Fluxgate compass;- where to site.

[Jassira]

1/2 way up mast

away from steel hull

Does it work ? My boat is steel and I will be fitting a Raymarine SPX30 this winter, my plan is to put the compass 20ft up the mast

 

[ianj99]

The recommended location is near the centre of rotation of the boat, not less than 1m from metallic components, dry, safe from knocks etc, etc etc.

Seems to rule out everywhere on my fit.

What have forum members got away with breaking the above rules?

Mine is on the mizzen mast 1.5m above the wheelhouse (100% steel boat), given that if its for an autopilot, then absolute accuracy isn't that important - its the short term change in heading that is.

 

[Natakye]

I too have an all steel boat - but she's a gaffer with wooden spars. Prior to routing out a channel to get the cable up to the cap, I am considering mounting the sensor on a shroud. Any thoughts chaps?

Bob c
Bristol.

 

[claymore]

Clearly I must be mistaken but I thought the optimum position was on the centreline of the vessel and as low as is practicable.
I had a vetus unit on Claymore and the fluxgate was on the wheelhouse roof. The performance was poor.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Clearly I must be mistaken but I thought the optimum position was on the centreline of the vessel and as low as is practicable.
I had a vetus unit on Claymore and the fluxgate was on the wheelhouse roof. The performance was poor.

You are correct - unless the boat is steel.

Then Raymarine recommend above decks. Obviously, there is a limit to what the auto-deviation correction can achieve.

 

[sailorman]

You are correct - unless the boat is steel.

Then Raymarine recommend above decks. Obviously, there is a limit to what the auto-deviation correction can achieve.

My Raytheon fluxgate is about 400 m/m off CL under the hanging locker sole & has worked there for 15 years quite happily