What makes a compass a "sailboat compass"?

[pupluv]

I'm looking for a cockpit compass for my Laguna Windrose 18 sailboat.

The Richie X-10 Sport looks like the right size and price but the Defender catalog says it's a "powerboat compass". What makes it that? Is it unsuitable for my little sailboat?

Alternatives? I want a bracket compass I think, so it can be removed easily.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Re: What make a comapss a "sailboat compass"?

One of the ways to find out is to read the West Marine Advisors, online or in their catalog. Lots of good information there. The general answer is the amount of damp(en)ing used to keep the card steady.

 

[sandpiper10471]

Re: What make a comapss a "sailboat compass"?

A sailboat compass must continue to display accurately during large heeling angles and be read from large wide angles. A powerboat compass must be able to tolerate lots of vibration and remain steady.

 

[kloudie1]

Re: What make a comapss a "sailboat compass"?

I have used a big powerboat one from Ritchie (SS1002) for several years.. works just fine. the little one is not internally gimbaled .. so it will lock up when heeling any more than 15-20 degrees.. it will become inaccurate just before locking up. don't know it that is a big concern.. you could put it on a gimbal and it would be fine.

 

[Jackdaw]

Re: What make a comapss a "sailboat compass"?

Sailboat compasses will also have lubber lines at 45 degrees.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Cap'n Fatty Goodlander completed a circumnavigation using a $10 compass. I would guess he would say that a sailboat compass is one on a sailboat.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Pretty well covered above. Must be accurate at different angles of heel and it will have lubber lines (tacking reference indicators).

 

[Bill Roosa]

and don't forget to check the night lamp color!!!!
most are red but I've seen white, blue and even green.

 

[pupluv]

Looking through the Defender and West Marine catalogs, I've found very few compasses that met these requirements. I would appreciate specific suggestions if anyone has one.

 

[Rick D]

Go For It

Looking through the Defender and West Marine catalogs, I've found very few compasses that met these requirements. I would appreciate specific suggestions if anyone has one.

For an 18' boat the Richie you are looking at is fine, in my opinion. I have one as a back up and navigation compass at my navigation station and use it all the time. I didn't hook up the light, so I can't comment on that.
Ideally, you would have a flat card with lubber lines et al. That's probably overkill for your needs. Have fun!