Compass

[Byron Henry]

I have a compass that came with the boat I purchased used. The boat is a 24ft Searay, but there is no name on the compass...what I need to know is how to add more liquid (and what kind) to the compass since a lot of it evaporated. I took it apart and there is a rubber seal at the bottom that is glued or sealed. Any suggestions or should I just replace the whole thing?

 

[AndyL]

Re: Compass

There should be a filling plug in the base somewhere. The rubber seal is presumably a diaphragm which is there to compensate for temperature variation. You need to identify what your compass is filled with. On most "high speed" compasses the damping medium is oil. (Compass oil) although some use alchohol.<br />I would suggest you put a few drops of the fluid onto some news paper and leave it a while. If the paper goes and stays translucent it is probably oil, if the drops evaporate and the paper returns to looking like paper then it is probably alcohol.<br />Once you have decided which medium you have you should be able to get the right one from a somewhere. I have heard that Gin will do as alcholol for topping up as is clear. The compass oil is quite specialised so get the right one. To top it up use a hypodermic syringe and big needle and ensure you leave no bubbles when sealing it. Check also the condition of the gasket on the filling plug as that may be the source of the fluid loss in the first place.<br />Good luck.<br />Andy

 

[cuzner]

Re: Compass

I believe you have a richie compass.

 

[JB]

Re: Compass

In a Ritchie compass the fluid is odorless Mineral Spirits, available at any drug store.<br /><br />Good luck.