Re: [Paddlewise] Mounting a compass

From: <Bhansen97_at_aol.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 15:05:52 EDT
Jerry - Not everyone needs a compass on a kayak. If you never venture out of 
a small confined area which you already know quite well, and if you never 
paddle when there's any chance of fog, then maybe you don't need a compass.

On the other hand, there's a lot you can learn if you do have a compass and 
learn how to use it - and I think it adds to the fun of paddling.

If you do decide that you want or need a compass, I believe strongly that you 
should mount it on the deck, or in the deck. Attachments to the froward hatch 
cover are possible, and they have their uses, but those and the bungie-cord 
attachments are prone to errors, since the compass won't always line up 
exactly with the boat, and it may also shift its position in any kind of 
weather.

A hand-held compass is very helpful, and I think one should have *both* a 
hand-held and a fixed-mount compass, and learn how to use them. They have 
different uses, and there are many times when both will be needed.

Bill Hansen
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Received on Sun Oct 10 1999 - 12:06:43 PDT

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