electrical panel interference with bulkhead compass

[brentthemountainguide]

Before selecting a location for a new electrical panel and mini navigation station in my 1980 Catalina 27, I have a quick question about the possibility of interference with my cockpit mounted bulkhead compass. The best location for my electrical panel, stereo and VHF radio seems to be in the aft cabin just outside the starboard quarter birth. this is about 5-6 feet from the shore power outlet 4-5 feet from my dual house battery bank and 2-3 feet from my cockpit compass. lots of wires will have to run just below the cockpit/cabin bulkhead and these wires will be about 2 feet from the compass mounting. Assuming these wires are mounted close together, does anyone think this will effect the magnetic compass? any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thank
Brent

 

[heritage]

2 feet away from the compass may cause some compass deviation, but only when the wires are carrying a large amount of current. Like when starting the engine or when an electric motor starts up. Otherwise while sailing there should be no problem. I have had the pleasure to sail on the Great Salt Lake and can't ever remember looking at the compass.

 

[brentthemountainguide]

Thanks heritage! It's true that a compass is seldom neccessary on the great salt lake since mountains in multiple directions are great visual landmarks, the marina is easily identified because of close proxemity to the Kenicott mine which is brightly lit at night and has a 1200 ft tall smokestack tower which might as well be a giant light house, and sailors rarely venture to the far corners of the lake. However I do hope to relocate to the pacific coast is a few years tiime. I suppose if the batteries are 4-5 feet from the compass it would not be an issue since the 12volt electronics and lights used underway wont draw much current overall. great input!

 

[jrowan]

Its not really the amount of power going through the device that affects a compass as much as it is if that device creates a magnetic field when its running. 12 volt electric motors & fans will, & of course all radios do as well. If the bulkhead compass is on one side of the companionway, & the electrionics are on the opposite side - then several feet should be enough seperation. Of course the only way to know for sure is to operate them while watching the compass while the boat is stationary. If it suddenly moves, then you have your answer.