RE: [Paddlewise] Really Decent Compass Units?

I use a Ritchie deck mounted compass, but also carry a silva 'orienteering'
style compass. The main design feature of these compasses is that they have
a ruler and protractor built into the base plate (That is why they have a
rotating bezel, *not* for taking sights of distant objects). While I agree
that a deck mounted compass is the best tool for taking bearings from a
kayak and holding a course, the silva compass/protractor is extremely useful
in a kayak for taking bearings and distances from a chart/map, and is always
there for use as a spare compass.

For those of you who don't carry a silva style compass, how do you take
bearings from your chart ???

Compass trivia: ever tried to use a silva style compass manufactured for use
in the Northern hemisphere in the southern hemisphere, or vice versa? Lines
of magnetic force do not run parrallel over the whole surface of the earth,
at the poles for example, the magnetic force is *down*. The needle of a
compass is balanced to sit horizontally in which ever magnetic zone it was
designed to be primarily used in, and for a Northern hemisphere compass the
balance is on the wrong end of the needle in the southern hemisphere, where
it sits irritatingly against the base plate.

Cheers

Colin Calder
57º19'N  2º10'W

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