Hunter 34 compass repair

Richard Bryer

Richard Bryer

.
Jun 3, 2004
890
Hunter 34 Toronto, Ontario Canada
Anyone repaired the compass on a H34? Mine has lost almost all of the fluid after the winter. I pulled the compass out and I can't figure out how to be able to add more fluid. The compass make is Saturn. Any ideas for a good replacement if not repairable?
Thanks
 
shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
7,469
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
There is usually a way. I haven't done a Aqua Meter Saturn. Look for a closure screw. It may be under a rubber covering. You pretty much have to have the compass off the boat anyway so you can turn it upside down to get the last of the bubble out. If most of the fluid leaked out it probably will again. You'll have to find the leak. There isn't much to lose at this point.
(Read the comments too).
By the way, Saturn is now Viking and they seem to make most compasses now.
 
rgranger

rgranger

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Jan 19, 2010
12,553
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
I replaced the compass on my H26 just last month.... @Dave Groshong here at the SBO store was really helpful and guided me through picking a replacement that had the same size cutout as my original. That saved a lot of time and energy. Even the bolt holes lined up.:thumbup: If you decide to replace, I recommend giving SBO a call.


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Richard Bryer

Richard Bryer

.
Jun 3, 2004
890
Hunter 34 Toronto, Ontario Canada
shemandr said:
There is usually a way. I haven't done a Aqua Meter Saturn. Look for a closure screw. It may be under a rubber covering. You pretty much have to have the compass off the boat anyway so you can turn it upside down to get the last of the bubble out. If most of the fluid leaked out it probably will again. You'll have to find the leak. There isn't much to lose at this point.
(Read the comments too).
By the way, Saturn is now Viking and they seem to make most compasses now.
Click to expand
You are right about the leak. Is there a rubber seal some where that seals the fluid in? When I took the compass out there was wetness around the bottom. There does not seem to be a refill screw either.
 
victorhoisington

victorhoisington

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Jan 22, 2008
296
Islander Freeport, 41 Ketch Longmont, CO
You can completely rebuild these compasses. It takes about an hour or so and is really not very hard.

Go to the manufactures sight, search for the specific compass and find the rebuild kit. It will come with seals and everything you need to to rebuild the compass to new condition.

A lot cheaper than buying a new compass and a nice "boat project".

Good luck,
 
kloudie1

kloudie1

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Nov 6, 2006
10,048
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Hello, Rich!
I replaced mine with a Richie Powerdamp Plus with a blue card. It is a fairly heavily damped compass for high speed powerboats, but I figured it would be fine on a sailboat. I believe the mounting circle , the screw circle, is 5 1/4” . It was on sale at West Marine a few years ago at a great price, so in it went.
 

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Richard Bryer

Richard Bryer

.
Jun 3, 2004
890
Hunter 34 Toronto, Ontario Canada
kloudie1 said:
Hello, Rich!
I replaced mine with a Richie Powerdamp Plus with a blue card. It is a fairly heavily damped compass for high speed powerboats, but I figured it would be fine on a sailboat. I believe the mounting circle , the screw circle, is 5 1/4” . It was on sale at West Marine a few years ago at a great price, so in it went.
Click to expand
Thanks Kloudie- that helps a lot - a specific model that will fit.
 
Richard Bryer

Richard Bryer

.
Jun 3, 2004
890
Hunter 34 Toronto, Ontario Canada
Well, I think I found a solution. I installed a Ritchie F83 yesterday. The screw holes fitted, The diameter fitted fine. I have to check whether the light is working but the seating and the fit were really easy. Cost was pretty good- 209$
 
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