Sestrel Compass problem

[stevebirch2002]

I have a Sestrel Bulkhead Compass that has lost all its' fluid. On inspection I have found the seal inside the back has gone brittle and has large cracks and holes. Anyone know of where I can get a new seal. Thanks in advance.

 

[sailorman]

just had my Richie Compass fixed by Barry Phillips.
sea / diaphram had gone bust

BPSC Marine Services
Unit 4 Park Business Centre
1 Park Road
Southampton
SO15 3US

repaired in a week

 

[paulrossall]

The contact details are

S.I.R.S. Navigation Ltd.
186a Milton Road
Swancombe
Kent
DA10 0NN
Tel 01322 383672
Fax 01322 382418

This was correct at March 2001 when I wanted a light for my Sestrel Moore compass. Cost me £40.08 including postage so don't expect a seal to be cheap!
Paul

 

[sailorman]

my total bill inc p+p + replacement light ( diode type )
£90

 

[William_H]

It is doubtful if it is going to be a successfull DIY repair. The experts will put it in a vaccuum chamber to remove all the bubbles from the fluid before sealing. So there is a case for giving it to a proffessional. olewill

 

[Swinranger]

I had the same problem with the 30 year old Sestrel compass that came with my boat.
I dismantled the compass and removed all traces of fluid and gasket remains, then I squirted some Sikaflex on the sealing faces and loosely re-assembled everything just enough to form a new gasket. When the sealant had cured, I trimmed off the excess and refilled the compass with baby oil.
This left a small bubble which was very difficult to remove. I then left the compass in a warm place, (a sunny window), and the oil expanded past the new gasket neatly removing the last of the trapped air. The screws were then tightened to compress the gasket and the result is a bubble free compass.