The Cassens & Plath Type 21 Compass, adapted with custom machined gimbal trunnions to fit a Baker Lyman binnacle. This replaces the discontinued Baker Lyman Navy Standard compass, and the recently discontinued Ritchie Navy Standard compass. It is a reflector compass (can be read via periscope), and qualifies as a bearing compass, as required by SOLAS V.

Compass errors caused by asymmetrical induced magnetic interference can exist in compasses installed off centerline, or compasses installed directly next to a strong source of induced interference. This error can be compensated with special hardware to “slew” the spheres: that is, set them at angles other than directly athwartships. This can be done with “E links”, or by installing additional sphere brackets on a binnacle.

Emergency Steering Station Compasses

Emergency steering station/engine room compasses are difficult to adjust due to magnetic interference and shielding, and vibration close to an engine room will destroy a compass pivot quickly. The Ritchie 6” in a shock mount binnacle is an excellent solution to both problems. The compass needle is large enough to provide steady heading indication in a magnetically shielded environment. The vibration-damping shock mount extends the life of the compass pivot by a decade or more.

Custom Binnacle Covers

Wayfinder Compass can provide custom binnacle covers, handmade to spec by accomplished sailmakers out of tough weatherproof canvas. They can add decades to a binnacle’s operational lifespan.