaro stuff.

 

[C lectric]

The three you mentioned appear to be take offs of the older and almost gone American Bosch WWF wiper which , at least to me were good units. I have one nearly 30 yr and the other two 20-25 yr.

I'll guess that in reality they are made by the same co. and sent out for resale to various distributors. Oddly two are called MRV for different folk.

Sorry, but I can't comment on quality now as mine are still going.


A.B. became United Technologies United Technologies WWF Windshield Wiper Motor Manual Park
but appear to offer far fewer options now.

 

[rsn48]

American Bosch WWF wiper which , at least to me were good units. I have one nearly 30 yr and the other two 20-25 yr.

I never paid attention to what was on the boat, but they were 50 years old.

 

[tiltrider1]

I recommend you contact AM Equipment out of Oregon. They are the wiper specialist and can make sure you get properly matched equipment for your boat. They are also very reasonable price wise.

 

[ScottC]

I've had a Roca/Pantograph for many years and it's been totally reliable. I've had some bad luck with "brand x" wiper blade replacements, however. The plastic "clip" that holds the wiper to the wiper arm seems to be a weak point and can break and put you at risk for scratched glass, if you don't happen to catch the failure the moment it happens. I've not had this problem with Roca brand replacements, however -- even though their clip is plastic too. I'm always on the lookout for wiper blade replacements that have a metal clip instead of plastic. They used to exist, but I haven't been able to find them in recent years.

 

[rslifkin]

As a cheaters trick on the Roca pantograph arms, if you look closely at the ends, you'll notice that you can flip the wiper attachment backwards so that the wiper attaches above the pivot points, rather than below. If you don't have the arms fully extended and you have wide windows, do that and then extend the arms further. You'll get a wider sweep with less motor angle, which means less vertical travel at the ends (which may allow a larger blade).

The ability to use that trick is what pushed me to the Roca arms over the others.

 

[Ventana]

I recommend you contact AM Equipment out of Oregon. They are the wiper specialist and can make sure you get properly matched equipment for your boat. They are also very reasonable price wise.

I’ve installed over 100 of the AM units, on commercial boats operating in SE Alaska. Obviously these get a lot of use. They have good products and good customer service, definitely worth contacting.