Grady 232 2016 wiper blades and compass

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fshnfool

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Anyone know the replacement parts for wipers on my Gulf Stream? I also need to replace my compass as the water inside has begun to evaporate. Tried to just add water but the compass does not allow that so I need to replace the full unit.
 
Most compasses can be filled, do a search in google and you you will find many articles and videos.
Do not use water, it's a kimnd of oil or special compass liquid!
However, sometimes it's the best/easiest to buy a new one.
Chris
 
Repairing a compass is a loosing proposition. They leak the mineral oil they are filled with because of bad seals or cracked plastic. Probably a Ritchie. Search online. Make sure you know your cutout size and buy adapter ring if needed.

NAPA has old truck style and automotive style. I just replied to someone about this. Search GG hookup1 wiper and you will hind it.
 
Yes... NOT water! :)

If it's a nicer compass ($$) check with Ritchie. They used to have a rebuild service - I have no idea if they still do. If they do, it will come back to you like new.
 
Last edited:
Only fixing high end models. Check your model.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Ritchie Navigation is no longer offering our factory refurbishment program on Helmsman, Voyager, Explorer, or Sport series compasses.
 
Thanks for the updates. I knew it wasn’t water and even bought the mineral oil only to find it couldn’t be added when I pulled the unit out. Wish I pulled it off the boat before I put it away for the winter.
 
fshnfool said:
Thanks for the updates. I knew it wasn’t water and even bought the mineral oil only to find it couldn’t be added when I pulled the unit out. Wish I pulled it off the boat before I put it away for the winter.
Click to expand...
Probably a Helmsman. I replaced mine in 2022. West Marine - $199.99. Readily available in the Spring. Just check base size and if you need an adapter - I think I did.

I rebuilt a Ritchie years ago for another boat. Talked to Ritchie and ordered the kit with special fluid. After a lot of repair work it still kept leaking. Wasn't worth the trouble. Ritchie said repair is tricky. You have to find and fix where it leaked from.
 
I am fortunate to live near the Ritchie facility. Super nice people and very responsive. 4 years ago, I replaced the capsule on my compass. I forget the model, not a huge one, 4" or so. Anyway, this spring, my capsule was leaking and slowly losing fluid. I checked with them to buy a replacement which is about $80, so not atrocious cost. When their rep on the phone went to confirm what I needed she found my old order and told me that is under warranty so I got a no cost replacement. Stopped in the shop and a very pleasant young lady brought the item out to me. Easy and quick. Good example of how customer service should work. The replacement is a few screws. If you get to that approach,, be sure to get a new gasket if there is on involved on your compass. The fluid is some sort of light oil that evaporates when it leaks out and is such that it won't freeze outside all winter.
 
Oh yeah, regarding wipers. I want to change mine to the heavy duty truck style, but not quite sure how to get the old arms off. There appears to be a very small set screw and plenty of corrosion. I am thinking the only way might be to take a cut off wheel and do not get into the shaft? Anyone have any thoughts on removal of the old arms off the hubs? (2013 Seafarer)
 
If I remember correctly my old wiper arms mount to a splined shaft. There was a small Allen setscrew to keep it in place. If PB Blaster won't get it loose you can drill it out.

I solved my wiper problems permanently - I removed them completely.
 
Looking at what I got, I think I am way past any penetrating lube. Pretty well corroded. I am wondering if I were to drill out the set screw, can you get the well corroded hub of the arm off the spline? I do need the wipers because about every 5 or 6 trips we get some wave conditions with good splashes up onto the windscreen (canvas enclosed helm area). Are all the splines more or less? the same? I think unless there is some oddball installation they are all standard size of whatever it is.
 
More than likely, although not guaranteed, the motor spline is OK. The wiper arm hub is usually the culprit in cases like this. If it's past soaking/etc... just cut it like you were thinking. Once you get 90% of the way through, you can likely split it with a large screwdriver.
 
Sardinia306Canyon said:
Most compasses can be filled, do a search in google and you you will find many articles and videos.
Do not use water, it's a kimnd of oil or special compass liquid!
However, sometimes it's the best/easiest to buy a new one.
Chris
Click to expand...
You have to check what fluid is recommended for a specific model. For one compass that was about 2000 vintage, the correct fluid was odorless mineral spirits. The fluid worked great but as mentioned, it is a losing proposition. The refill lasted for two seasons before a bubble started to appear. In addition, filling it was not a simple task to not have a small air bubble. Some models are not worth the effort and temporary fix.
 
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I had a Ritchie on my 282 that leaked a bit. They replaced it with a new unit. Corporate office is in Pembroke, MA.
 
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