Installation of compass/Saturn

[Mark]

Any advice before I cut the hole appreciated.It also says in the installation leaflet that you can not use silicon based products to seal the compass to the bulhead. So what would I use?What have you done to ensure a water tight fit???

 

[Frank Ladd]

Same boat

I just bought a larger compass for my 23.5 and cannot decide where to put it. They make a mast mount for it. I could put it on the bulkhead on the same side as the electrical panel (Starboard side). Or I could build a box for it in front of the companion way slider. I'm glad I got the bigger compass so that I can see it from any position with my tire eyes. I find that a 39 I need to take off my glasses to see things up close and put them on to see things far away. When things are too close theyt are fuzzy too so i expect I'll need bifocals soon enough.

 

[Rick Macdonald]

My compass is in the way

My 95H23.5 came with a BiData (speed/depth) and Saturn compass mounted on the starboard bulkhead just a few inches from the companionway opening.This is a good location in that it leaves room to lean your back against the bulkhead when sitting facing aft, but on the other hand they are too close to the door for the canvas cover that I ordered from the Chandlery here to go over the big bulge of the compass. As it turns out, the compass seems to be stuck and doesn't turn freely. Neither the direction nor the heel angle is ever right. I don't need a compass on my 7-mile long lake (it was a year before I even noticed that it wasn't working) so I just ordered a deck plate to cover the hole and I'm just going to remove the compass for now. The BiData is less than an inch high so the cover can go over the left half of it well enough.Anyway, just a warning if you think you might ever get a (highly-recommended) canvas hatch/companionway cover.

 

[Tim Paul]

Port Side

The compass and depth on my h26 are mounted on the port side of the cockpit. Rear access is from the head and power is from the wires that go to the overhead light. I'd be a little concerned about magnetic interference from the electric panel, etc. on the sb side, but maybe that's not an issue. I've been very pleased with a product called "BoatLife" for sealing things. Not sure if its silicone or not. The key is to let it dry overnight before fully tightening down. This provides a rubbery gasket that seals when compressed.On the subject of compasses, does anybody use a digital readout compass? I saw a cheap one at Sears that got me to thinking about replacing my traditional compass. I like the idea of an easy readout and a flatter presence on the bulkhead. Anyone had good luck with a specific make/model, I'd like to hear about it. Thanks.

 

[Paul H]

Caulking

Mark, we have a 95 H26 with two compasses one on each bulkhead. Bought the boat that way. I have noticed ,like Tim noted, that the starboard compass readings are different from the readings on the port side since that is where the electrical panel is located. Like Tim we are on a big lake and it really isn't critical for us to have accurate readings. I had one come loose in April and rebedded it with stuff you use for caulking around fiberglass tubs. It's held real well all season. Good LuckPaul HS/V Linda Belle95 H26