Posted by David Sherman on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 3:27AM :
In Reply to: Re: wiper motor posted by Paul (in NY) on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 5:20PM :
Maybe you're thinking of boat wipers for Sunday cruisers. I can assure you the wipers they put on the fishing boats that go up to the Gulf of Alaska are very strong, very expensive, and have to deal with so much snow and ice that sometimes the crew has to chop if off the rigging and superstructure with axes. Some of those boats they put 1/2" thick polycarbonate windows in the pilot house because the waves will likely smash anything weaker. If the waves hit hard enough to smash in ordinary pilot house windows, you can imagine what they'd do with ordinary windshield wipers.
If you want the best of anything, in terms of being strong, reliable, and rust-proof, go to an industrial marine supply store, one that outfits the work boats and fish boats, but be prepared to pay about 5 times what you thought it was going to cost. Even a single wiper blade will set you back $20-$25, but it'll be made of rubber that stays good in all weather, and it'll have a heavy stainless-steel backing.