Let’s Talk About Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade
The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade promises to be a reliable solution for clear visibility on the water. Schmitt & Ongaro Marine are known for their durable marine components, and this kit aims to deliver exactly that: a complete, easy-to-install wiper system. This kit includes a black powder-coated aluminum cover, a stainless steel mounting plate, and an adjustable sweep, suggesting a focus on both durability and functionality.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m no stranger to driving rain and choppy seas. The old wiper motor on my small fishing boat finally gave up the ghost, leaving me peering through a smeared, blurry windshield during salmon season. I needed a replacement that could withstand constant use and the harsh marine environment, and after researching various options, the Schmitt & Ongaro Marine kit seemed to offer the best balance of quality, features, and price.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the components. The black powder coating on the aluminum motor housing looked tough and resistant to corrosion, while the stainless steel mounting plate and hardware exuded quality. The wiper arm and blade also felt substantial, not flimsy like some cheaper alternatives I’ve handled.
I considered a few other kits, including a similar model from a competing brand and a more expensive, two-speed motor. Ultimately, I chose the Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade because of its included arm and blade, the positive reviews regarding its reliability, and the fact that it seemed like a direct replacement for my old motor.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to get it installed and back on the water, but also slightly apprehensive about the installation process. The build quality definitely instilled confidence, but the real test would be how it performed under pressure.
Real-World Testing: Putting Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade on my 18-foot fiberglass fishing boat. I tested it during a coastal salmon fishing trip near Neah Bay, Washington, which is notorious for unpredictable weather. The conditions ranged from light drizzle to heavy rain and moderate swells.
The wiper performed admirably, providing clear visibility even in the heaviest downpours. The adjustable sweep proved useful, allowing me to fine-tune the coverage area based on the amount of spray and rain. Installation was straightforward, although connecting the wiring required some basic electrical knowledge.
Initially, the only minor issue was a slight squeak from the wiper arm as it moved across the windshield, but a dab of marine grease quickly resolved it. Otherwise, the first use was a complete success, and I felt much safer and more confident navigating the choppy waters with a clear view.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular use (approximately 20-25 fishing trips), the Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of wear and tear on the motor housing, arm, or blade, despite constant exposure to saltwater and UV radiation. Maintenance has been minimal, primarily consisting of rinsing the blade with fresh water after each trip to remove salt buildup.
Compared to my previous, lower-quality wiper motor, this Schmitt & Ongaro Marine kit is a significant improvement. The old motor struggled in heavy rain and often stalled or skipped across the windshield. This new motor is much smoother, more powerful, and provides a consistently clear view.
Breaking Down the Features of Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade
Specifications
- Motor Type: Standard duty marine wiper motor. It’s designed for smaller to medium-sized boat windshields.
- Voltage: 12 Volts. The voltage is the marine standard.
- Shaft Length: 1.5 inches. This shaft length should fit a range of window thicknesses.
- Arm Length: 14 inches. This is the ideal length for smaller boat windshields.
- Blade Length: 14 inches. 14″ offers ample coverage without over-extending on smaller windshields.
- Sweep Angle: Adjustable, 80 or 110 degrees. This allows you to optimize visibility based on your windshield size and shape.
- Housing Material: Black Powder Coated Aluminum. It resists corrosion in harsh marine environments.
- Mounting Hardware: 304 Stainless Steel. 304 Stainless Steel should resist the elements.
- Warranty: Guaranteed 3 Years. The 3 year warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence.
These specifications translate into a wiper motor that is durable, reliable, and suitable for a wide range of small to medium-sized boats. The adjustable sweep angle is particularly important because it allows you to customize the wiper’s coverage to fit your specific windshield dimensions, ensuring optimal visibility.
Performance & Functionality
The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade excels at its primary function: clearing rain and spray from the windshield, providing a clear and unobstructed view. It operates smoothly and quietly, without excessive vibration or noise. The motor is powerful enough to maintain a consistent wiping speed even in heavy rain and strong winds.
One area for potential improvement is the lack of a two-speed option. While the single speed is adequate for most conditions, having a slower speed for light drizzle would be beneficial. Overall, the wiper motor meets and exceeds my expectations, offering reliable performance and enhanced safety on the water.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, with a focus on durability and ease of installation. The black powder-coated aluminum housing is both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to corrosion. The stainless steel mounting plate and hardware are robust and provide a secure attachment to the boat’s frame.
The kit is relatively easy to install, especially if you are replacing an existing wiper motor. However, some basic mechanical and electrical knowledge is required. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the wiper once it is installed.
Durability & Maintenance
The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade appears to be built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction should withstand years of use in the harsh marine environment. As mentioned earlier, maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of rinsing the blade with fresh water to remove salt buildup.
The 3-year warranty provides additional peace of mind, indicating that the manufacturer stands behind the quality and durability of its product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes everything you need for a complete wiper system: motor, arm, blade, and mounting hardware. There are limited customization options available directly from Schmitt & Ongaro Marine, but the standard shaft size and mounting configuration should be compatible with aftermarket wiper arms and blades from other brands. For example, you could potentially upgrade to a heavier-duty blade for even better performance in extreme conditions.
Pros and Cons of Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade
Pros
- Reliable Performance: Provides clear visibility in heavy rain and spray.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials to withstand the marine environment.
- Easy Installation: Relatively straightforward installation process.
- Adjustable Sweep: Allows you to customize the coverage area.
- 3-Year Warranty: Provides peace of mind and reflects the manufacturer’s confidence.
Cons
- Lack of a two-speed option.
- Basic electrical knowledge is required for installation.
Who Should Buy Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade?
This wiper motor kit is perfect for boat owners looking for a reliable, durable, and easy-to-install replacement or upgrade for their existing wiper system. It’s particularly well-suited for owners of small to medium-sized fishing boats, pleasure crafts, and sailboats that operate in challenging weather conditions. Pro anglers will find the reliability and clear visibility invaluable.
This product might not be the best choice for owners of larger vessels requiring heavier-duty, multi-speed wiper systems. Someone without basic electrical skills might want to seek professional installation.
A tube of marine grease for lubricating the wiper arm pivot points is a must-have accessory to prevent squeaks and ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion on Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade
The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade is a solid and dependable product that delivers on its promises. The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the robust construction, and the reliable performance. It’s a significant upgrade over cheaper alternatives and provides a tangible improvement in safety and visibility on the water.
I would definitely recommend this wiper motor kit to anyone in need of a replacement or upgrade for their boat’s wiper system. If you value reliability, durability, and clear visibility, this kit is an excellent investment. Don’t let a blurry windshield compromise your safety and enjoyment on the water – invest in the Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 14″ Blade and see the difference for yourself!