compass mounting question

[doehunter]

I went out of my way to get a bulkhead mounted compass because I thought it looked sturdier than a bracket mounted one. I didn't want someone to bump into it and break it off the bracket or get cut on it.
I got on the boat with my nice new Mini Contest compass, and realized that the area where I need to mount it has the outside layer and the liner layer, and is separated just a little. (1/2" to 1" maybe?) Up high, right next to the companion way. I will have to cut a hole to match the compass in both layers.
Has anyone else mounted one of these on a 26S?
If so, did you do anything special to seal between the two layers?
I would rather not have to cut the liner, so I'm considering using a spacer to move the compass out just enough so that I only have to cut the outside layer.
Jim

 

[Justin_NSA]

That's the way the PO of my boat did it. He cut thru both layers to mount a Suunto. Now the compass casing is cracked and I have to find a suitable replacement.

 

[doehunter]

That's the way the PO of my boat did it. He cut thru both layers to mount a Suunto. Now the compass casing is cracked and I have to find a suitable replacement.

So are you saying I'd be better off finding a way to mount it without cutting the holes? After sitting in my boat and looking at it I would have to agree, but now I'm stuck with this $140.00 compass.
If I mount it in a box or something then it will stick out more than the bracket mounted one I avoided because I didn't want it to stick out! #$%%^^&*
For now I'm just leaving it on shore and thinking about it. I can't go back after I start cutting.

 

[timebandit]

Mine mounts like this and it does not care if you knee it.

I dont have a liner but it still invades the cabin a bit.

 

[chp]

Mine is mounted through both layers. It's the way the PO mounted it. I don't think theres much choice with a bulkhead mount. I had to replace the original with a Ritchie. Mine has a cover on the inside cabin to cover the back of the compass.

 

[doehunter]

Mine is mounted through both layers. It's the way the PO mounted it. I don't think theres much choice with a bulkhead mount. I had to replace the original with a Ritchie. Mine has a cover on the inside cabin to cover the back of the compass.

So is there something between the layers to keep them separated as they would normally be, or just let the mounting screws pull the two layers together?
My compass has covers for both the inside and outside.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I replaced mine, a year or so ago, it was just sandwiched between the 2 layers... did not leak. and it has a interior cover.

my advise is get a popular brand so in 10 yrs, you can replace it with the same model...

(I got lucky, suminto is getting out of the marine compass business, but was able to order same model..) and it was leaking... not sure why.

I do like the bulkhead compass...

 

[MrMikey64]

Don't a number of those compasses have mounting screws that adapt to different thicknesses? If so, I would think you could fasten some wedges of foam board or something to slip in around the edges between the layers. It may not provide an exact fit, but would reduce the amount of the liners being pressed together.
Hmmm...maybe even a small amount of spray expansion foam along the lip of the cutout? That way you could trim the excess with a knife of file.

 

[doehunter]

That's one thing was concerned with. There is airspace between the inner liner and the outside layer. I guess I could fill it in with something. I don't want the glass to flex when I tighten up the screws. Maybe I just need to dive in and cut the hole and come up with the solution after I can see inside.
The screws are long nylon ones,so I guess you cut them off as needed. The bulkhead isn't exactly flat, I might need to make a spacer to adapt so there's no gaps.

 

[BrokeNotBroken]

What about mounting it on the forward end of the cockpit footwell? That way it can be mounted on the centerline of the boat and you can see it equally well whether you are on starboard or port tack? That's where I am planing on mounting mine. It might be a slight tripping hazard but I'm pretty sure that it is a solid piece of fiberglass. What I haven't figured out is what I am going to do to get rid of the angle. I think that bulkhead is 20 degrees off of vertical and the mini contest is supposed to be mounted with 10 degrees or less from vertical. I could use wood but I don't want to keep it maintained. I'll Probably go with HDPE or something similar.

 

[Doug J]

What about mounting it on the forward end of the cockpit footwell?

That's where mine is mounted, the PO installed it there. He put it off center, I suppose with the intent of allowing room for something else. It works fine there, and is easily viewed from either a starboard or port tack. No tripping hazard at all! If I installed it I'm not sure I would have put it there, but I guess it's fine.

Here's a not so good pic, you can just see it with it's cover on.

 

[doehunter]

Hmm,
I had considered putting mine down there too. I still might as there isn't much of a flat surface up high where I wanted to put mine.

 

[Member 40645]

I had an old compass which hung on a bracket mounted on my bulkhead that I needed to replace last year. I purchased the same compass, the Mini Contest to mount on my 26S. I considered the cockpit well but didn't want to be tripping over it. The only other place was on the bulkhead to the starboard side of the companionway. There was enough flat surface there to mount it if I stayed low enough. I cut a hole in the front side and one to match in the back and it fit perfectly. As long as it is sealed properly I don't foresee a problem. This way it is directly ahead of where I sit on the top of the stern locker. The PO had the VHF mounted directly behind this spot inside the cabin but I'm convinced that it probably interferred with the compass so I've put in a new VHF above the galley and added an extension mic at the rear of the cockpit where I sit.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Ray Andrews just saved me a ton of money on my compass. My bulkhead mounted Suunto compass cover and bezel are cracked and useless but the card is fine. I was able to order replacement parts for about $45 shipped. I was looking at new compasses for a LOT more than that!

http://www.andrewscompass.com/index.html