Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades?

Pat Anderson

New member
OK, one of the wiper blades on Daydream is toast...we have the pantagraphic style wiper arms. Where to start? What do we need to know to buy the right ones? Where do we go to get what we need?
 
Pat, I think my TC255 has the same arms/motors as the CD-25. I got replacement blades from WM, bought the 11" first, didn't measure before I went. Too short.

The 14" ones are about right. Easy installation, snaps in/out. DON'T USE A HAMMER! :roll:

Charlie
 
matt_unique":xmzvzlz9 said:
If they are the same as the Tomcat, they pop in and out easy. I believe I too have the 11" arms and they are too short.

I think you mean Blades, not Arms.... If you have 11" arms, you'll never reach your bilge pumps!! :lol: :lol:

Charlie
 
Captains Cat":2141j9c9 said:
matt_unique":2141j9c9 said:
If they are the same as the Tomcat, they pop in and out easy. I believe I too have the 11" arms and they are too short.

I think you mean Blades, not Arms.... If you have 11" arms, you'll never reach your bilge pumps!! :lol: :lol:

Charlie

Ha ha - yes I meant the 11" wiper blades.
 
Pat,

Believe it or not my comment was 1/2 way serious. There is a recorded case on the Panbo blog where the guy let the wiper arm (sans blade) snap back onto the window which promptly shattered.

Apart from that... you won't need the Sawzall either :lol:

Merv
 
I just did the wiper arm "snap back" trick yesterday whilst screwing around with my wipers. The 1st thing that went through my pea brain was...........where the h-ll am I going to get a new windshield for an out of production boat???
I was trying to, and eventually successful, remove the arm from the wiper mechanism. It is removable on mine and I believe there are longer/shorter ones available somewhere.
Going to Anchorage this week and will check at West Marine there.
A wadded up rag or towel under the arm should provide protection to the window.
 
Are the wiper blade refills for the boat somehow different from wiper blade refills for a car?

Not that I know how to change them on a car either.I Googled "how to change wiper blades" and got 2,000 hits, mostly videos. The system for wiper blades probably hasn't changed in 100 years and is devilishly complicated. I know some of you who were born with a wrench in your hand won't understand that but this is my life.

This falls in the category (which would be a great new thread):

They can put a man on the moon but they can't:

- make wiper blades that are easy to change
- make a light bulb that doesn't break off in the socket when it is burned out
 
Pat, take my word for it, it's easy...Even for you.

The problem with auto blades is that there are several kinds of arms and the blades have to fit the end of the arm. The ones I got at WM were the right kind, I'll post a link in a minute.

on edit: Pat, here's the LINK

I bought the first one on the list WM # 9353772, the 14" blade. Got the 11" one first and it was too short.

Charlie
 
If it makes you feel any better, I am normally happy with completely dismantling anything mechanical or electrical but the wipers on my "new and improved style" Chevvy truck defeated even the local auto parts store.

They are right up there together with "standardized" plumbing fittings.
(from China)

Merv
 
Mine´s a 2006 but I did find the right replacement in the WM catalogue - I even called the wiper maker before ordering to be sure they were right. I am not at home or even close to home now, but will be by monday and if you respond to my email and want it, I will get the exact info for you. It may be that between 2003 and 2006 they changed models or makers though.

JW (from San Salvador)
jwwitch@comcast.net
 
We have the 06 venture (cape cruiser) with panabolic wipers arch swing How do we keep the wipers to stAY IN contact with the windows? It looks like one must take the extra arm off and replace the spring then put it back together Has anyone done this If you have please explain maybe pictures Thanks
 
Here is the scoop on windshield wiper blades. I have a 2008 CD-25 and they installed the Heavy Duty Wiper Motors model AFI-1.5 made by Marinco. My units take the 11.5 wiper blades.

I work part time for West Marine and in the current 2009 catalog on page 427 are all of the parts and info about Marinco wipers. The current sku for the 11.5 (11) inch blade is 250530. The current sku for the 14 inch blade is 250548 (old sku was 9353772). Sku is for Stock Keeping Unit.

Wipers_001.thumb.jpg

Changing wiper blades is not Rocket Science. Snap the old ones out and snap the new ones in. If you buy them from West Marine a friendly associate will go out to your boat and change them for you if you will bring your CD to the store. If you order them from West Marine (westmarine.com), take the new wiper blades to your auto parts store that you do business with and ask them for help, they may help you.
 
dmason wrote:


"Changing wiper blades is not Rocket Science. "

But they keep changing the interlock systems on some blades and arms (for reasons I can only imagine), and some of the interlocks have very difficult to release, somewhat obtuse or even hidden mechanisms.

And leaning over your boat or car's windshield is not like doing sit-down workbench projects. Or try it on the pounding boat deck in the rain, lightening, hail, etc.

And the sharp edges can cut your fingers pretty easily, etc., etc.

OK, end of B____ Session! Sorry!

Joe. :lol: :thup
 
What I noticed when I replaced my blade is the way it sets against the glass I can tell it will not last long. I will go ahead and buy a few blades next trip to WM. I thought it had been damaged from towing because it doesn't get much use.
 
Damason............

The West Marine you work in may have folks that will go out to your boat and help you put on wipers. The WM in Anchorage has folks that will not even go down the aisle to help you find what you need. When I asked for help I was told..."all the wiper stuff is down that aisle". I brought my old arm/wiper in so I could get a good match. So I went down that aisle and proceeded to open every single plastic box that blades/arms come in looking for what I needed. I took what looked close and left all of the other wiper stuff and open boxes laying on the floor and shelf nearby.
I am sure they will help next time. If they treat all of their customers like that I would expect a liquidation sale soon like Boaters World.
What ever happened to customer service?? All one gets is some pimply faced snot nose kid listening to tunes or BS'ing with the other help. When they do try they don't know anything about t he products they sell. Maybe this or maybe that or I don't know is the answers.
I am glad I am not a retailer.
 
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