sketchrbob
New member
I'll start this off by saying the answer is probably -- the one you are using right now (assuming you do have a compass).
The reason for this is that you are used to it and probably comfortable with it. If it does the job and you can read it easily there is no need to change. I do not know what compasses were originally supplied with C Dory but my guess would be a Ritchie model - either a Helmsman or Voyager in either a flush mount or a deck mount. The Helmsman has a 3 3/4" card while the Voyager has a 3" card. These are both fine compasses, but older eyes get tired and the larger card is definitely helpful.
So about the only time you will need to decide about a compass is when you trade boats and do not like the compass that came with it, or when the repairs to your present compass would cost as much as a new compass. For this reason always get an estimate on repair cost.
When the time comes when you need to make a selection it can be confusing because there are so many choices. Flat Top or Dome Top? Which manufacturer? What size? Direct Read or Open Face card? Flush Mount or Deck Mount? Hi-Speed or Standard? Magnetic or Flux Gate? Many of these choices are a matter of personal preference. However, since I have adjusted hundreds of compasses, I am often asked what my personal choice would be.
I must admit that I am prejudiced in favor of Ritchie compasses. I sold Danforths, Dirigos, Rivieras (an Italian compass) and Ritchies. The Ritchies always impressed me with the quality of parts, ease of repair, the wide choice of models, and the integrity of the company organization.
However, there is a basic difference between the Danforths and Ritchies. The Ritchies are a little more sensitive than the Danforths. This means that the Danforths do not take as long to "settle out" when coming to a new course. The Ritchies on the other hand will be quicker to follow minor course changes. This is due to the lighter weight of the aluminum card of the Ritchie -- which incidentally does not wear the jewel and pivot as rapidly. Actually I think mostl people would not notice the difference between the two compasses unless it was pointed out to them.
Next, I favor the open face card over the "Direct Read" card which is like the old automobile compass. Again this is a matter of personal preference. If you cannot decide, they now make combo cards that can be read either way.
Third, I like a binnacle or "deck" mount compass where the whole compass sits above the dash board. This compass has its whole "guts" up in the open. I have seen too many compasses of the flush mount variety with their magnetic systems below deck and very close to magnetic fields from radio speakers, wiring circuits, steering pumps and fire extinguishers. People often disturb a perfectly adjusted compass by adding some of these items without a thought to the compass. Further the deck mount compass is so much easier to adjust, as the correcting screws are easy to access. The flush mounts have to be put in and taken out every time a small adjustment is made.
C Dorys will function just fine with a standard card and do not need the larger magnets or heavier oil of the Hi-Speed card. Of course I do admit that the Hi Speed card may impress your guests!
Spherical Dome compasses have magnification that make the numbers easier to read than Flat Tops. However, if you are more comfortable with a Flat Top got with that.
How big a compass? Get the largest compass that you have space for and can afford. I used to tell my customers, "Just because you have a small boat, doesn't mean you have small eyes."
What about Flux Gate compasses? At something over twice the price of the Ritchie Helmsman the KVH flux gate is a digital compass that can be bought as an "all in one" unit or with a separate sensor that can be mounted away from all magnetic interference. The flux gates are still affected by magnetic influence but can be easily adjusted often by making three slow circles. The use of GPS has greatly cut into the use of the flux gates. Many people say "How many back-ups do I really need?
So my choice for a C Dory would be a Ritchie 3 3/4" Helmsman, Open Face Card, Deck Mount , Standard Speed Oh yes, you often have a choice of colors on the card, black, white, red, or blue. Personal choice I would choose black. I had a white card on my compass at one time and found that it often reflected light which was annoying.
So that brings us in full circle and I suspect it is the compass many of you already have!
Ok Guys and Gals, I hope I have given you enought to chew on. What are your thoughts? Bob W
The reason for this is that you are used to it and probably comfortable with it. If it does the job and you can read it easily there is no need to change. I do not know what compasses were originally supplied with C Dory but my guess would be a Ritchie model - either a Helmsman or Voyager in either a flush mount or a deck mount. The Helmsman has a 3 3/4" card while the Voyager has a 3" card. These are both fine compasses, but older eyes get tired and the larger card is definitely helpful.
So about the only time you will need to decide about a compass is when you trade boats and do not like the compass that came with it, or when the repairs to your present compass would cost as much as a new compass. For this reason always get an estimate on repair cost.
When the time comes when you need to make a selection it can be confusing because there are so many choices. Flat Top or Dome Top? Which manufacturer? What size? Direct Read or Open Face card? Flush Mount or Deck Mount? Hi-Speed or Standard? Magnetic or Flux Gate? Many of these choices are a matter of personal preference. However, since I have adjusted hundreds of compasses, I am often asked what my personal choice would be.
I must admit that I am prejudiced in favor of Ritchie compasses. I sold Danforths, Dirigos, Rivieras (an Italian compass) and Ritchies. The Ritchies always impressed me with the quality of parts, ease of repair, the wide choice of models, and the integrity of the company organization.
However, there is a basic difference between the Danforths and Ritchies. The Ritchies are a little more sensitive than the Danforths. This means that the Danforths do not take as long to "settle out" when coming to a new course. The Ritchies on the other hand will be quicker to follow minor course changes. This is due to the lighter weight of the aluminum card of the Ritchie -- which incidentally does not wear the jewel and pivot as rapidly. Actually I think mostl people would not notice the difference between the two compasses unless it was pointed out to them.
Next, I favor the open face card over the "Direct Read" card which is like the old automobile compass. Again this is a matter of personal preference. If you cannot decide, they now make combo cards that can be read either way.
Third, I like a binnacle or "deck" mount compass where the whole compass sits above the dash board. This compass has its whole "guts" up in the open. I have seen too many compasses of the flush mount variety with their magnetic systems below deck and very close to magnetic fields from radio speakers, wiring circuits, steering pumps and fire extinguishers. People often disturb a perfectly adjusted compass by adding some of these items without a thought to the compass. Further the deck mount compass is so much easier to adjust, as the correcting screws are easy to access. The flush mounts have to be put in and taken out every time a small adjustment is made.
C Dorys will function just fine with a standard card and do not need the larger magnets or heavier oil of the Hi-Speed card. Of course I do admit that the Hi Speed card may impress your guests!
Spherical Dome compasses have magnification that make the numbers easier to read than Flat Tops. However, if you are more comfortable with a Flat Top got with that.
How big a compass? Get the largest compass that you have space for and can afford. I used to tell my customers, "Just because you have a small boat, doesn't mean you have small eyes."
What about Flux Gate compasses? At something over twice the price of the Ritchie Helmsman the KVH flux gate is a digital compass that can be bought as an "all in one" unit or with a separate sensor that can be mounted away from all magnetic interference. The flux gates are still affected by magnetic influence but can be easily adjusted often by making three slow circles. The use of GPS has greatly cut into the use of the flux gates. Many people say "How many back-ups do I really need?
So my choice for a C Dory would be a Ritchie 3 3/4" Helmsman, Open Face Card, Deck Mount , Standard Speed Oh yes, you often have a choice of colors on the card, black, white, red, or blue. Personal choice I would choose black. I had a white card on my compass at one time and found that it often reflected light which was annoying.
So that brings us in full circle and I suspect it is the compass many of you already have!
Ok Guys and Gals, I hope I have given you enought to chew on. What are your thoughts? Bob W
