Steel yachts and compasses
 

Hi all

Could any steel yacht owners relate their experiences with
hand-bearing compasses and/or binoculars with compasses. Is deviation
a constant problem or can it be minimised? I am wondering if it is
worthwhile buying binoculars with compasses. Any information on makes
found satisfactory would be appreciated. Thanks.

Regards

Steve

remove defcv if replying by email

Why would the fluxgate compass be any different from a traditional compass? The
compass is measuring the local magnetic field, which is distorted equally for
all magnetic compasses.

And BTW, don't let jaxie know that you're using a sextant without a
chronometer - he doesn't think its possible.



"Rob" wrote in message
om...
(Steve Smith) wrote in message
. com...
Hi all

Could any steel yacht owners relate their experiences with
hand-bearing compasses and/or binoculars with compasses. Is deviation
a constant problem or can it be minimised? I am wondering if it is
worthwhile buying binoculars with compasses. Any information on makes
found satisfactory would be appreciated. Thanks.

Regards

Steve

Totally useless - I was using a handbearing compass on a 26m steel
tjalk and the bearing error was terrible - despite getting as far away
as possible from the metal structure.
I've now bought a Autohelm personal fluxgate compass.
Other wise for coastal navigation, it is back to horizontal sextant
angles.

Hi Rob

I assume this is an all steel boat rather than GRP/Aluminium/Wood
above deck, not that I am too tempted by these anyway.

Thanks

Steve


Totally useless - I was using a handbearing compass on a 26m steel
tjalk and the bearing error was terrible - despite getting as far away
as possible from the metal structure.
I've now bought a Autohelm personal fluxgate compass.
Other wise for coastal navigation, it is back to horizontal sextant
angles.

The Metal Boat Society (MBS) website has a lot of information on
compasses (including fluxgate) and metal boats; use the search
facility on their website:

http://www.metalboatsociety.com/

Cheers, jimthom

Hi

Thanks, I'll have a look.

Steve

(jimthom) wrote in message . com...
The Metal Boat Society (MBS) website has a lot of information on
compasses (including fluxgate) and metal boats; use the search
facility on their website:

http://www.metalboatsociety.com/

Cheers, jimthom