1978 H30C Ritchie Compass-Binnacle Replacement

[BlowMeAway]

Good Morning Folks, last week I visited Blow Me Away to begin my list of repairs, upgrades, maintenance, etc. to begin as soon as the weather improves up here in New York. I took a few pictures of the components in need of replacement and was hoping to gain some feedback from this knowledgeable group. The first subject of replacement is the illuminated Ritchie Compass/Binnacle. The existing compass is CaCa...fractured/crazed glass and fluid loss. I see all sorts of replacements online and was wondering if someone could guide me as to the correct replacement part number from Ritchie (or alternative supplier). This isn't a matter of pricing...I'm simply looking for a plug and play replacement. If there are mounting alterations/modifications needed, any installation tips would be helpful as well. Thank you in advance. Photos attached.

 

[kito]

Looks like my old one. I know Richie can rebuild some of the older models. They were unable to repair the original one on my 1979 H30 compass. I ended up replacing with a Richie FN-201 Navigator. I haven't mounted it yet but it did fit fine. I may have to drill new mounting screw holes.....no big deal. Btw, I could not read the original part number but sent pictures to Richie. They were able to tell me the part number but since it was over 35 years old, they no longer had parts.

 

[smokey73]

Be sure to check with Richie first before you drop lots of cashf on a new one. They are great people and will rebuild it if they have the parts and probably for a lot less than a new one if all else is working.

 

[woodster]

I had a quote from them on doing mine it was about 285.00 iirc wound up sending it to shop in nh and hadit done for 200.00 and shipping they were a factory repair station

 

[lee oakley]

Hello. I have a 79 30ft an have a ? If you would after ya take your compass out could you tell me if the gear lever is reachable? When I bought mine at the end of last year noticed mine is snapped right flush with the surface curios how hard to replace

 

[alain croteau]

Try vikingcompass.com. I obtained parts from them about 3 years ago to repair a compass at a cost of less than $100.00. They have all you need to do it yourself plus the proper fluid. Cheers

 

[kito]

Hello. I have a 79 30ft an have a ? If you would after ya take your compass out could you tell me if the gear lever is reachable? When I bought mine at the end of last year noticed mine is snapped right flush with the surface curios how hard to replace

Taking the compass out only requires a few screws.

 

[kito]

Like I said earlier. This compass can't be overhauled. It's too old what I was told by Richie. You can buy a new one cheaper anyway.

 

[BlowMeAway]

Thanks all for your responses. I'm gonna follow Kito's expertise on this one. I order a Ritchie Navigator FN-201W (white) for $233.82 and free shipping. The binnacle cover is a PN N-203-C for $16.70. If I run into installation issues I'll be sure to copy the SBO family.

Ps...5 year MFG warranty on the new compass.

 

[kito]

Good deal BMA!. In my quest to always save a buck on my restoration, I bought a used FN-201 off Ebay. It came will a bubble in the fluid. I drained the fluid and refilled with mineral spirits and all is good....$30! I don't have it mounted but it dry fitted perfectly. You will have to drill new holes though. Just drill your new holes and bed with some of Maine Sail's butyl tape.