RE: [Paddlewise] compasses in different latitudes

> Anyway, the question was raised whether sailing compasses could or
> should
> be adjusted some how when used in different latitudes. I've never read
> of
> anyone doing this, and I believe it's because marine compasses are
> highly
> "gimbaled" anyway to allow for listing, and so would not be affected
> by the
> vertical changes. Comments?
> 
	I was reading one of Lynn & Larry Pardee's (sail) cruising books
recently.  In it they mentioned having navigational problems when
reaching the South Pacific (I think) from somewhere north.  They would
take their celestial sightings, plot their course and be consistantly
(dangerously) off course by a few degrees.  When they checked, all of
their compasses were off so it wasn't a magnetic problem.

	Apparently this was their first time having crossed the equator
(or whatever) and someone told them about the compass variance.  They
went to a professional compass adjuster and the problem was soon
recticified.  Apparently the adjustments are fairly complex and/or
delicate.

	I don't remember all the specifics but I am sure of the context.
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