Where to put a compass

[Chris]

I have bought a nice compass from West marine. It requires that I drill a rather large hole into the boat and I am reluctant to do that. The other part is wher should I put it. The must logical spot is to the left or right of the companion way but I think that would ruin the perfect stop to lean back and catch some rays(big round thing in your back). What alternative suggestions do you have? Has anyone installed a compass like this on a catalina 22? How about right underneath the companionway behind the kell cable handle? Is that a good idea?

 

[Will]

My compass

was mounted to the left of the companionway, and it did interfere with reclining. You may want to find a better place, but if no one is sitting there, it is a good spot to see from the tiller. I needed to drill only small holes in the fiberglass since mine was mounted first on a teak plate.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Directions

My used Cat 22 came with a good compass with two mounts. One mount is on the starboard bulkhead up forward near the bed where the compass stays 99% of the time. The other mount is in the cockpit on the starboard side of the companionway and fairly close to it. The compass would only be used there by me if sailing at night or in fog or in some other situation where it was needed. The mounts are flat so without a compass in place they don't bother me at all. Whoever installed it this way in the first place did me a good favor.

 

[David Bergevin]

Compass mount

Mine is mounted in a piece of teak that I bought for that purpose. It is cut at an angle so that it sits in the companion-way like a hatch board. The size/width is such that it fits on top of the bottom board and the top board fits on top in inclement weather. The light has a cigarette lighter plug for my receptacle. I am able to put it away when I don't need it.

 

[Jeff]

Compass Placement

My 'new' boat came with a compass installed underneath the companionway entrance. I have a wing keel however, so I don't know how much your keel winch will affect this. I really like this location as it is easily visable no matter where people are sitting (nobody leaning against it), plus it doesn't take up any valuable lounging space.

 

[Dave LaPere]

Well I Guess I'm more a traditionalist

Yes, board my new MarkII and you will find it mounted on the Port side of the companionway, and yes if you wanted to lean against the bulkhead you would find it in the middle of your back, but then there are many other places to lounge about on my 22 so it's not a concern for me. Although I do like the idea of the compass mounted in a board that sits in the companionway away from everything else.By the way mine is a 4" Saturn thru the bulkhead mount. It compliments the Tri-Data system on the starboard bulkhead.Happy sailingDave LaPere