Compass Mounting

[R Kolb]

I'm planning to install a compass in my 1986 C22. I don't want to mount it on the cabin/cockpit bulkhead because my wife and daughter like to lean on them while we sail. I was thinking about mounting the compass below the companionway entrance. There looks to be 6-8 inches available there and it is right in good visibility. Has anyone tried that? Any other ideas? Thanks!

 

[Art]

Not there!!!

I have seen a compass put many places on a C-22 including below the companion way. If it was me I would avoid this area because (unless you have a fixed keel) the swing keel winch is there. The metal in the winch will throw your compas off. I have not come up with what I feel is a great solution yet. It seems tha best place is in the bulkhead next to the companion way but as you said then you can's lean back against it.This may not be ideal but at this time I do two things. 1. I use a hand held GPS. It has a compas display on it and that works great. Also for added assurance 2. I bought an inexpensive compas at Wal-mart that has a 3inch compass ball and a suction cup to hold it where ever I want it. If I am in a position that no one os using that side of the cockpit I stick it to the bulk head. Sometimes I stick it to the front of the cockpit seats down where my ankles are this realy works well but you have to keep an eye on your lines so they don't pull it off. Another advantage is that I can take it off and stow it in the cabin so it won't be stolen. And if I forget, its cheap to replace.Good luck let me know how it goesArt <)))><

 

[R Kolb]

Thanks. Yes I do have a fixed keel

Good point re the keel winch but I do have a fixed keel. Your GPS and stick-on compass are also good ideas.

 

[Brad]

compass location

I mounted one in the companionway.....where the 3 removable boards are that cover the opening to the cabin......using the bottom board as a pattern, cut a piece of wood the same size, and mount the compass into it....then when you are sailing, insert that one panel with the compass in it..

 

[David]

Excellent Ideal

Thanks Brad,I think you solved this problem for me.David

 

[rick]

compass

The problem with mounting anything next to the companionway is that people tend to kick or trip over it. I left the bottom board in its place once and hit it with my toe and stumbled into the cabin. Kids and krewe may end up destroying your compass. I mounted mine on the port side of the companionway as high as I could. There is stillroom to sit and lean back. Just something to consider.

 

[Bayard Gross]

Since you have a fixed keel

I have seen a compass placed in the position you mention on a C-25, fixed keel, and I think that is an excellent position for a bulkhead mount compass on a fixed keel C-22.By bulkhead mount, I mean one where roughly half the compass is outside and the outher half is inside.I think you might want to use an angled teak board behind the compass to aid in viewing it, but you should really test what angle you like first.The great advantage about having the compass in this position, as oppossed to the more common area higher up next to the companionway is that you can easily read from either side of the boat, instead of just one.