Locations for Flux Gate Compass - Auto Pilot

[firehoser75]

Please give me some guidance. Where have you successfully installed the flux gate compass for a Raymarine 4000 (or any other brand) Auto Pilot? I have a cast iron keel, so I tried the spot below the decks at the foot of the companionway stairs (cabin side). This location causes too much deviation. If I put it further forward, the keel is there. The installation instructions say do not install it in the front 1/3 of the boat or too near the stern.Any suggestions?Thanks,Tom

 

[Todd S Farrand]

compass location B36

In my 2003 B36 it is located in the aft cabin, inside the rear port locker--at the bottom.

 

[Graham Wood]

Fluxgate locations

Whilst not an expert on Fluxgates "per se"; I can offer the following.1. A usual place for this item is against the hull about half way upo in a rear cabin - usually on the starboard side - in a locker if there is one.2. As a physicist; and instructor of navigation I can tell you that a lot of dubious info is given out about compasses. The keel should be far enough down NOT to affect this substantially. In any case, the instrument can be corrected for deviation by slowly rotating the boat in set up mode for this purpose.Finally, check how much deviation there is and if less than 5degs - ignore it!Sure others might have more advice on this!

 

[Susan]

Fluxgate compass installation

Bavaria factory installed the fluxgate compass of our 2005 Bavaria 42 inside the hanging locker of the aft starboard cabin.

 

[firehoser75]

Thanks for the Replies

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like the best location is inside the locker in the aft cabin. I will give that a try after the Poet's Cove get together.Tom

 

[s/v Kokomo]

Fluxgate compas

Tom: I have been involved with three installations of Raytheon/Raymarine flux gate compasses. I assume all manufacturers are pretty much the same. About midway up in a locker in the aft cabin is the best place. Close to teh center but at least three (3) feet from the engine or any other large piece of iron. Follow the instructions for computing the deviation and you will be fineJohn Aubin

 

[sailingseadragon]

Finding a Location for the Flux Compass

Before installing the Flux Compass on Sea Dragon I spoke with several representatives for Raymarine and other boat owner. The guidance given me was boiled down to: Walk around the boat with a hand bearing compass, looking for deviation/movement. If you see any deviation/movement, that location should be eliminated. If there was no compass deviation/movement, then that location is acceptable. Before starting this process power up everything that might cause a magnetic field, such as Stereo, CD Player, VHF, SSB, Radar, Instruments, refrigerator (N/A on Sea Dragon today), etc..You can see the details of Sea Dragon's installation on our website:www.sailingseadragon.comUnder projects.