Compasses
Binnacle Mount Marine Compass
Economy option suitable for powerboats and multi-hulls.
Below is illustrated the FULL INTERNAL GIMBAL SYSTEM showing how the card and lubber line remain level even when in pitch and roll. This system is designed for sailing mono-hulls.
Seamaster 4'' Card Compasses
The larger the compass card the easier it is to read, especially on a long night watch and therefore the more accurate the course steered. Aboard ships an eight-inch card would be normal with six-inch cards for wing compasses.
We offer our exceptionally good value Seamaster compasses with four options: the card can be flat or conical and the choice will largely be dictated by where the compass can be sited. If the helm can look down on the compass then a flat card can be chosen, as these are designed to be read across the top to the far lubber line, with the advantage that the dome acts as a lens, magnifying the scale and lubber line.
If though the compass has to be mounted nearer the helm's line of sight and some people prefer this head up position and many boat consoles determine it, then an edge reading conical card will be necessary.
The other choices are either a 360º gimballed card and lubber line or a 60º tilting card.
Obviously a tilting card is a much less expensive option than a fully gimballed system. Most sailing boats need a fully gimballed card as a gust will lock up a tilting card as, if beating to windward, you are already heeled 20° a further 10° in a gust will lock up a tilting card. On the other hand in a motor boat or multihull, that seldom rolls more than 15° either way there is no point in the extra expense of a fully gimballed card.
These compasses are suitable for high-speed motorboats with shock absorbing to aeronautical standards.
60º tilting Flat Card 7800F £79.95
360º gimbaled Flat Card 7850F £89.95
60º tilting Conical Card 7800C £89.95
360º gimbaled Conical Card 7850C £99.95