Posted by Jonathan Labaree on February 06, 2001 at 17:29:18 from 207.5.233.128:
In Reply to: Compass for dinghy posted by JOHN NICHOLSON on February 06, 2001 at 00:34:59:
The best hand bearing compass I've seen is the one that Vion makes (Mini 2000 hand bearing compass). It's not cheap--US$ 125. Davis Instruments makes a much less expensive hand bearing compass for around US$ 30 ($40 with a light), but it's not as accurate. (I looked up these prices at West Marine's web site--they are a major marine supplier in the States.)
The Vion is an excellent bearing compass that allows very accurate readings. Unlike the Davis, which has a pistol grip-type handle, you can lay the Vion flat. So, you could put it on a thwart or the floorboards as you row, but the numbers are small, perhaps too small to steer by. It wouldn't work too well if you are sailing because its gimballing is designed simply for hand-held use, not healing.
You may find you need two compasses--one for steering and one for taking bearings. The Woodenboat forum recently had a discussion about boxed compasses that might be useful. Hand bearing compasses all tend to have small cards. Indeed, the Vion relies on magnification built into to its viewing sights to get as accurate a reading as possible.
West Marine's site has pictures of these products in case that's helpful.
-- Jonathan