Compass swinging?

[mrplastic]

Hi all,

My new southerly 110 is nearly ready for collection and I asked northshore if they would be calibrating in compass and providing a deviation card.

I was told that it would be better to allow the "magnetic signature of the boat to settle down for 6 months before carrying out this exercise".

Now, is that a load of $*%!!&* or am I being fed a line?

Personally I fail to see what there is to "settle down" surely the wiring, structure, metal bits will have an effect from day one and that effect will remain constant....or am I missing something?

As always, I appreciate any comments you may make.

Cheers

CLP

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

your stowage will make a difference... and it'll take you a while to work out where you are keeping everything.....

 

[Vara]

No that's rubbish, a deviation card should be done to show up any stowage or installation problems from the out set.

I do agree that checks should be done periodically and when any major changes are made to lay out and equipment.

I remember picking up a new Westerly which had deviation of>25deg, that was due to poor installation of instruments and needed sorting under warranty.

 

[philfin]

Hi,Regardless of what you do now, you should really have the compass swung, once you have the boat in normal sea gonig order, ie if you normally have an outboard motor mounted somewhere, a genny in a locker, GPS monitor etc etc.

Congrats on the new boat!