Boat Compasses - Hand-bearing and Fixed Marine Compasses
Binoculars | Chart Table Instruments | Clocks & Barometers | Compasses | Paper & Electronic Charts | Sextants | Watches | Weather Instruments
Choosing the right compass for marine navigation is crucial. You should consider several factors, such as lighting, night visibility, compensation, and balance. There are two styles of boat compass to consider and sometimes having both on board is worthwhile.
Firstly there are hand-bearing compasses or sight bearing compasses. Typically small and handheld, these compasses feature a sighting mechanism that helps to accurately identify locations and calculate bearings.
Secondly there are fixed mount marine compasses. These come in a variety of mounting options to suit different types of vessels and mounting locations.
- Flush mount on a horizontal surface: This is a great option for flybridges, central steering areas, or upper decks. This is because it provides a good viewing angle for the compass.
- Flush mount on a vertical/inclined surface: Bulkhead mounted nautical compasses are best suited to sailing yachts. Ideally mounted in the cockpit area of the boat.
- Bracket: Popular with powerboats, a bracket allows for quick and easy mounting in several locations on the boat.
- Binnacle for steering wheel: This is an ideal option for sailboats that have a steering wheel, and is extremely popular.
- Mini Binnacle mounting: An ultra-slim and compact version that makes it easy to mount the compass without a cut-out hole.
- Removable mount: Allows you to place the compass in a fixing plate wherever you need it. This allows for easy removal and storage at the end of the day.
- Mast mounting: This is a great option for boats with limited space, and a mast mount kit is available to make installation easy.
