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#1
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Deck Compass Recommendations
I want to buy a removable deck compass for my touring kayak and would
appreciate recommendations on features, brands and models. I have several kayaks and don't want to buy a separate compass for each one, so one that can be moved between kayaks might be best. A store near me offers one model called Suunto Orca, but it has very small numbers that seemingly would be hard to read, and appeared to be made of cheap plastic. Can I do better for under $100 USD? Thanks, John John Caldeira Dallas, Texas, USA http://www.outdoorplace.org/ |
#2
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Deck Compass Recommendations
The problem with this type of compass is that they're prone to
variations in mounting and shifing in use. They're simply not accurate. They are certainly better than nothing, but I wouldn't rely on one. I suggest that you bite the bullet and buy compasses each boat and mount them securely. If you seach the web, you can find the Ritchie Kayaker for under $50 at places like Hamilton Marine. If your boats have a recess for the Brunton 70P (formerly the Silva/Nexus 70P), it's expensive, but it's a great compass. -- Regards Brian John Caldeira wrote: I want to buy a removable deck compass for my touring kayak and would appreciate recommendations on features, brands and models. I have several kayaks and don't want to buy a separate compass for each one, so one that can be moved between kayaks might be best. A store near me offers one model called Suunto Orca, but it has very small numbers that seemingly would be hard to read, and appeared to be made of cheap plastic. Can I do better for under $100 USD? Thanks, John John Caldeira Dallas, Texas, USA http://www.outdoorplace.org/ |
#3
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Deck Compass Recommendations
From: Brian Nystrom Organization: AT&T Worldnet Newsgroups: rec.boats.paddle.touring Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2003 12:25:05 GMT Subject: Deck Compass Recommendations The problem with this type of compass is that they're prone to variations in mounting and shifing in use. They're simply not accurate. They are certainly better than nothing, but I wouldn't rely on one. I suggest that you bite the bullet and buy compasses each boat and mount them securely. If you seach the web, you can find the Ritchie Kayaker for under $50 at places like Hamilton Marine. If your boats have a recess for the Brunton 70P (formerly the Silva/Nexus 70P), it's expensive, but it's a great compass. -- Regards Brian I don't have a need for a compass at this time so I haven't really shopped the offereings. I have an Orca that I use for "fun" sometimes and agree that it is not one to rely on. I like that it can be moved from boat to boat effortlessly. But aren't there some compasses that have a separate mounting plate that the compass then attaches to? This would make it feasible to buy a few mounting plates and one compass. If this doesn't exist, then some innovative compass manufacturer needs to get busy... John Caldeira wrote: I want to buy a removable deck compass for my touring kayak and would appreciate recommendations on features, brands and models. I have several kayaks and don't want to buy a separate compass for each one, so one that can be moved between kayaks might be best. A store near me offers one model called Suunto Orca, but it has very small numbers that seemingly would be hard to read, and appeared to be made of cheap plastic. Can I do better for under $100 USD? Thanks, John John Caldeira Dallas, Texas, USA http://www.outdoorplace.org/ |
#4
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Deck Compass Recommendations
On 7-Nov-2003, Dave Van wrote:
But aren't there some compasses that have a separate mounting plate that the compass then attaches to? There are several. The only brand I remember ('cause I own one) is the Brunton (70UN and 70UNE - the latter being the illuminated version). There is a similar compass from another company. The Brunton is pricy, but as Brian says, it's good (the 70UN is the hand/deck mount version of the 70P). The only complaint I have with this compass is that it sits high on the deck. I really like the fact that I can take it in hand and do sightings on references and get bearings to assist in position determination. The Ritchie Kayaker compass has a twist-off feature. I assume this means that it can be removed and remounted on other kayaks. This is also an excellent compass. Mike |
#5
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Deck Compass Recommendations
"Michael Daly" wrote in message le.rogers.com... On 7-Nov-2003, Dave Van wrote: But aren't there some compasses that have a separate mounting plate that the compass then attaches to? There are several. The only brand I remember ('cause I own one) is the Brunton (70UN and 70UNE - the latter being the illuminated version). There is a similar compass from another company. The Brunton is pricy, but as Brian says, it's good (the 70UN is the hand/deck mount version of the 70P). The only complaint I have with this compass is that it sits high on the deck. I really like the fact that I can take it in hand and do sightings on references and get bearings to assist in position determination. The Ritchie Kayaker compass has a twist-off feature. I assume this means that it can be removed and remounted on other kayaks. This is also an excellent compass. Mike Well there you go... It sure seemed nuts to be forced to buy a separate compass for each boat. |
#6
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Deck Compass Recommendations
I use marine velcro to move my compass from one boat to another. I confess I
don't usually have one mounted at all. I also "dummy cord" the compass to the boat as I have knocked it off a couple times (surf and paddle strike). A friend mounted a quality compass on a wood block. The underside is sculped to match his deck ridge. He then uses bungies with clips to hold it in place. Brian Blankinship |
#7
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Deck Compass Recommendations
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 :-) Scott So.Cal. |
#8
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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 |
#9
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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. |
#10
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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. |
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