New compass - what to consider?

[CharlesM]

Hello All

I am off to the Caribbean soon and... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I have a boat that has minimal equipment, so will be needing to get loads of new kit. One piece of kit I need to get is the ships compass.

Could anyone give me pointers to waht I need to keep in mind when I purchase the compass. The boat is for a circumnavigation if that helps.

Cheers
Charles

 

[jjj]

I guess one that points north would Help!

 

[bruce]

southern hem sailing requires a southern compass, don't laugh, reg will work, but not as accurate.

 

[Trevethan]

Hi Charles.

Will need to know where you plan to mount the compass -- binnacle, bulk head etc etc.

In a ferro boat consider a fluxgate with the sensor mounted up the mast. That should be backed up with a regular compass in case electrical or other failure

I have a Bosun that is fairly accurate and also a large Silva handbearing compass that mounts in a bracket in such a way that it can be used as a steering compass.

(I have also set up a mount for it is near the berth in order to check heading while lying down -- useful when offwatch on night passages to keep an eye on things and when at anchor indicating changes in wind/tide.

If going for regular compass consider one intended for steel boats!

 

[CharlesM]

Hi Trevethan

I am thinking of the ships compass (I am using that as the term for the primary compass by which the helmsman will stear).

It will most likely be mounted on the binical, although I dont have a standard binical, but a inverted V on which the steering is mounted.... (homemade)

Since it is a 43' boat, I dont think I will mount the compass on the front instrument panel as it may be to far from the helmsman?

Anyway, I will also mount a much smaller bulkhead compass at my berth.

Not sure about fluxgate. Dont these require power to run? I would prefer a standard magnetic mechanical one that works regardless.

I know I need to consider dip - but what exactly about it I don't know. Hence the need to get a compass good for the world.

later
Charles

 

[dickh]

Look on the Plastimo website or in their catalogue - tells you all about compasses and the differnt types for different areas of the world.

 

[CharlesM]

Hi Dickh

I took a look at the Plastimo site. Maybe I cannot find the pages which tell me all about compasses, or the information is actually pretty skinny.

Anyway, what are the opinions regarding red vs black cards?

Also, could anyone tell me what a compensator is, or are they used for swinging the compass?

Cheers
Charles

 

[BrendanS]

have a look here
http://www.plastimousa.com/compass_faq.htm

yes, the compensators are used to adjust for deviation

 

[LadyInBed]

Binnacle or bulkhead?
If bulkhead are you mounting a pair?
My main observation is that the compass light is always too bright, I end up taking out the bulb and giving it several coats of red nail varnish.

Damn! I wanted to say it should point North /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[aidancoughlan]

The bulkhead compass that you see on most boats seems to be the Plastimo Contest 101 (I've been looking at replacing one).

There are options for the colour of the card and light as follows if I recall correctly
- Red card, +white light or
- Black card, red light (Im going for this one the assumption it will be less likely to ruin night vision).
- theres also a yellow card option

 

[Anonymous]

Have a look at the Sestrel range now made by Sirs. Sestrel Compass I particularly like the Sestrel Moore but these are all compasses from a good stable.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: New compass - what to consider? - Not a Suunto

By the way, I have a Suunto compass and on the 12th Feb I asked their technical helpline, via their website, how to change the bulbs. The request was emailed back to me instantly as an acknowledgement with instructions that the answer would appear on their website in due course, by following a link on the acknowledgement email. All very clever, but still no answer as of today's date - 2nd March. Not acceptable, IMO, since no other means of seeking support is given on the website.