Windshield Wipers

Marine Windshield Wipers for Boats - Resources & Information

PartsVu offers a complete selection of Windshield Wipers and Windshield Wiper Accessories from leading boating product suppliers to help you boat with peace of mind. Choose from a variety of wiper arms, windshield wiper kits, windshield wiper motors, hardware, and everything else you need to keep your windshields operating in top condition on the water. 

Need help servicing your outboard engine? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines. Browse our outboard maintenance blog for a wide range of relevant topics and see the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence. 

Windshield Wipers FAQ

What should I know about Windshield Wipers?

Here’s some info you need to know about Windshield Wipers:

• If you notice that your windshield isn’t as clean as it could be, it may be time for a wipers motor replacement. When the windshield wiper motor fails, you’ll begin to notice erratic movements (stopping and starting), limited movements (especially against heavy winds), and complete failure. In these scenarios, the motor for windshield wiper is usually the culprit.
• Not all windshield wipers for boats fit every design. Choose the right type of windshield wipers, including design (ie. pendulum windshield versus pantograph windshields), length, orientation, wiper blade material.
• There are a variety of types of windshield wiper connectors depending on the style of window. It’s important to match the right windshield wiper attachment from the arm to the blade. Very often, this is either a hook or spindle with a locking mechanism, but you’ll want to be be sure that it is secure. 
• If you start noticing windshield blade is leaving streaks, chances are that the rubber that makes contact with the glass is failing. Typically, heavy usage breaks down the rubber, but UV rays and prolonged sun exposure are also responsible for the material wearing down. Therefore, considering covering your boat or parking it in a shady area between usage. 
• Due to leverage, you’ll need more powerful windshield wiper motors to accommodate wiper blade arms. Vice versa, small windshield wiper arms with powerful motors may cause breakage and erratic operation. Therefore, talk to your boat mechanic and parts dealer to find a good match for your usage. 
• Before and after taking your boat on the water, be sure to wipe down windows with a microfiber rag to remove any debris that accumulated during trailering.
• Using water repellent products like Rain-X on your windshield and periodically cleaning your windshield with washer fluid during operation (if equipped) are great ways to preserve your windshield wipers. Insects, sand, tree sap, and other debris can harden on windows, creating a rough service that wears down wiper blades significantly. 

How much do windshield wipers cost? 

Typically, windshield wipers cost anywhere between $15 to $50. However, you should know that you’ll be replacing two or more wiper blades for consistent wear and usage, so that cost tends to be double unless you buy a matching set. 

How long do boat windshield wipers last?

On average, windshield wiper blades typically last anywhere from six months to a year. For this reason, it’s important to replace wiper blades at the start of every season or after long-term storage. 

Learn more about proper storage and winterization with several how-to blogs from PartsVu:

• Winterizing Mercury Outboard Motor—Mercury Marine Essential Maintenance
• Winterizing Outboard Motor—Yamaha Essential Maintenance
• Boat Winterization in South Texas?
• How to Winterize a MerCruiser Sterndrive

Where can I get my windshield wiper motor fixed?

In all honesty, fixing your windshield wiper motor is a relatively simple repair. With most marine mechanics charging anywhere between $80 to $150/hr for labor, it pays to learn how to do it yourself. 

That being said, taking your boat to a marine mechanic for a replacement is the most obvious choice for repairs. You may also be able to pay your dealership to repair the winshield wiper if its part of their winterization service or covered by a warranty. 

How do I perform a 100-hour service on my outboard engine?

To ensure proper engine function, it’s always best to service your outboard engine every 100 hours after the initial break-in period (first 10 hours) and after the first maintenance interval (at 20 hours). 

As an example, the following is a Suzuki outboard 100-hour service checklist to help you service your engine properly. Refer to your owner’s manual for your particular engine make and model for an exact list of 100-hour maintenance tasks:

What outboard engine tools should I have onboard?

Even if you don’t do your own maintenance, all boaters need some basic boat tools in their marine tool kits to help them out of a jam. Of course, if you plan to do your own maintenance or a portion of your own maintenance, you’ll need to be a bit better equipped.

So which boat tools should you have onboard? The following are our recommendations and the reasons behind them. Of course, the tools you should have onboard are significantly dictated by the type of boating you do. As a practical matter, a near-shore, freshwater boater needs fewer tools than an off-shore boater. While a problem close to the shore can be an annoyance, a problem off-shore might be a whole different matter.

• Fuel filter wrench—good idea to have on board if you get enough water or debris in your fuel system that a fuel filter change becomes necessary.
• Adjustable band filter wrench—you may need to change your fuel/water separating filter if you have water in your system or if you got some bad gas at the marina. US marinas nearly always sell high-quality filtered gasoline, but marinas in the Bahamas are notorious for selling contaminated gasoline.
• Prop nut wrench—carrying this wrench only makes sense if you carry a spare prop. Many boaters carry a spare inexpensive aluminum prop in case they spin a hub or bend a blade so severely that it wobbles.
• Deck fill key/deck plate key/spanner wrench—these universal tools are designed to open all types and sizes of deck fill lids and shackles. Many of these tools also include bonus tools like bottle openers. Perfect for a cold one after fishing.
• Toolkit—if you have room on your boat, all-purpose toolkits can come in handy. 
• Pliers—channel lock, standard, and needle nose
• Leatherman–a very helpful all-purpose tool.
• Rigging knife
• Serrated knife—for cutting rope, your all-purpose tool might include a serrated blade.
• Flashlight
• Emergency plug set—in case a leak manifests while you are out on the water.
• Battery booster pack
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Zip ties—because we all know that you can fix almost everything with zip ties and duct tape.
• Duct tape

How can I protect my windshield?

To extend the lifespan of your windshield and windshield parts with a layer of protection, use products like Yamalube Spray Polish & Instant Detailer. This quick detailer will restore a lustrous shine to paint, chrome, glass, and smooth plastics like visors, engine cowlings, windshields, and gauges. Gives textured plastics, rubber, and vinyl a beautiful satin finish. Anti-static properties repel dust and dirt to keep a long-lasting, ship-shape shine.