Wiper Motor

A wiper motor is the electric or hydraulic drive unit that powers a vessel’s windscreen wiper system. Fitted on wheelhouses, pilothouses, flybridges, and enclosed helms, it moves the wiper arm and blade across glass to clear rain, spray, salt, and condensation so the watchkeeper can maintain visibility.

Reliable wiper motors are a safety-critical detail in heavy Rain, breaking seas, or poor visibility caused by Fog. Failure can obscure marks, traffic, floating debris, or the approach to a berth, especially when navigating from the Helm. Marine units should be corrosion-resistant, properly sealed, correctly fused, and matched to the sweep angle and blade load.

Before a passage, check motor operation, park position, wiring, and the condition of the linked Wiper Arm. PredictWind rain, wind, and wave forecasts help identify when visibility and spray are likely to be challenging, giving skippers time to service wipers before departure.