windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Twidget

Commander
Joined
Jun 16, 2004
Messages
2,192
I wouldnt do it. I scratched the plexi windshield on a center console I used to have by wiping spay off. A windshield wiper would beat it to death in a short time Im afraid.
 

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
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Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

I vote no. A wiper would render your 'shield' useless in short order.
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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windshield wiper on plexiglass?

My boat can be a wet ride at times.. Last weekend comes to mind..<br /><br />I have a rather high plexiglass (maybe lexan?, not sure) windshield on the console that really does a fine job of blocking the spray.. Problem is, when it's wet I cannot see ahead...<br /><br />I'm wondering if it would be harmfull to the plexiglass or lexan (whichever it may be?) to run an electric wiper on it? The windshield does scrach fairly easy.. :confused: <br /><br />Your thoughts? :)
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Looks like a wiper's not gonna fly... :( <br /><br />I thought about Rainx, but i am worried about that damaging the plexi too.. May try it though.. <br /><br />Let ya'll know the results of Rainx..<br /><br />Thanks for confirming my though of a wiper doing damage... :)
 

Dunaruna

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May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Rainex is great when its first applied but in my experience it can damage plexiglass after a period of time - I think there is even a warning on the bottle, not sure. There is another one on the market that is better but the name escapes me.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Trent

Captain
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Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Dont use rainex on plastic. It will cause it to craze.
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Took a look at the destructions on a bottle of Armorall Clearsight (same kinda deal as Rainx)...<br /><br /> "Do not use on plastic or painted surfaces"<br /><br />Wax... hummm... Never thought about wax... :)
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

I think a RainX type product would be great, but watch out for on-the-label warnings.<br /><br />Long before RainX was introduced, I used to wax my plexi with plain old Simonize wax. It didn't work as well as RainX, but it did bead the spray and let the wind blow it off.<br /><br />Good luck. :) <br /><br />Oh, by the way, I agree with all above about a wiper.
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Snapperbait,<br /><br />I keep my windshield waxed with Turtle Wax brand auto wax. Does a good job of beading the water and it is better than not waxing, but not as good as rainx does on glass.<br /><br />Mark
 

Buttanic

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 25, 2003
Messages
711
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Try waxing it with automobile wax. I do this on my motorcycle windshield and it helps the water roll off.
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

I also vote for auto wax. I use Meguires Gold Class, and it works very well on various clear plastics. I have never had to do my center console windshield though, becuse it never gets wet. I am a wus and stay in when raining, and never have any spray issues from the ride. An alternative would be to build a frame and install automotive style glass, then install a wiper. That may be more than you want to go through though. Maybe you could buy one of those realy expensive spinning insets that ships use, so you don't need wipers at all and can still see. Maybe I am on crack....
 

flashback

Captain
Joined
Jun 28, 2002
Messages
3,665
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

Hi Snapper, hey, would it be possible to replace that panel of plexi with a piece of tempered glass? if so, then the wiper would be the ticket.....lol
 

nevrdid

Recruit
Joined
Mar 30, 2003
Messages
3
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

For me it’s no contest, I need wipers.<br />When we must go to the mainland for whatever reason, I need to see the way. From our island cottage there’s markers and bottom growlers to navigate not to mention kids in kayaks caught in the storm, or endangered Trumpeter Swans in the traffic channel. Oh yeah, and Deer changing places!<br />My 1963 Star craft still has its’ original wiper and shield and only gets switched on at intervals when needed. Once a season it gets a polish of Meguires as others have mentioned, and is good as new again.<br />I wish I could rub some parts of me with Meguires and again look as new.<br />The point is, in a sudden downpour into the sun, --- I gotta see. No contest.<br />My boat may not look as good as some of the showboats at the Government wharf, but it gets us there and no blood on it. <br /><br />Nevrdun.
 

JohnnyRuuDe

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 3, 2008
Messages
35
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

For me it’s no contest, I need wipers.<br />When we must go to the mainland for whatever reason, I need to see the way. From our island cottage there’s markers and bottom growlers to navigate not to mention kids in kayaks caught in the storm, or endangered Trumpeter Swans in the traffic channel. Oh yeah, and Deer changing places!<br />My 1963 Star craft still has its’ original wiper and shield and only gets switched on at intervals when needed. Once a season it gets a polish of Meguires as others have mentioned, and is good as new again.<br />I wish I could rub some parts of me with Meguires and again look as new.<br />The point is, in a sudden downpour into the sun, --- I gotta see. No contest.<br />My boat may not look as good as some of the showboats at the Government wharf, but it gets us there and no blood on it.

Hey nevrdid...Are you saying that your starcraft came with wiper on it? I'm curious cause I wanna put a wiper on my 68 starcraft for emergencies.
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: windshield wiper on plexiglass?

i don't think i'd do a wiper on my plexiglass either...
as for a product to use. i just keep it clean with windex...

IMG_3333-1.jpg
this was boating in the rain. the original starboard plexiglass panel...

IMG_3336.jpg

this is a new plexiglass center panel this year....

i just don't think i'm gonna do much better with any product than the way it is now..
 
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