Hi, I purchased a boat and the compass has a number of very fine scratches in the top of the lens. These scratches don't seem to be very deep but, from some angles it's hard to read the heading. What's the best way to polish out the scratches? Any help would be great!! Thanks Jim Wharton jim.wharton@fnc.fujitsu.com
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Stu Sauer
Scratch Removal
Check out West Marine for various Plastic Restoring polishes. Meguiars and Star Brite both make products that can be applied by hand with a soft cloth and followed with clear sealer. You will be amazed at the difference on compass , portlights and plexiglas hatches. It may not look good as new but it will be a verry noticeable diference
Check out West Marine for various Plastic Restoring polishes. Meguiars and Star Brite both make products that can be applied by hand with a soft cloth and followed with clear sealer. You will be amazed at the difference on compass , portlights and plexiglas hatches. It may not look good as new but it will be a verry noticeable diference
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Gerry Cooper
Meguiar's
Jim, Meguiar's makes a range of clear plastic polishes, number 17 is for light restoration.
Jim, Meguiar's makes a range of clear plastic polishes, number 17 is for light restoration.
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Tom s/v GAIA
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Lucky Jack
Specific Products
Armada 210 Plus Plastic Scratch Remover is made for plexi and Isinglass. You can get it at the marine store. I have found that if a scratch is deep, it is diffcult to get out with a mild abrasive. I have heard that 2000 and finer, wet and dry sandpaper, can be used. Then buff with the 210. I would try this on something else first though. My vote is that it will work. I have done some spots in the gelcaot that were rough from the factory with excellent results. Just in case the toothpaste scratches or is not aggressive enough. Mike D.
Armada 210 Plus Plastic Scratch Remover is made for plexi and Isinglass. You can get it at the marine store. I have found that if a scratch is deep, it is diffcult to get out with a mild abrasive. I have heard that 2000 and finer, wet and dry sandpaper, can be used. Then buff with the 210. I would try this on something else first though. My vote is that it will work. I have done some spots in the gelcaot that were rough from the factory with excellent results. Just in case the toothpaste scratches or is not aggressive enough. Mike D.
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Paul H
Kompass Kracks
Jim. I've got the same problems you described on my compasses. The solutions listed will work temporarily. I noticed that my compasses were also losing fluid. So when I was in Boston last summer I went to a compass dealer there to pick up some fluid. He told me the cracks are called crazing and that my leaking will continue due to the fact the cracks are all the way through. He suggested that I purchase new compasses. He also suggested that I pull the compasses out every winter. I managed to refill my compasses(a story in it's self) and I will also wax the globe to hopefully reduce the seepage of fluid. If you just have fine surface cracks then the other solutions should work for you but if you have what I've described then you need to look at alternatives. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
Jim. I've got the same problems you described on my compasses. The solutions listed will work temporarily. I noticed that my compasses were also losing fluid. So when I was in Boston last summer I went to a compass dealer there to pick up some fluid. He told me the cracks are called crazing and that my leaking will continue due to the fact the cracks are all the way through. He suggested that I purchase new compasses. He also suggested that I pull the compasses out every winter. I managed to refill my compasses(a story in it's self) and I will also wax the globe to hopefully reduce the seepage of fluid. If you just have fine surface cracks then the other solutions should work for you but if you have what I've described then you need to look at alternatives. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
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J Smmonds
Tootpaste works
I was told many years ago to use it on the crystel of a Rolex watch. Yes it works ! GO for it. JS
I was told many years ago to use it on the crystel of a Rolex watch. Yes it works ! GO for it. JS
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J.B. Dyer
Replace Globe
Hi Jim: I have an old Ritchie that was much as you describe and nothing that I tried worked to my satisfaction. I did a little snooping around and discovered that the globes are readily available and not that expensive. I ordered a new globe and o-ring. The repair took less than 30 minutes and now it looks brand new.
Hi Jim: I have an old Ritchie that was much as you describe and nothing that I tried worked to my satisfaction. I did a little snooping around and discovered that the globes are readily available and not that expensive. I ordered a new globe and o-ring. The repair took less than 30 minutes and now it looks brand new.
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Paul H
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J.B. Dyer
Ritchie Navigation
Ritchie Navigation, I've attached their web site. Just call them at 781-826-5131 and ask for their parts department, they'll need to know your model number and the serial number. These folks are very helpful and cordial.
Ritchie Navigation, I've attached their web site. Just call them at 781-826-5131 and ask for their parts department, they'll need to know your model number and the serial number. These folks are very helpful and cordial.
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Jim Wharton
Thanks for the info
Guys, Thanks for the response on this subject!!! I have a buckhead mounted Saturn Aquameter compass the scratches are very fine and no cracking and fluid loss. I have tried 3M polished today and not much luck. I will try the toothpaste, and other plastic polishes from West Marine this week.. Thanks Jim..
Guys, Thanks for the response on this subject!!! I have a buckhead mounted Saturn Aquameter compass the scratches are very fine and no cracking and fluid loss. I have tried 3M polished today and not much luck. I will try the toothpaste, and other plastic polishes from West Marine this week.. Thanks Jim..
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