Compass purchase

T-Bone · 06-13-2003, 06:43 PM

The last navigational tool we need for our boat is a compass. Any suggestions or recommendations on a particular brand, size, etc? Gotta get one quick so maybe we can find a halibut or two next weekend. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Aqua-Holic · 06-13-2003, 06:47 PM

West Marine has Richie.......I was told a good generic name......and does size matter?

ANDYCOHO · 06-13-2003, 06:56 PM

My Richie compass just sprung a leak :depressed: , so I'm interested too if someone has a good recommendation. Minn Kota seems to be fair priced, anyone have any experience?

crabbait · 06-14-2003, 09:22 AM

I am also shopping for a compass. I see tremendous variation in prices for different models by the same manufacturer. Some of this must be due to the various ways you can read these compasses (some just from the front, some from the top or the front). I suspect the other cost varriance is due to either modifications to ensure accuracy or adjustability.

More research and I will meet you back here.

T-Bone · 06-14-2003, 09:50 AM

I agree. So many to choose from and it's hard to tell what the the pros and cons are for each one. I'll keep doing my research too.

Sensei-san · 06-14-2003, 07:18 PM

If this is your first foray into compasses, as the other post on compasses presents, compasses and compass lore is as old as Vikings. (I think Pilar is a reincarnated Thor.)

One thing that the posters rarely cover is the difference between a flat card and front reading compass. A lot of small boat compasses are front reading style. I don't know where this got started but it causes a lot of confusion for us nautical types.

A front reading compass has the heading numbers in the front of the compass. The numbers rotate the opposite of the direction that the compass is swinging. You won't find a front reading compass on an aircraft carrier.

A flat card compass has the heading numbers on a flat card and the card rotates according to the direction that the ship is headed.

Aquameter, Ritchie and Plastimo make excellent compasses. Personally I like the Ritchie Supersport series. A bit more money but worth it.

But as the other post points out, learning compass lore from professionals is a must. Such things as TVMDC doesn't make much sense as (TV Makes Dull Children) unless you understand what the acronym stands for. And it can get you home from anywhere. The first thing I learned in my navigation class was to always trust my compass.

Good luck...

crabbait · 06-14-2003, 08:28 PM

Turn right - numbers get bigger (until you pass the big N)

Turn left - numbers get smaller (there's that N again!)

How do you know you are talking to a radar operator? He always thinks N is straight up!

[ 06-14-2003, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

crabbait · 06-14-2003, 09:28 PM

After considerable googling and general sniffing around, I believe I will go with the Ritchie Helmsman flush mount direct read. Dial is 3 3/4" and the numbers are large and easy to read. Online for $99.95 and free shipping.

The other unit I am considering is the Ritchie Super Sport. Very similar to the Helmsman only the dial a cool blue color. It list for about $20 more.

[ 06-14-2003, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

T-Bone · 06-14-2003, 10:06 PM

Thanks Sensei-san. I'm thinking that TVMDC must mean true, variation, magnetic, deviation and compass, right? Also seem to remember that you take those readings and add left to right for W errors. We've been trying to sign-up for a coastal navigation class but there's rarely the minimum 8 people here in the valley for them to hold a class. Did you spend much time on an aircraft carrier? My father was a tailhooker (USN). Too bad he's not still alive as he'd be a great teacher.

Crabbait - I think the Ritchie line looks pretty good myself. My hubby's a lot better with compasses than I am and since he's usually driving the boat that's good news but I want to know what I'm doing also. I know there'll be a time that we'll have to use it ... I do the leg work and he does the driving :smile:

Pilar · 06-14-2003, 11:23 PM

I have a Ritchie F-50. It's a flush mount for the top of the dashboard. Lighted and easy to read from the top or the face.

Almost 5 years now and no complaints.

[ 06-14-2003, 12:26 PM: Message edited by: Pilar ]