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/

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/

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/

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

"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.

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