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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

where to mount a compass...

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Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/25/2003 : 21:12:09

Greetings!
I recently purchased a 1997 C-250 wing keel and even more recently joined the 25/250 National Association. I'm amazed at the wealth of experience you all share in this forum! In fact, that's what convinced me to join.
Even though I sail on the Chesapeake and am never out of sight of land, I feel a boat should have a compass (a feeling the previous owner did not share). I'd like to hear from anyone who's mounted a bulkhead compass on a C-250. I was wondering if the cabin top winches caused any error. Has anyone tried locating one under the mainsheet traveler? I was considering locating the compass where my non-functional stick-on clinometer is. What concerns me is what's behind it. There's a cylindrical shape underneath with no apparent function. Any ideas?
<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davendeb/misc/interior.jpg" border=0>

Dave
<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davendeb/boat/images/thumbnails/boat.jpg" border=0>
"Frayed Knot"
C-250wk #270

Edited by - bubba on 09/07/2003 21:17:25

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2003 : 22:07:34

Hi Dave, congrats on the boat and welcome to the forum.

The cylindrical shape exist for use on the center board boat so no sweat to the compass near that location.

Now a couple of more thoughts. The best seats in the house... are using the bulkheads for a back rest. I've tried to preserve those but have had to encroach on one side though I kept the autopilot and sounder very close to the companionway to avoid giving it up all together.

I will never consider anything on the port side that comes close to messing with this lounge.

On the other hand... a compass that low wouldn't be ideal because of the eye movement needed to scan it.

Check out all the options before making the move... mounting on swing arms has become much more common and some mount things on a board that drops into the hatchway which is easily stepped over. Fishfinders for example are often used in place of a sounder as they can spot the bottom surface and assist greatly in anchoring by showing wear weeds exist or hard bottoms or rocks. The fish finders are often mounted on one of the small hatch boards along with a compass.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2003 : 22:40:14

Dave,

Congratulations on the new boat and welcome to the C25/250 National Association.

As for where to mount the compass on your C250 I don't really know since I have a C25, but I have to agree with Arlyn about keeping the cockpit backrests somewhat clear for lounging purposes.

On my boat, the compass is mounted on the starboard bulkhead/backrest and is positioned so that it protrudes into the small of one's back when trying to lounge against it. Putting a cushion over the compass helps, but if I were installing one I would probably opt for a different location.

Check out this compass installation by Oscar van Loveren on his C250, Lady Kay.

http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3215

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9ffdf1d0000003010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

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willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2003 : 23:37:43

Bubba,
I just mounted a small Saturn compass on my starboard bulkhead and I put it below the already mounted depth/knotmeter so the prime backresting area there was already compromised. I did mount it lower than on any other boat I've owned so that it is possible to lean there with a small pillow over it. The two biggest advantages I can think of to this spot for mounting is the proximity to the electric box and visibility when sailing. While higher might have been slightly better for viewing, it would have had some costs in comfort.The bulkheads are really where it needs to be on a boat with tiller steering.

Edgy, WB#655
Rehoboth Bay, DE

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2003 : 10:11:47

Welcome Dave.....where on the Chesapeake are you?

Thanks Don for digging that up......

I did not report on the one drawback to that solution.......people moving in and out of the cabin in a seaway......little ones and older ones that don't have sea legs and have trouble holding on.... and if there's something within reach to bump into and break........they will. So the hatchboard is back where it started: in the garage, in two pieces.

Admittedly it was not a very sturdy piece, so now I'm debating whether to repeat the exercise with a heavier piece, possibly starboard, or to look for another spot.

However, just like Bubba I sailed the Chesapeake this summer, and found that I spent most of my time using the compass rose on my handheld Garmin76. Especially the big arrow pointing me in the right direction. I know the compass rose is not really a compass, and only represents some accuracy with a way on. So in moments of doubt I grab the handheld bearing compass I've owned for years, (West Marine Item 108241/page 822) and get a magnetic reading. Also handy for a quick bearing on a landmark to make sure that what Garmin is telling me, and that what I see are the same thing. (The chart is NEVER out of reach).

In other words, I don't really need a steering compass right now....

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/Forumshots/sunglitter.JPG" border=0>

Edited by - Oscar on 08/26/2003 10:15:12

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Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2003 : 19:18:22

Thanks for the feedback! I too have resisted using the bulkheads, and not just because of the backrest they provide. One side has the VHF mounted right behind it in the cabin and the other side has a depth sounder display. I figure either one when switched on will play tricks on a good compass. I might follow Oscar's lead and try a handheld for a while... By the way Oscar, our boat is at Herrington Harbour North near Deale, MD.

Dave
<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davendeb/boat/images/thumbnails/boat.jpg" border=0>
"Frayed Knot"
C-250wk #270

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2003 : 20:28:27

I received a Christmas gift a couple of years ago and though it is not a precision hand bearing compass, it has gotten a lot of use. It serves as calender, alarm clock, hand compass, and thermometer. I keep it close at night while at anchor as its easy to light up the display and monitor boat swing. It has both 5 deg digital readout and a LCD compass rose display. The compass part shuts down to conserve batteries... the unit is 1.5 years old now and I've not changed the batteries.

<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/hand_compass.jpg" border=0>

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2003 : 20:44:31

Roger the Deale...our summer cruise included Knapps Narrows, Annapolis, Baltimore Oxford and St Michaels. Beautiful cruising grounds....

You remind me, one family vacation, first time on big water, our navigation was seriously screwed up, and my parents were barely talking anymore when mom put the radio back in the new teak rack that dad had created, right on the other side of the bulkhead, just a dad and I were watching the compass do a 360......the radio was banned to the v-berth....things got better after that <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/Forumshots/sunglitter.JPG" border=0>

Edited by - Oscar on 08/26/2003 20:48:52

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frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2003 : 21:06:10

Welcome to HHN we're over on N dock. I mounted a compass on the port bulkhead and the depth meter on the starboard bulkhead. It's nice to have a compass - especially when you have a crew steering and you are dancing on the deck raising or lowering the mainsail. Just tell them to hold the course to xxx. I have also found the GPS to be great when used with the compass. Comparing the two I have up to 28 degrees of side slip due to current and beating close hauled. Maybe I'm not doing something incorrectly when close hauled - first year sailing anything other than a dingy.

Edited by - frankr on 08/26/2003 21:12:11

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2003 : 00:08:59

Frank,

Every sailor would no doubt like to believe that the lay line to a mark is 90 degrees off the bow. And, it is for some. My old Hobie 18 would do it... but it went fast and had large dagger boards. Time was part of the factor... there just wasn't as much time for leeway to get its grip... and, the Hobie was right down on the water... it didn't suffer much leeway, and the apparent wind with its speed went so far forward that sheets could be hauled hat band tight.

To make the mark on a C250 in heavy air requires a lot more than 90 degrees and of course will vary depending on how far the mark is away and what kind of seaway exist. Generally I've experienced any thing from 110 if close to the mark to 130 or more if at a distance. Significant leeway is a given.

There are however, some things that will help. Don't pinch... keep the boat moving well and head up to gain to weather when the boat has sped up but fall off at the first sign of slowing. Ensure that your beat to weather is setting 3-4 degrees of weather helm. The tiller should be 3-4 degrees to weather to hold the course, this will set both the keel and rudder up for maximum lift to drag ratio to weather. Don't oversheet, the faster your going the tighter the sheets can be as the apparent wind moves forward. Bucking a seaway, undersheet and keep power in the sails to drive thru.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2003 : 00:33:23

Welcome Dave,
When I ordered my wb250 I asked the dealer to install the compass and depth meter. He suggested the spot and I agreed. Although I understand the loss of the back rest, I enjoy the location and have no regrets. Also easy to access if need be in the future. Good luck with your boat!!
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d607b3127cce8d0ca87cd7cb0000001610" border=0><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3db00b3127cce8839e8d432620000001610" border=0>

Suzie, Tropical Sleigh
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da07b3127cce96a441e875780000001010" border=0>
WB #619 Sarasota FL.

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frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2003 : 10:19:28

Thanks Arlyn - I do have a tendency to over sheet. And I have noticed more side drift in calmer wind conditions and sloooow boat speeds as opposed to when we're ripping along at 5 to 6 kts.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2003 : 11:04:10

I guess that,as usual, I'm the odd man out!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I didn't want to give up the wonderful bulkhead backrest (and the starboard side was already occupied by the knotmeter and depthguage). I was also chary about a companionway mounting as that area is so vulnerable to trauma! I found a mast mount (designed for J-22's) at Sailnet and installed the compass on this and then attached it to the mast under the boom. It is clearly visible from the cockpit (by the crew) as the vang is always to one side of it or the other. It's wired into the running lights for night sailing.
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2003 : 11:21:26

Thought about that, but I guess it would not work lowering the mast ....

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/Forumshots/sunglitter.JPG" border=0>

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2003 : 16:04:25

Oscar - that's not a big deal. You wire the compass with quick-release connectors and the mount only has 2 screws holding it in the mast track. <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

Edited by - on

PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2003 : 12:57:27

I have a 79 CAT25 that already had the compass mounted below the
companion way entry. Pros: It leaves the bulkheads free, it probably
was an easy mount as that bulkhead is vertical.
Cons: it took some time to get used to looking in that spot and the view angles are not optimal, it gets bumped sometimes when people pass thru the hatch in a hurry, and crews legs obscure the view.

The bulkhead mount is probably superior from a navigation standpoint.
Smaller 'tacking compasses' can be obtained that go on the combing
near your winches. You might see if something like that would be convenient for you.

Paul C25FK Sparky
'PZ' W7JVY KFS/KTK/KLB/KOK/WNU/KPH/WCC/VAI/VAJ

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 20:21:05

I compromised on the hand bearing vs. permanent mount question and bought a Plastimo Iris 100 hand bearing compass with a mounting bracket. Since I'll be stowing it below when not sailing, I placed the bracket on the companionway hatch. Here's how it looks from the aft end of the cockpit - the compass card is quite readable. I've also included a close-up of the snap-in mounting bracket.
<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davendeb/misc/compass.jpg" border=0><img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davendeb/misc/compass_bracket.jpg" border=0>

Dave & Deb
<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/davendeb/boat/images/thumbnails/boat.jpg" border=0>
"Frayed Knot"
C-250wk #270

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