Phillip wrote: > Writing from the context of that trip what were your observations > and criticisms about the compasses employed by the others? > And what would constitute a 'decent compass'? > > For the readership at large what compasses would they rate > as the best if they could be catagorized to be among the top > three? Well in the context of the trip it surprised me just how many people did not have any compass on the deck on both the two trips I helped run that week. having paddled offshore I find it very uncomfortable to have to relie on following others if i have not got a compass on the deck to keep on course. A few used Silva map compass which I find very hard to read and also do not have enough dampening when afloat. Basically I regard a compass which is well dampened and easy to read as the best option. My old favourite was the Suunto tactical compass which was flash mounted into the deck. No problems of it getting smashed when doing rescues. However, they do not make it now. As I did not want to go to the trouble of making a new recess for a compass I ended up buying the Ritchie small boat compass with 2 3/4 inch dome. As its about three feet from my eyes its ok and as I wear glasses I fitted it close in case I ever found myself paddling without them. Downside is that it stands a bit proud and last week I smashed the two plastic mounting prongs when doing a rescue. luckily I had set it up so it was tied on and also secured by two bits of shockcord running around the compass. If I really wanted to fit a better compass and do the recessing then I'd probably go for one of the Plastimo yachting ones and mount it up the bow as I find this to be a good spot. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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