mounting compass

[Don Crowther]

My compass has fallen to the effects of UVB/A.. As you can see from the attached pictures the mounting holes have broken away from the trim. I feel that the compass is worth salvaging.

So does anyone have any idea's on how to re-attach it?

I have thought about trimming off the broken bits and re-drilling the holes in a differant spot and re-attaching it but I think the plastic is to brittle.

I also thought about trimming all the plastic edge off and bedding it with epoxy to a teak ring that might look very nice!!

As always thanks

 

[navigator97]

Don, Your solution of epoxying it to a teak ring then screwing that into the pedastal mount sounds like a good one to me. After that make a "Compass Cover out of Sunbrella material. We have had such a cove for the last 12 - 13 years and would highly recommend it. Just take it off when you get underway, and put it back when you get back to port (dock or mooring).

 

[sailaway78]

How bout this

Instead of epoxy, have you considered just making a fairly thin teak ring, that fits down snugly over the compass, and drilling to match up the same holes, going into the same base threads.

 

[Don Crowther]

Navigator 97
There is a cover but I've only had this boat for a year. I'm not sure how long the PO has had the cover.

Nice N Easy
I'm more of a chain saw carpenter than a cabinet maker!! I thought making a thinner washer/spacer wouild be beyond my talent level but I see where your coming from.

thanks

 

[JoeWhite]

Here is my solution. Instead of teak use marine wood. It is really not wood but it is plastic that is UV protected and it is normally white. You can buy this piece from West Marine. It is 1/4" thick and measures about 12" by 18". Cut a circle about the same size as the base of the compass and mount the compass on it using a different location for the holes. Then mount it using the new holes - where the old holes were - on the original location. It will look as if you have a spacer under the compass. Use plastic screws for the new holes as to not effect the calibration of the compass.

 

[Joe]

You should be able to find some mirror clips at any hardwares store that will adapt nicely.

Heavy weight velcro will work too.

I don't recommend any kind of mounting where the back of the compass would not be accessible. Epoxying the unit to a flat mounting plate would, therefore, not be advisable.

 

[tkanzler]

My first impulse would be to make a compression ring to sit on top of it. I would use a synthetic like Starboard, but a tight-grained piece of teak would be alright. If it doesn't fit over the compass, split it in half. Use the same holes to they look right (clocked 45 deg).

I don't think you could do a nice job with a chain saw, but a coping saw, a vice, and some hand tools, plus a bit of time and patience, could yield a nice result.

 

[Cayennita]

I used a scrap piece of flat, white pvc drop ceiling panel. Trace, score, drill and place over the compass rim. It is strong enough for the job. I have used it a spacer in my rudder post and as buttons to hold down insulation. Use tooth paste to polish the glass on your compass if it becomes cloudy.

 

[Don Crowther]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm leaning towards teak because I won't have to colour match the pedestal.

 

[bria46]

I would check with the manufactured (Danforth or Ritchie?) and ask if they stock replacement parts for discontinued products. Maybe you'll get lucky!

 

[Dan Johnson]

Don...

you could consider those dimpled washers that fit under tapered screw heads. Larger ones with larger mounting screws could hold it down. May not look pretty, but will work and be easier than doing carpentry.