"Jon Klapper" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the quick responses. the compass is a Danforth 4-1/2"
Binnacle Mount Constellation series C483 (I think. Its old - I don't
know how old but it looks like the current model so it was probably
made in the 80's. The dome is crazed. Since its mounted on top of the
cockpit table in front of the wheel my assumption is it took a hit
from a martini shaker.


These compass domes are made of Lexan and the biggest enemy of Lexan is
oil.. I would suspect that someone has wiped the dome with a oily rag. The
oil on Lexan causes crazing as you discribe.

I had the same problem with my Richie binnicale mount on my last boat.. The
crazing was limited to the very lower area of the dome, near the chrome
shroud. I suspect the previous owner had wiped it with something oily. My
Richie instructions mentioned that oil should not be applied to the dome,
etc.. or words to that effect.

I never did do anything about it and once, when I returned it to Richie for
service, they didn't even offer to replace the dome. Never effected the
viewabilty or function.


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions