Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
The Catalina 25 has a steep bulkhead angle that requires most bulkhead mount compasses to use a teak leveling block. Does anyone have a good compass solution to recommend that avoids the leveling block?. Specific manufactuer, model number and any web links would be much appreciated. Many thanks !!
I recently installed a SUUNTO Bulkhead Mount Sailing Compass. It provides excellent readability in all conditions. Legible and stable 4.5" dia. card, top or front reading. It can be mounted up to 45° front tilt.
<ul><li>Apparent Card Dia.: 4 1/2" </li><li>Card Type: Dual reading </li><li> Mounting Style: Bulkhead </li><li> Case Material: ABS Plastic </li><li> Case Dimensions: 6.2" dia x 2.5"D </li><li> Lubberlines: Yes </li><li> Clinometer: Yes </li><li> Lighting: Yes </li><li> Warranty: Three years </li></ul>
It reports to have a cover available but I have yet to find one. That is my only complaint. The West Marine Model #: 120472 and the Manuf. Part #: 51-B116SW, it retails for about $130.00
For Father's Day, my kids gave me a yet-to-be-installed Plastimo Mini-Contest bulkhead mount compass to replace a Suunto compass that has seen better days. This compass can be mounted on surfaces from vertical to around 15 degrees, as I suspect is the case with most compasses of this type.
Not wanting to have a "bulge" on the bulkhead to make reclining painful (!), I bought a Platismo (the larger version to Don's) and bolted it to a J-22 mast mount (bought from JSL) on the mast under the vang. It's readily visible from the cockpit and can be seen by the crew on either rail. I wired it into the running lights. Derek
Mounting alternative for the compass. I have an 'auxillary' bottom hatchboard (made of plywood)with the compass mounted in the center. It could also be used to mount GPS & etc. too. I put it in place when sailing... pull it out and stow it away when at the dock.
I'm very pleased with my PLASTIMO Contest 101 Bulkhead Compass.
Note that there are several colors to choose from. I especially like the see-thru feature. The exterior bulge doesn't seem to get in the way of lounging against the bulkhead. Readability, day and night, even in less than ideal sailing conditions, is excellent. The included cover is a nice touch, but I added a snap-on Sunbrella cover over the whole thing. (My previous bulkhead steering compass seemed to have died of sunburn.)
I have the same compass as Leon, the plastimo contest 101. The double reading feature is really neat. I don't know if it is useful, but it sure looks cool when the sunlight shines through. It should really look good at night after I hook up the light. I mounted it in the bulkhead over the sink.
The mounting instructions sucked, but if you are handy, no problem.
The PO had it mounted in the space just below the companion way and the cockpit sole. It took a little getting used to, but is OK. It is a little hard to read if crew's legs are in the way tho. Nobody has kicked it yet.
When I replaced my compass last year the only one out of the box that dealth with the bulkhead angle that the c 25 presents us with is the Suunto that Clif pictured. Works quite well under any sailing conditions and agrees with my GPS...makes me happy
A special "Thank You" to all that have responded with such good suggestions. And the detail and images are very helpful. It is terrific to have this forum and such great sailors with information to share on the unique C25 owners experience.
The great responses have prompted me to research Plastimo Contest 130. It has a more traditional look and they make a version for inclined bulkheads to 25 degrees. Does anyone have any experience with this model?
Also, I hope members will continue to add their varied expertise on this thread.
My compass is a Suunto (don't recall exactly which model), but frankly I hardly ever look at it since the GPS is right next to it and is more accurate. I am hardly likely to get lost on Folsom Lake amyway, since it is only 3 miles across and not subject to fog at any season of the year where I might be out sailing. Of course, if I ever move the boat permanently to San Francisco Bay, where it does get foggy, the compass would assume a lot more importance as a backup to the GPS if it quits working for some reason.
I replaced a older Plastimo 101 with a new one about 3 1/2 years ago. The PO had lost the cover and the clear plastic was so yellow and scratched it was impossible to read it. Luckily the Admiral is vertically challenged and is able to recline on that side of the cockpit with no problem.
I just ordered a new Plastimo Contest 101 from WWW.ahoycaptain.com for the best price around. They carried the model designed for 10-25 degree incline.
Before mounting my new Plastimo Mini Contest this past weekend, I held it against the inclined bulkhead while turning the boat and the compass worked just fine. After mounting it, I took the boat out in both high winds and waves and it worked as advertised.
I also have the Suunto and they do make a cover for it. I'll have to look up the part number; they're around $12 bucks. I got this one from Hamiltom Marine here in Portland, Maine. Compass works great.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.