AH, SALT SPRAY!

Q: Dear Boat Doctor, I’d like to add a windshield wiper to my boat’s windshield. It is a Grady-White dual console, and I’d like a wiper on the portside windshield. There already is a wiper in front of the wheel. How difficult is this? Can I do it myself?

Gary Brooker Fernandina Beach, Florida

A: Installing a windshield wiper is not that difficult of a DIY task. You’ll need to be comfortable with drilling some holes, running and connecting some wiring, and mechanically installing the wiper motor. Pay special attention to the following factors: location of the wiper motor; size of the windshield; size of the blade and arm to be used; and the sweep of the wiper motor. Sort out all these variables before drilling a hole. You have an advantage in that you already have a wiper installed on what is probably the same-size windshield. So, in theory, you should be able to mirror that installation for your second wiper. Still, keep in mind the parameters above when buying the components.