Boat compass?

[saltrunner75]

Hi, just curious about guys running compasses, I ran one on my old center console boat that had just sonar, then I installed a gps sonar combo and didn't think I used the compass after that, in my current boat I put in a gps sonar combo and didn't see much reason for a compass, found out I was wrong, on a recent trip to try for some burbot near firehole we anchored and fished into the darkness, no moon and cloudy, it was pitch black, I fired up the boat and Started to go using the gps, you have to move a ways before it can tell what direction you are going and there is a few seconds of lag (on mine anyway) had a heck of a time getting headed in the right direction I could not tell how much I was turning, finally was able to see a star through the clouds so I could tell how much I turned,was able to get lined out then followed my track back to buckboard, well I ordered a Ritchie in dash compass today, I've also heard thick fog can make a gps not work, mine has always worked at bear lake in the fog, so I don't know if that's tue or not, anyone had experience with your gps quitting in the fog?

 

[AFDan52]

Hi Saltrunner, I've never run into that problem . But This it a very good subject, I'm going to be watching for some answers. I have thought about installing a compass on my boat.

 

[Bduck]

Jay, my Raymarine unit is also equipped with a compass but never realized the need to use it. As with you I did notice a delay when moving the boat. Just trying to follow waypoints I can never get right over them on a normal as to how the delay takes you. Also a Bear L fanatic I haven't seen the fog interfere with the GPS. A piece of advice when installing a compass is make sure there are no magnetic plates or parts(screws, bolts) nearby. These will insure false readings.

 

[SuperD]

I've always run an old fashion compass on my dash. GPS units are great but dependent on several things like power and a working unit. The prices for standalone compasses range greatly from $10 to $100, so, the little bit of added insurance can be relatively cheap.

 

[saltrunner75]

Compass

Thanks for the replies! And the heads up about interference, I knew with my boat being aluminum it would not be a problem but my preferred mounting location is near my steering and radio guess I should check things with a magnet and see what is ferris metals and what's not. Thanks

 

[saltrunner75]

Compass

The compass I ordered has built in compensators, so hopefully I will be able to mount in in my preferred spot

 

[Bduck]

The compass I ordered has built in compensators, so hopefully I will be able to mount in in my preferred spot

I feel you will be fine with your location. Even when I worked on fighter aircraft they had a separate compass from their GPS system. When mounting in the designated slot with screws those screws had to be non-magnetic. However the compass was still surrounded by ferrous material but not directly within intermediate local.