Bullhead Mount Ritchie Compass Alternative

J

JLR

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Freedom 285
I have this compass on my Freedom 285. I do not use it and would prefer to put something else in the dash where it is mounted. Has anyone done this or do you have a suggestion for a suitable alternative piece of electronics to place there. I do not want to fuss with expanding the hole of curing the dash. I already have a Garmin MFD so I do not need another.
 
A compass is a critical piece of safety gear.
 
I have been boating for over 50 years and hold a 100 Ton Master's License. I am aware of the safety aspect. Just looking for an alternative.
 
Can go where it fits, but need to ensure it is kept away from electronics to mitigate interference.
 
What can?
 
did a quick search could not find any mandates for a compass by coast guard or florida. only boating on big water 5 yrs and have had one thank God for the Ritchie moment already. friend lost an engine in the bahamas took 18 hrs to get home. turns out he did not know the lost engine was set up to charge house bank. everything at the helm went dark in the middle of the gulf stream in the dark. they got power back eventually but were happy to have the compass.
 
Sardinia306Canyon said:
What about a drink/can holder? Should be a similar size.
Chris
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Thanks Chris. Unfortunately, the compass is mounted perpendicular to the waterline so a cop holder will not work.
 
This is right in my wheelhouse, but I need a picture.

unless,...does it look like the one on my dash?
 

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dogdoc said:
did a quick search could not find any mandates for a compass by coast guard or florida. only boating on big water 5 yrs and have had one thank God for the Ritchie moment already. friend lost an engine in the bahamas took 18 hrs to get home. turns out he did not know the lost engine was set up to charge house bank. everything at the helm went dark in the middle of the gulf stream in the dark. they got power back eventually but were happy to have the compass.
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Code of Federal Regulations​

46 CFR § 184.402 - Compasses.​

§ 184.402 Compasses.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section every vessel must be fitted with a suitable magnetic compass designed for marine use, to be mounted at the primary operating station.
(b) The following vessels need not be fitted with a compass:
(1) A vessel on a rivers route;
(2) A non-self propelled vessel; and\
(3) A vessel operating on short restricted routes on lakes, bays, and sounds.
(c) Except on a vessel limited to daytime operations, the compass must be illuminated.



JLR - What about a speaker for either your VHF or Radio?
 
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It looks just like the one on your dash. A speaker might work but I still think there is something more useful out there.
 
JLR said:
It does not look like the one on your dash. A speaker might work but I still think there is something more useful out there. I am hoping to find a picture to post.
Click to expand...
 
Here is a picture from another Grady. I have the same compass in the same location. See attached picture.
 

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Limited options there it appears. Any higher it would be in LOS. Lower and it would be hard to read.
 
How about a nice clock with air temp, humidity, etc.?
 
Good idea. However, the area needed to be covered after compass removal is about 7"x7". I have been unable to find anything in this size of any type of instrument that would fit those dimensions.
 
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TIDE CLOCK


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Thanks.
 
Other than getting a new panel to cover that big hole... a piece of 1/4" black HDPE will cover it up and allow you mount something smaller.
 
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