Compass

[Whazzup]

Hello all gain and thanks for all the advice

Just launched and noticed the Ritchie compass is cockeyed and poorly responsive. There is a small bubble, too. I have 2018 Fisherman 216, and this is the first I noticed it. How can I fix that? There are a couple screws on the bottom, small screws. It is is in the dash pretty good, so it's not like I feel comfortable rotating it. I can't get to the back of the dash easily. Thanks

 

[Parthery]

If it’s a 2018 boat, it may still be under warranty. Have you asked a dealer?

If it’s not, you will likely need to remove it, install it properly, then have it “compensated”.

 

[Fishtales]

Where you at? Google Ritchie and see if they will either swap it out or send you a new one. I got a bubble with my 4 year old 282 many moons back and I got a new one for a replacement.

 

[seasick]

First check that you didn't put something metallic near it. It may be magnetic interference.
If not and the bubble is indeed small, it sounds like the compass is bad. That can be due to a few things but one somewhat common is that one of the compensators came loose. You can't fix that yourself.

If you turned any of those small screws you may have messed up the adjustment of the compensators .

 

[Ky Grady]

If it's out of warranty, I'd still send it back to Ritchie and let them fix it back to factory specs.

 

[dgrizzly]

Just spoke with Ritchie re: my old compass for a refurb as a heads up, they mentioned a 2-3 month lead time at least and to check out https://www.vikingcompass.com/ricopa.html for a faster turn for out of warranty stuff.

 

[Fishtales]

I went to their Pembroke MA office and they just swapped it out, again years ago. I'd call the office direct and see if they can help you out.

 

[Whazzup]

Dealer says 1 year warranty on boat but good idea to call Grady. Ritchie website says 5 year warranty on their compass so I am within warranty.
Next question is how do I take it out? Can’t find a YouTube video on that.

 

[Parthery]

Can you get to the panel behind the dash? If so, it's probably held in place with either a plastic ring that screws onto the back of the compass, or a bracket with a couple of nuts and washers. Remove the bracket and disconnect the wiring and it should pop right out.

 

[seasick]

Here is a link to parts manual and diagrams for a LOT of models. Match yours up to see how it is mounted.

https://www.ritchienavigation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ritchinavigation-servicemanual.pdf