Best Boat Compass: Navigating Your Purchase

A boat compass is a crucial piece of equipment for any sailor, whether a novice or an experienced captain. While GPS systems have become prevalent, a compass remains a reliable backup, independent of other on-board systems. The market offers a variety of boat compasses, each with unique features and specifications. This article will explore the best boat compasses available, providing an insightful guide to help you choose the most suitable option for your nautical adventures. From lighting up your path to ensuring accurate readings, the right compass will be your saviour at sea.

Types of compasses

There are two main types of compasses: magnetic and non-magnetic. The first one has a magnetic element (a needle or a card) that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field to point to the magnetic North. The latter, gyrocompasses, have a rapidly spinning wheel whose rotation interacts with the Earth's rotation until its axis of rotation is parallel with the Earth's and points to the Earth's rotational poles.

There are several subtypes of magnetic compasses, including:

• Liquid compasses, which have a magnetized needle or card immersed in fluid to improve readability and reduce wear.
• Marine or card compasses are used on boats as the moving card absorbs much of the motion of the boat, making it easier to read.
• Prismatic or lensatic compasses are used for lining up with an object to determine its bearing. They often include features such as a magnifying lens, a light for low-light conditions, and a ruler.
• Baseplate or orienteering compasses are liquid-filled and placed on a rectangular transparent plastic base so that a map can be read through it. They are often used for plotting.
• Thumb compasses are a smaller variant of the baseplate compass that can be fixed to the user's thumb, leaving one hand free.
• Solid-state compasses are found in electric devices such as clocks, mobile phones, and tablets. They have magnetic field sensors that input the device's orientation onto a microprocessor.
• Qibla compasses are used by Muslims to show the direction of Mecca for prayer.
• GPS compasses use satellites in geosynchronous orbit to show the bearer's exact location and direction of movement.
• Astrocompasses use the positions of astronomical bodies to find true North and are used in polar regions where magnetic compasses are unreliable.

Other subtypes of compasses include:

• Mirrored baseplate compasses, also known as sighting compasses, which offer more advanced sighting capabilities and features like a clinometer for measuring heights or slope angle.
• Lensatic compasses, based on a classic US military design, offer greater precision with their sighting features and specific sighting technique. The lid also provides a long edge that is useful for map work.

When choosing a boat compass, it is important to consider factors such as performance, sensitivity, dampening, period, and readability (both day and night). Some popular brands of boat compasses include Ritchie, Danforth, Plastimo, Brunton, and C. Plath.

Mounting styles

There are five mounting styles for marine compasses:

• Flush-Mount: This style requires cutting a hole, sometimes as large as 5 inches or more in diameter, on a horizontal surface, such as the top of your dashboard, for the body of the compass. Only the compass dome is above the surface. Flush mounts are available with direct-read and hybrid dials.
• Surface-Mount: These low-profile compass models mount on top of a horizontal surface and are good choices for compact helms and/or when cutting a hole on top of the dash is not feasible. They are available with flat, direct-read, and hybrid dials.
• Binnacle-Mount: These are also surface-mount models but with taller cases to house the body of larger compasses. All feature flat-card dials.
• Bracket-Mount: The bracket allows for adjusting the fore and aft tilt angle of the compass, making these models well-suited for angled or even vertical surfaces. Models are available with flat-card, direct-read, and hybrid dials.
• Dash-Mount: On helms with no horizontal space, these models let you install the compass like a marine in-dash instrument. Most feature a direct-read dial and must be mounted on a vertical surface to function properly. These models require cutting a hole in the dash panel to mount the compass.

Dial types

Flat Card dials are horizontal and require the user to look down or through to read the course heading. They are best suited for helms where the user stands to pilot the boat or where the seating is high enough to look down at the compass. The lubber line, which indicates the heading, is located at the forward portion of the compass.

Direct Read dials allow the user to view the course on an upright, conical dial. The lubber line is located at the aft portion of the compass, closest to the helmsman, making it a good choice for helms where the compass is positioned at eye level.

Hybrid Dial combines the features of both Flat Card and Direct Read dials. Ritchie Navigation offers a Combi-Dial that can be read from above and directly in front of the compass, with lubber lines at the front and back. This type of dial is suitable for boats where the user views the compass from above while standing but views it directly when seated.

When choosing a dial type, consider the height of your boat's helm and the user's position (standing or seated) while navigating. The dial type should allow for easy and accurate reading of the course heading.

In addition to dial types, there are also different mounting styles for marine compasses, such as flush-mount, surface-mount, binnacle-mount, bracket-mount, and dash-mount. Each mounting style has its own advantages and considerations, depending on the available space and surface type on your boat's helm or dashboard.

Compass maintenance

• Keep it clean: Wipe the exterior of the compass housing with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or grime buildup. This will help maintain the clarity of the compass readings and prevent scratches on the housing.
• Avoid sudden movements and shocks: When storing the compass, avoid subjecting it to sudden shocks or movements. These can affect the internal components and accuracy of the compass. Store the compass in a safe and stable location.
• Regularly check for damage: Inspect the compass housing for any cracks or leaks, as these can compromise the integrity of the compass. Ensure that the magnetic needle floats freely and moves smoothly. Look out for any signs of obstruction or damage.
• Calibrate periodically: Have your compass professionally calibrated at regular intervals. Calibration ensures that your compass readings remain accurate and accounts for any changes in the Earth's magnetic field or local variations.
• Address air bubbles and leaks: Air bubbles in the compass fluid can affect the accuracy of readings. If you notice air bubbles, it may be due to leaks. Repair leaks by replacing gaskets or tightening screws. Invert the compass to remove bubbles and refill it with the manufacturer's recommended compass oil.
• Deal with a sticking needle: If the needle of your compass sticks or becomes difficult to turn, it may be due to dirt or debris. Clean the compass thoroughly and check for any obstructions. If necessary, disassemble the compass and replace the pivot and jewel.
• Protect from extreme weather: Extreme weather conditions, such as cold climates, can damage your compass. Store your compass in a warm place during cold weather and when not in use to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Additionally, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, as this can affect the housing and fluid.
• Seek professional help when needed: Compass repair requires precision and skill. If you are unsure about your ability to repair or maintain your compass, seek the services of a professional. The compass is critical for navigation, and any inaccuracies can have serious consequences.

Compass manufacturers

Ritchie Navigation

Ritchie Navigation is a renowned manufacturer of high-precision, American-made compasses, specialising in magnetic compasses and OEM compass parts. With over 170 years of experience, Ritchie has established itself as the world's #1 compass manufacturer. Their product line includes the Explorer Compass, available in surface and bracket mount options, and the Navigator Compass, which offers a flush mount installation. Ritchie's SuperSport and Globemaster compasses are also popular choices. Their products are designed for longevity and performance, with features like DirectiveForce magnets for precise navigation and high-temperature composite construction for durability. Ritchie also offers a unique CombiDial, which combines direct-read and flat-card features, allowing readings from above and directly in front of the compass.

TurnOnSport

TurnOnSport offers an innovative boat compass with an adjustable bracket and a visible lubber line, allowing users to tailor the reading angle to their sitting position. This compass features an incandescent light display, ensuring clear visibility during night sails. It is crafted from durable, high-quality ABS plastic and offers a waterproof and corrosion-resistant construction. Installation is flexible, with the option to stick it on any flat surface or secure it with screws.

COSTIN

COSTIN manufactures a multifunctional boat compass made from high-strength engineering metal, ensuring durability. It features a fluorescent design with a luminous magnet arrow and compass card, providing illumination in low-light conditions after exposure to sunlight. The compass includes a foldable metal lid, a floating compass dial, an adjustable prism lens, and a sighting telescope, making it a versatile tool for various outdoor adventures.

Odowalker

Odowalker's Electronic LED Boat Compass is crafted from high-quality ABS material, ensuring durability. It includes an adjustable magnetic declination sheet, allowing customisation to suit different vehicles, including cars, marine boats, trucks, and caravans. The incandescent light function illuminates the compass for clear direction reading in low-light conditions.

DETUCK

DETUCK's Boat Compass is designed for nautical navigation, indicating the forward direction with a red indicator line. It offers magnetic declination adjustment for enhanced accuracy and features night lighting, providing soft red illumination during night-time journeys. The easy-mount design includes double-sided tape and screws for secure installation.

Weems & Plath

Weems & Plath offers a range of navigation tools, including the Marine Navigation Ultralight Divider and the Marine Navigation Star Finder. They also provide a navigation kit, parallel rulers, and hand-bearing compasses.

Plastimo

Plastimo, a European expert in the use of plastic materials for the marine industry, manufactures hermetically sealed compasses. Their compasses feature a unique "telescoping" sunshield built into the design, ensuring it doesn't get lost or blown overboard.

Danforth

Danforth compasses are produced by an ITT Industries company and are known for their "Global Balance" card system, guaranteeing a level card anywhere in the world. They offer a range of models, including the Corsair IV and the Constellation.

C. Plath

C. Plath, a division of Litton Marine Systems, manufactures precision compasses in Hamburg, Germany. Their Merkur compass features a glass dome and an aluminium alloy body and mounting flange, setting it apart from competitors. Plath offers a lifetime warranty on its glass domes and a three-year warranty on other components.

Brunton

Brunton compasses are manufactured in Sweden by Silva and marketed in North America through ComNav Marine Ltd. Their Brunton 150-F compass offers smooth card movement and excellent visibility, with a large red arrow indicating the North direction. However, local support and customer service have been identified as areas for improvement.

Frequently asked questions