compass

[Guest]

I have a SILVA Type 105 binnacle compass on my Countess 33. The boat is mid-80's vintage and the compass looks like an original fitment. I would like to have the compass overhauled as it has quite a large error. The chap I spoke to at Silva did not recognise the model, so he could not help. Does anyone know who could do the job reliably and at a reasonable price?

 

[Guest]

Look in the phone book for a compass adjuster. Kelvin Hughes might be able to help.

 

[LadyInBed]

Welcome

Nice to see another Countess 33 owner join the site.

 

[cleo]

You'll need someone who knows about these things to determine for you whether the problem lies in the compass, or - as any Dayskipper now knows - whether some berk has 'installed' a gross deviating influence. ( Anything from a new big engine alternator, via cockpit speakers and/or a nearby radar, to the highly-magnetic wrist bands many wear to thwart arthritis....... )

Sure, a licensed compass adjuster will work this out P.D.Q. - and your local sailing school will know the whereabouts of a helpful local DTI-certificated fellow - but if you inquire appropriately in your local yacht club, you'll almost certainly be pointed to an ex-RAF navigator member who knows exactly what to do and how to do it ( having done it for a living on Her Majesty's aircraft for decades ), and who will probably charge you only a couple of beers and an afternoon's sail with you!

Failing which, the folk at Falmouth who sell all sorts of nautical instruments are probably now the most reliable in the country.

bilbo