Compass

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mavourneen

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Oct 22, 2006
35
O DAY 27 LE philadelphia pa
I recently bought a 1987 272 LE Oday. The boat has a Edson pedestal steering system. On the top of the pedestal there is a compass. The compass doesn't have any fluid in it. I knew this before I bought the boat. There doesn't seem to be a crack in the dome. I believe the fluid leaked out through the bottom of the compass. Is there a repair kit or can I buy a replacement compass that won't cost arm and leg. I do have an electronic compass so I don't really need a functional pedestal compass but would like everything on the boat to function. I will be grateful for any info.

Mavourneen
 
Joe11688

Joe11688

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Jan 24, 2005
4,881
Oday 222 Dighton, Ma.
You can probably send that compass out to have it filled and if need be, repaired and adjusted. There are at least a couple of compass repair shops in my area. Thiis is one of them:
http://compassrepair.com/
 
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ebsail

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Nov 28, 2010
241
O day 25 Nyack. New York
If the hole the compass fits in, is 4" in diameter, the compass I just put on "gear for sale" at $90 brand new, would be the way to go. Probably cheaper than the repair. If it fits, let me know. Last year when I was going to repair my bulkhead compass, a new one was less expensive. Also, I would never be without a simple non failing magnetic compass. Ernie
 
Joe11688

Joe11688

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Jan 24, 2005
4,881
Oday 222 Dighton, Ma.
A four inch hole is pretty common for most compasses. I'm pretty sure that my Gemini compass is that size. This may be the best way to go. Every fall I remove my compass and bring it in the house. They Will last many years if you remove it for the winter.
 
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AtlanticAl

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Oct 24, 2011
258
Lancer 28 Grand Lake
You can fill it yourself. That used to be the job of Cadets in the merchant navy, to top up the compass. You just fill it with alcohol, fill it with vodka, you can even use light oils. But, if you use oil, the seals have to be oil proof, and everything inside the compass has to be oil proof (if mineral oil) You do though get dry card compasses, which have nothing in them, the fluid just slows the card, and stops it from moving side to side, kind of damps it. I think they empty mainly because the changes in air pressure, and heat, the alcohol turning to gas, and getting through the seals. Though, i have heard stories that sailors will drink the contents of the compass. never known anyone do that, but i did know people to drink brasso, they would filter it through a rag, then filter it through some bread, then pour it in a coffee.
 
1977oday22

1977oday22

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Dec 26, 2009
211
Oday 22 cleveland
I wouldn't want to drink whatever was in my compass...!

I would, however, drink the crap in my magick "8 Ball"

I heard if you drink that stuff, it makes you psychic.....
 
sailcruiser

sailcruiser

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Sep 6, 2011
435
I had one do that a few years back. I had someone that had more educated on the subject than I look at it and was told the seal failed between the two pieces. It was Swedish an would have cost more to fix than a new Ritchie that actually lit up since the light had failed long before we bought the boat. (not the bulb) SC
 
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