Compass Repair/Replacement

[Bill Dorsey]

Over the winter my Danforth Standard Corsair II compass(rule industries)installed on my 1986 Hunter 31 lost most of its fluid. Is it worth considering having it repaired or should I just buy a replacement? If I need a replacement what make and models should I consider?

 

[Tim Op't Holt]

replace it

The same thing happened to me a few years ago. I replaced it with a similar Danforth model from Boat US. I did have to drill two new holes to place it correctly on the binnacle. Within a year, the plastic began to craze, but Boat US replaced it with no questions (save receipt). It was about $80.I think there was a report on compasses in Practical Sailor. It's always worth checking there! Having a new clear plastic and new wiring is nice.

 

[Kevin Whalen]

I vote repair

Last year I lost some (not all) of the fluid on my Richie pedestal mount compass. The problem was simply a seal on the bottom. It cost less than $20 to have it repaired vs $100 plus to replace it. As they repaired it they also inspected the pivot on which it floats and declared all fine. The compass is 16 years old and per the repair shop the only thing they ever see wear out is the seal which happens about every 15 years.

 

[Craig Nelson]

Repair

I bought an Aquameter compass on Ebay that was not all in good cosmetic repair. I didn't know how bad it was until I got it in the mail. The compass worked, but was missing some parts. I sent it into Rule Industries to have an estimate made on the cost to repair. If I remember right, the estimate was around $50, which is less than half the cost of a new one. As it turned out, they just replaced my old compass with a brand new one. I was very happy with the results and would recommend that you at least let them give you an estimate.