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#1
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Deck Compass Recommendations
Ki Ayker wrote:
I have used a Silva UN Marine for a number of years and am quite satisfied with it. It comes with a mounting bracket which can be bolted onto the boat with some modifications (it's designed to fit on a flat surface), after which the compass can be easily plugged into it, or unplugged and stored. You can buy additional mounting brackets at a very reasonable price if needed. I seem to trade off between different boats so I purchased a quick mount which according to the label says it is manufactured by Paddlers Supply Company, Escondido, California (760) 739-8363. It is designed for the Silva compass and quickly affixes to the deck with bunjie cords, so now I can easily move the compass and mount from boat to boat. All that said, these days more often then not I simply use a small hikers compass which is tied to the cord on my paddling jacket and rests comfortably on my sprayskirt. It's always with me so if I get caught in the fog it's not a problem. I really don't think your average sea kayaker really needs the sophistication of an expensive marine compass or even a GPS for what we typically do. But I admit that I like a good gadget as much as the next guy :-) The principle advantage of a deck mounted compass a 1) You can easily take readings in any conditions without having to take your hand(s) off the paddle. 2) You can verify your heading while underway with nothing more than a downward glance. These things become quite important when you're out in rough water and limited visibility. Whe you need it most, a handheld compass is the least useful. -- Regards Brian |
#2
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Deck Compass Recommendations
The principle advantage of a deck mounted compass a
1) You can easily take readings in any conditions without having to take your hand(s) off the paddle. 2) You can verify your heading while underway with nothing more than a downward glance. I don't have any problem doing these things with a hikers compass sitting on my sprayskirt. I suppose in really big seas my hikers compass could get washed aside to where I would have to pause and reposition it. I have never had this happen, but it certainly could. I'm sure that if this was to become a problem I could easily rig something to help keep it in place. Navigating a kayak with a compass is anything but rocket science. Even when using a well dampened marine compass the needle will be swaying from side to side as you paddle. In rougher seas it gets even worst! The compass is only useful for fairly approximate directions. Then you need to try to factor in wind and currents. That is why most of your texts that deal with kayak navigation will recommend that you steer to one side or the other of your target when making a long crossing so you will at least know for certain which way you need to turn to hit your mark when you reach land. Otherwise you might not know if you missed your target to the left or to the right and you'd just have to make your best guess. I do admit, however, that a good marine compass looks really cool on the boat. Scott So.Cal. |
#3
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Deck Compass Recommendations
I do admit, however, that a good marine compass looks really cool on
the boat. Just don't stow your radio right under the compass, like I did, the magnet of the speaker will give false readings. |
#4
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Deck Compass Recommendations
Ki Ayker wrote: The principle advantage of a deck mounted compass a 1) You can easily take readings in any conditions without having to take your hand(s) off the paddle. 2) You can verify your heading while underway with nothing more than a downward glance. I don't have any problem doing these things with a hikers compass sitting on my sprayskirt. I suppose in really big seas my hikers compass could get washed aside to where I would have to pause and reposition it. I have never had this happen, but it certainly could. I'm sure that if this was to become a problem I could easily rig something to help keep it in place. That still leaves you with the problem of having to look down at your lap to navigate. For many people, this can cause nausea or even full-blown sea sickness. Additionally, if you're looking at your lap, you're not looking at the water. Navigating a kayak with a compass is anything but rocket science. Even when using a well dampened marine compass the needle will be swaying from side to side as you paddle. In rougher seas it gets even worst! Not nearly as much as you think. When you have a compass that's within your line of sight, it's quite easy to maintain a consistent heading, depite the inevitable swings. The compass is only useful for fairly approximate directions. Then you need to try to factor in wind and currents. That is why most of your texts that deal with kayak navigation will recommend that you steer to one side or the other of your target when making a long crossing so you will at least know for certain which way you need to turn to hit your mark when you reach land. Otherwise you might not know if you missed your target to the left or to the right and you'd just have to make your best guess. Of course; that's simply Navigation 101. However, you still need to be able to check the compass frequently in order to maintain the desired heading, unless you have ranges you can use to check your course. I do admit, however, that a good marine compass looks really cool on the boat. I won't even dignify that comment with a response. -- Regards Brian |
#5
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Deck Compass Recommendations
I do admit, however, that a good marine compass looks really cool on the
boat. I won't even dignify that comment with a response. Uh, I think you just did :-) |
#6
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Deck Compass Recommendations
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