Compass

[jorgefife]

I bought this nice brass compass, wooden round and flat base, but it has be be on an horizontal postion, so the needles can move around freely
It is about 6 inches in diameter, I got it on e bay
Where do you suggest I mount it inside my boat?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Need a picture. It would be best to mount it in a gimbal so that it remains level. You might be able to make one that mounts to a bulkhead.

 

[jorgefife]

Need a picture. It would be best to mount it in a gimbal so that it remains level. You might be able to make one that mounts to a bulkhead.

Dear Ed
You can see the compass on e-bay by clicking the item number: 130471422710
It shows a good picture right there
I will check if among my "loot" from the salvage yard if I have a gimbal... you mean like the ones that hold the oil lamps?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Aw, really nice! For a gimbal you would need to turn a nice piece of wood, same diameter and maybe four inches long. Because you need some weight below the gimbal and something to mount it to. But yes, exactly, like an oil lamp.

 

[jorgefife]

Aw, really nice! For a gimbal you would need to turn a nice piece of wood, same diameter and maybe four inches long. Because you need some weight below the gimbal and something to mount it to. But yes, exactly, like an oil lamp.

Thank you Ed
Will try make something; when you say same diameter, then 4 inches long, I assume that is the part that will hold it to the bulkhead
Then the wood of the same diameter will hold the compass, I will have to go see what the oil lamp gimgal looks like
Nice touch, getting the picture on the forum! I wouldn,t know where to start !
Not very good with the modern age, I'm afraid... still play L.P's, and have 2 juke boxes at home, one 1945 (AMI) and a 1946 (Wurlitzer)
Some people are caught in the past...

 

[Ed Schenck]

Think of cutting off 4" of a small telephone pole. Then mount the compass on the top. You need something weighty to swing below the gimbal. And something to attach the gimbal to. I can't seem to find a good picture.

You could also just mount it like mine. On the bulkhead with just a U-shaped bracket( http://www.pleasureboatmarine.com/33180.html ) instead of a gimbal. Then you have to level it by hand depending upon your heel and/or pitch. Just remembered that I have one of those in my Highlander too. If you mount it with just one one bolt in the center then you can adjust it in both planes.

 

[Blaise]

I think it would look really good in the middle of a coffee table. I can't think of anywhere on the boat where it would be both functional and protected.

 

[jorgefife]

Is the table on your boat the same as mine?
Because on mine, I could install on the corner, good idea !