Compass Blow Out

[Chimo]

Hi All

Just about to fit a new compass after the old one sprang a leak. Messy

Any tricks to reduce the possibility of a future repeat of a future leak due to split clear viewing dome over the card?

Also, whats the best way to recalibrate the new one when it turns up?

Like the old one it will be mounted forward of the helm in its thru dash hole and therein lies the issue. If one installs it with elec connections and screws the base down the adjustment screws are out of reach.

Is it ok to calibrate it out of but near the proper position or not?

Thanks

Cheers
Chimo

[Roughasguts]

Hi Chimo Mate I have used compasses that have been easy 4 degrees out in the past. But they also show a compass error card nearby.

I guess you could whack a foam stubby holder over the compass when not in use to keep it from getting hot and spliting.

Strange how I have never seen Airdraft compasses leak but plenty of boat and car ones. Guess there just cheaper.

[FNQCairns]

You probably have a hole to fill or something like that, I keep my compass in with my safety equipment, I consider the need to use it will be rare in my instance.

cheers fnq

[Noelm]

I guess with the common use of GPS these days, an extremely well setup Compass is not as important as it used to be, but, to actually "swing" a Compass is quite a tricky and specialised thing, you need a Gyro Compass to use as a reference to set the other one, and also it seems that it is the Sun that buggers up the Boat Compass, I have replaced a few over the years, but ever since I started covering up the one I have now when the Boat is not in use, it has never given a bit of trouble, the stubby holder might be a good cover if it fits!

[Chimo]

RAG
Ta, The stubby holder sounds like a plan , hopefully it will work better than the hat thats been over the compass but still didn't seem to save it.

FNQ
No hole filling, Ive ordered a similar or hopefully same dimensioned unit so it will be going into the same hole when it turns up. Sound like you need to get out more, or at least further

Noelm
I agree re the GPS thing just that as its a new unit to go in it would be nice to get it as close to true as possible without going nuts. Ta for the gyro idea. The gyro compass sounds good; maybe I'll tie up tight, stern first, onto a stationary sea plane on the Broadwater with his gyro on and he can call out the bearings to a few beacons on the horizon for me I think we've decided the stubby holder could be the new cover too as you say; if it fits.


Cheers guys

Chimo