I'm trying to figure out (before buying one) how to mount a compass on an inclined bulkhead that is not square to the centerline of the boat. Obviously, the incline is not the issue, but the angle at which the bulkhead meets the centerline - probably closer to 80 degrees than 90. Is there a way to adjust the Lubber line to compensate for the bulkhead's angle relative to the centerline? Any insight or suggestions on what compass to choose for a 24' boat would be greatly appreciated!
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Custom block is about it...
I have had to make a custom mounting block with compond angles for every bulkhead mounted compass I have installed. It just seems to be the way it is...... I cut the angles and had a wood working shop turn it on a lathe afterwards to pretty it up.........
I have had to make a custom mounting block with compond angles for every bulkhead mounted compass I have installed. It just seems to be the way it is...... I cut the angles and had a wood working shop turn it on a lathe afterwards to pretty it up.........
You will probably find ... that it doesn't matter
as you will not be able to hold a course that accurately to make a difference. A number of the one designs use a compass on each side of the bulkhead so you can see it when you helm from the high side of the boat. Vic "Seven"
as you will not be able to hold a course that accurately to make a difference. A number of the one designs use a compass on each side of the bulkhead so you can see it when you helm from the high side of the boat. Vic "Seven"
you could build a deviation card too.
even if the compass reads wrong it reads wrong consistently the same way. you can build a deviation card that converts the wrong reading to the correct one.
even if the compass reads wrong it reads wrong consistently the same way. you can build a deviation card that converts the wrong reading to the correct one.
Read mounting instructions....
before you buy. Most better quality units will have an athwartship adjustment, or include a template for building a mounting block. Not sure what Vic means that it doesn't matter. It matters to me... I use it to detect windshifts and tacking points. It's difficult to steer to an exact card point because the boat yaws and twists as it moves on it's course. The yawing and twisting constantly changes the direction the lubber lines are reading, but the boat itself is still moving in the general course direction. A magnetic compass does not need, or consider, boat movement in it's measurement. It simply tells you the direction of magnetic north. It can do this at a standstill. The GPS, on the other hand, needs to have movement to determine direction. Therefore, it is desirable to have both devices on your boat. At the helm, you can become mesmerized by staring at the compass, trying to stay on a specific point. What you try to do is steer a basically straight course using external reference points, if possible, regularly checking the compass for verification. Observing the boat's wake is a good way to determine if you're steering a straight course.
before you buy. Most better quality units will have an athwartship adjustment, or include a template for building a mounting block. Not sure what Vic means that it doesn't matter. It matters to me... I use it to detect windshifts and tacking points. It's difficult to steer to an exact card point because the boat yaws and twists as it moves on it's course. The yawing and twisting constantly changes the direction the lubber lines are reading, but the boat itself is still moving in the general course direction. A magnetic compass does not need, or consider, boat movement in it's measurement. It simply tells you the direction of magnetic north. It can do this at a standstill. The GPS, on the other hand, needs to have movement to determine direction. Therefore, it is desirable to have both devices on your boat. At the helm, you can become mesmerized by staring at the compass, trying to stay on a specific point. What you try to do is steer a basically straight course using external reference points, if possible, regularly checking the compass for verification. Observing the boat's wake is a good way to determine if you're steering a straight course.
Ok ... so I read the original post once more ...
and noticed that the bulkhead is not square to the center of the boat. I've not been on a boat like that in 30+ years of sailing ... It sounds like the wedgie guys have the only economical answer other than just figuring the "boat" deviation mentally. What would it be: 10 degrees on the dial minus going up, plus going down? or just the reverse? Vic "Seven"
and noticed that the bulkhead is not square to the center of the boat. I've not been on a boat like that in 30+ years of sailing ... It sounds like the wedgie guys have the only economical answer other than just figuring the "boat" deviation mentally. What would it be: 10 degrees on the dial minus going up, plus going down? or just the reverse? Vic "Seven"
Do you already have a cutout in the bulkhead?
I was looking for a mast mount for your compass but my internet connection is so slooooooow. Not sure if a mast mount will help you or not. They are usually for small boats. Can you mount the compass in the bottom companionway drop board? Just thinking out loud, I called and talked to the sales people at Ritchie about mounting a compass on the Catalina bulkhead with the steep incline. They are introducing a new compass this fall that will accomodate a steeply sloped bulkhead. My advice would be to call Ritchie and talk it over with them. They might have just the ticket. There is a lot of information that can be had that is not on the net. Good Luck, Dan
I was looking for a mast mount for your compass but my internet connection is so slooooooow. Not sure if a mast mount will help you or not. They are usually for small boats. Can you mount the compass in the bottom companionway drop board? Just thinking out loud, I called and talked to the sales people at Ritchie about mounting a compass on the Catalina bulkhead with the steep incline. They are introducing a new compass this fall that will accomodate a steeply sloped bulkhead. My advice would be to call Ritchie and talk it over with them. They might have just the ticket. There is a lot of information that can be had that is not on the net. Good Luck, Dan
10 degrees is 1 inch in 6. It shouldn't
be any problem to make a disk a couple of inches thick and then saw it with the desired taper. You aren't very far away and there is no shortage of woodworking shops in this region. Should all else fail, email me the details of what you need. I can make one for you. Nan-ross@starpower.net
be any problem to make a disk a couple of inches thick and then saw it with the desired taper. You aren't very far away and there is no shortage of woodworking shops in this region. Should all else fail, email me the details of what you need. I can make one for you. Nan-ross@starpower.net
Thanks Folks
For the feedback. Found both mast-mounts and teak disks at Defender. Not cheap, unfortunately. Will probly make due with hand held for now and add disk to the winter project list.
For the feedback. Found both mast-mounts and teak disks at Defender. Not cheap, unfortunately. Will probly make due with hand held for now and add disk to the winter project list.
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