Compass??

[Guest]

I recently bought a smaller compass for my boat not a real expensive one ($45) the problem I am having with it is that it is not very actuate compared to my Lorance sometimes it will be right on and the next it will be 60 degrees off my question is this normal? If not what is a good compass to buy and how much should I plan on spending?

[GoodToGo]

No, that's not normal. Have you adjusted the compensators in the compass? Should be one or two brass screws that can be adjusted to compensate for magnetic fields in your boat, especially when the motor/electronics are running. I have a similar $45 compass and it is accurate to within a few degrees. Also your Lowrance may be set (and probably is) to show true north instead of magnetic north. Depending on where you are this can be a noticeable (but not 60 degrees) difference. You can probably change it to show magnetic if you want them matched up.

[Bassboy1645]

anything magnetic nearby? various metals will throw off a compass including an aluminum boat hull. Also have u adjusted for megnetic declination? This is measure of how many degrees between magnetic north and true north. I dont suspect this is your problem howerever becasue it seems too far off to be this. try moving your compass around to diff spots or adjusting those brass screws.

[DrKen]

I may be wrong on this but I have heard that in the Iron Range, compasses can be off due to the large iron deposits in the area. May be a myth but you never know

[fox8moose]

Hey Fisherdude, I have an inexpensive compass in my boat that is similar to your and does the job. When I turn on the electronics my compass thinks it is a gyro. I use the compass as a back-up in case I lose power or the locator fails. It is another tool to help us navigate. The 2 degree difference between magnetic north and true north has never helped or hurt my getting home off the lake. If I was an ocean liner I would have fault with that statement. I am happy to hear you have a compass and I would recommend everyone use one for optional navigation.