On Thu, 10 May 2007 11:33:04 GMT, "Hoges in WA"
wrote:

I am the reciprocal of that ? right ?
Or do I have to account for variation from GPS to chart? or is that a red
herring?

You stated that the bearing to the center of the compass rose was 98T,
i.e., 98 degrees relative to TRUE north. That means the bearing from
the compass rose looking out to your boat is the reciprocal, 278T. No
allowance for magnetic variation is required when dealing with (T)rue
bearings.

Most GPS units can be setup to give headings and bearings in either
(T)rue or (M)agnetic degrees. Which one you use is mostly a matter of
personal preference but you must be consistent.