Leaky Compass

[JERRY]

My Danforth Lodestar compass has a large air bubble in it making it very difficult to read. I just purchased the boat and I am new to sailing. Can anyone advise on fluid replacement and repair, can you even get parts and the proper compass oil,or is it best to replace it with a new compass? Does Danforth still sell Compass's? I have found very little info on compass problems.

 

[Pete]

Compass repair

I don't know about Danforths, but I had my Ritchie compass lens and oil replaced a couple of years ago for a price considerably less than purchasing new. The Ritchie authorized repairers may be able to help you, since the one I used in Connecticut worked on all types of compasses.

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

Repair

Danforth is probably similar so let me provide the following:Like Pete, I have a Ritchie. I, too, had about a 1 inch bubble in my compass. I was able to get Ritchie Oil from Boat US/West Marine at a cost of about $8.00. It is a refined mineral spirits "oil".My Ritchie has an access port (screw) on the side. It also has a bladder to accept some expansion. I chilled both the compass and the oil for about an hour or so. I had heard that this trick reduces the chance of bubbles in the oil. I carefully poured the oil in the hole, using a small disposable plastic cup, avoiding generating bubbles. Perfect job first time and that is unusual for me. Actually, the wife did the pouring <grin>.