I installed the Sea Dog “Synronized Motor Controller,” which appears to be identical to a unit branded under Schmitt and Ongaro’s name. Here’s a link to the Sea Dog info about it:
https://sea-dog.com/sc/RawData/Sea-Dog/TechSheets/266
And here’s a link to a source for the Schmitt and Ongaro:
https://www.hodgesmarine.com/ong32010-ongaro-synchronized-wiper-control-system-wswitc.html. The Sea Dog unit was a bit less expensive through Fisheries Supply, but they are out of stock on it at present. Hodges has good stock on the Ongaro.
The unit will control up to three wipers. The master switch fits into the rocker switch panel at the helm (I removed the wiper switch for one of the four and replaced it with the Sea Dog master switch). I set mine up to operate two of the four wipers on our R31. I use the wipers a lot during the Christmas boat parade season here in Oregon (yes, it’s true, it rains a lot here). In general, it seems that rain tends to hit either the starboard windows or the port windows, and only rarely hits them all equally. I added two auxiliary switches on the passenger side to let the passenger control the port wipers as needed (I can still control them as well from the helm, but my visibility is mainly through the two starboard windows).
It takes a bit of learning to figure out the pattern, but basically the switch will operate 1-3 wipers (depending on how many you connect) intermittently, or slow, or fast. You can also operate one primary wiper separately from the others. Here’s how it works in practice, given how I’ve got it wired: I can operate both starboard side windows intermittently. Or on fast. Or on slow. Or, I can operate just the starboard-most window (the one just next to the helm door on our R31). Like I said, I had to experience a bit with long presses versus quick ones, and toggling up and toggling down, to work through the options. But once I got the hang of it, it became intuitive enough.
I’ve been happy with the unit. It has a VERY bright red light on the switch, which is helpful for my nighttime boating in December. I tend to disconnect it at other times because it is a bit of an eyesore if I don’t need to be able to quickly spot the switch in the darkness.
Hope that adds another option that might be of interest to some.
Gini
