companionway board
hi adrian, i have been told that mounting your compass in the bottom companionway board works well although i haven't seen this type of installation. i have decided it is the best approach for me because i only need to use it at night, i want to be able to stow the compass when not needed (protecting it from the elements), and it keeps the forward cockpit bulkhead clear so someone to lean against (plus no holes in the fiberglass as you mentioned). i have drafted a plan for my application in a 23.5 that conveys the idea. i intend to make a replacement board, so that when the boat is not in use, the compass board will be below deck, and the original solid board will be used to close up the boat. i plan to put a 12 volt connector on the compass light wiring so i can connect it to a power source next to the switch panel. i am also considering reducing the height of the board on the side opposite the compass to make getting in and out of the boat a little easier with the board in place. hope that helps. - ed
