Will Suunto Series 110 Compasses freeze in Winter?

[Sailing Vermont]

I'm the proud new owner of a 30 year old Soverel. It's got a Suunto 110 Bulkhead mount compass. I've got the original compass brochure, and it's described as a liquid-filled globe.

I've read oil filled compasses should be removed for winter. Does anyone know if this Suunto 110 series compass needs to hibernate from the cold?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Only the stuff with water in it. Compasses are filled with oil.

 

[Don Crowther]

Never had an issue up here. And we do get winter!!

 

[Lake Superior Sailor]

I do not know about Suunto, But: I got Three Plastimo compasses that have frozen and cracked!...Dale

 

[Sailing Vermont]

Thanks everyone. Don C, do you have a Suunto? I'm sure your winters are even harsher than ours in Vermont.

 

[Don Crowther]

I don't have a Suunto any longer. I had one in the C-26 on the bulkhead, It was 30 years old. Maybe the newer one's use something different. I thought they were full of instrument oil or alcohol. If your not sure pull it for easy of mind.

 

[Benny17441]

Oil can freeze at exterme temperatures (-200F) but unlike water it will contract and not expand. This is useless information but tends to corroborate the thought that if the compass is in good shape and ist enclosure is well sealed that it should not be a problem.

 

[Sailing Vermont]

Thanks everyone. The previous owner didn't take the Suunto out, and I believe it's original, so 32 years old. I may take it out anyway.

 

[Sailing Vermont]

I got sidelined, and never took the compass out for the winter. Just checked the NOAA site and our lowest temp for the winter was -12 degrees. Compass working fine.

 

[sinnettc]

I had my 2nd Ritchie bulkhead compass die this year. We barely get frost here, so it wasn't freezing. I think it didn't deal with the heat. The globe has 3 big cracks and all the magic fluid leaked out and evaporated.