Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade Review

Let’s Talk About Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade

There’s nothing quite like a clear view when you’re battling the elements out on the water. That’s why a reliable wiper system isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade promises to deliver exactly that, bringing clear visibility to your boating adventures.

My old wiper motor finally gave out during a particularly nasty squall offshore. Salt spray and heavy rain rendered the windscreen completely opaque, making navigation treacherous. I needed a robust, reliable replacement, and the guaranteed 3-year warranty of the Schmitt & Ongaro kit caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the components. The black powder-coated aluminum cover of the motor exuded a sense of durability. The stainless-steel shaft and mounting hardware further reinforced the impression of quality, making it feel like a significant upgrade from my previous setup.

Compared to some cheaper, all-plastic wiper motor kits I’d seen, the Schmitt & Ongaro felt significantly more substantial. I also considered a more expensive brand with a self-parking feature, but the price difference was hard to justify for my needs. Ultimately, the promise of longevity and straightforward functionality swayed me towards the Schmitt & Ongaro.

My initial reaction was one of relief and anticipation. I was relieved to find a product that seemed genuinely well-built. And I was anticipating the improved visibility it would offer on my next trip.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Schmitt & Ongaro wiper motor kit on my 22-foot center console before a weekend fishing trip to the Gulf. The forecast predicted scattered showers, providing an ideal testing ground. We encountered rain, wind-blown spray, and the inevitable buildup of salt residue on the windscreen.

The Schmitt & Ongaro performed admirably under those conditions. The 11″ blade cleared the water effectively, providing a noticeably clearer field of vision than my old wiper. The adjustable sweep (80 or 110 degrees) proved useful. It allowed me to tailor the coverage to the specific conditions, maximizing visibility without overworking the motor.

Installation was straightforward, though I did need to consult the online manual for wiring guidance. Once powered, the motor ran smoothly and quietly. The only initial hiccup was getting the arm properly aligned for optimal blade contact, requiring a bit of fine-tuning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of regular use, the Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade continues to perform well. It has faced everything from gentle coastal breezes to near-gale force winds and heavy downpours. There is still no sign of rust or corrosion on the stainless-steel components.

I have noticed a slight decrease in the blade’s effectiveness after prolonged exposure to the sun and salt. The blade itself will likely need replacing within the year. However, the motor continues to operate powerfully and consistently.

Maintenance has been minimal. I simply rinse the blade and arm with fresh water after each trip to remove salt buildup. I apply a light coat of marine-grade grease to the shaft mechanism every few months. This has proven sufficient to keep everything running smoothly.

Compared to my previous wiper motor, which failed after only two seasons, the Schmitt & Ongaro is a significant improvement in terms of durability and reliability. It gives me confidence knowing it will perform when I need it most.

Breaking Down the Features of Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade

Specifications

• The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit operates on 12 volts. This is a common voltage for marine applications, making it compatible with most boats.
• It features a black powder-coated aluminum cover. This provides excellent protection against corrosion and the harsh marine environment.
• The kit includes a 1.5″ shaft, a 14″ arm, and an 11″ blade. These are standard sizes suitable for many small to medium-sized boats.
• The motor has an adjustable sweep of 80 or 110 degrees. This allows customization for different windshield sizes and shapes.
• All mounting hardware and the shaft are constructed from 304 stainless steel. This ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to rust.
• Schmitt & Ongaro guarantees the product for 3 years. This provides peace of mind and demonstrates their confidence in the product’s quality.
• The motor is designed to power up to a 14″ arm and blade. It provides enough power for adequate cleaning in various conditions.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the wiper’s performance and longevity. The powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel provide crucial corrosion resistance. The adjustable sweep allows customization for optimal visibility. The 3-year warranty assures the buyer of quality.

Performance & Functionality

The Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit performs its primary job effectively: clearing the windshield for improved visibility. The motor provides ample power to move the arm and blade smoothly, even against strong winds and heavy rain.

The adjustable sweep is a standout feature. It allows you to optimize the wiper’s range to match your windshield size and shape. This ensures maximum clearing efficiency.

One area for improvement could be the blade itself. While adequate, a higher-quality, longer-lasting blade would further enhance the kit’s overall value. The motor has exceeded my expectations, delivering reliable performance in challenging conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The Schmitt & Ongaro boasts a clean and functional design. The black powder-coated finish gives it a professional look, blending seamlessly with most boat consoles.

The mounting plate is well-designed, making installation relatively straightforward. The components feel solid and well-constructed, inspiring confidence in their long-term durability. The motor runs quietly, which is a plus.

Durability & Maintenance

The use of stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum speaks volumes about the Schmitt & Ongaro’s intended lifespan. With proper care, this wiper motor kit should last for many years.

Maintenance is simple, primarily involving rinsing with fresh water and occasional lubrication. The robust construction suggests that repairs should be infrequent.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes complete with everything needed for installation, including the motor, arm, blade, and mounting hardware. While there aren’t many specific customization options, the Schmitt & Ongaro wiper arm is compatible with a variety of standard 11″ wiper blades from different brands.

Upgrading to a higher-quality blade is an easy way to further improve performance. The standard shaft size also allows for potential future upgrades to a longer arm, if desired. The ease of blade replacement is very convenient.

Pros and Cons of Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Standard Wiper Motor Kit w/1.5″ Shaft, 14″ Arm & 11″ Blade