Compass - Repair or Replace?

[Tom Ipock]

The original pilot house compass on my 58MY has died. I think the fluid inside has evaporated over the years to a point where it barely, if at all floats. Are these units repairable, or is it smarter to just remove and install a new one.
Anyone?
Tom

 

[Fat Boy]

I would recommend to repair the compass. I just had the original rebuilt on my '72, 36C and I looked like brand new when I recieved it. I used http://www.islandcompass.com/, in Jacksonville, Fl. The cost was appx. $150, including new glass and was returned within 2 weeks.

Hope this helps.

 

[Avenger]

Allen,

Do you know the make and model of the compass in your 36C? Mine was apparently replaced at some point and I was wondering what was original from Hatt. Thanks in advance.

 

[MikeP]

If it's just a matter of the fluid being replenished, it's easy to refill the compass. There will be a fitting specifically for that purpose. Compass oil is available and recommended; but people often use mineral spirits. If the fluid has leaked out, however, there is a reason which you will have to determine. It could be a loose fitting or an o-ring problem - easy to fix.

But if there are other problems, then I would just replace it. I don't think I would bother having it refurbished unless it is critical to you to have the oem compass.

 

[Trojan]

That should be mineral oil,not spirits. The thick oil is to slow the movememt. Spirits will dissolve the lettering. Bill

 

[jim rosenthal]

If it is the OEM compass from a 58MY it is probably a pretty nice one. Hatteras usually installed quality accessories and fixtures. I would vote for having it rebuilt/refilled (not that you're asking ). I wish I had kept the original bridge compass from my 36C- the Ritchie that I have there works fine but it is not what came on the boat. If you can get it done for $150 you're ahead of the game- good big compasses cost hundreds of dollars and should last many decades if cared for.

 

[Tom Ipock]

Thanks guys,
It is the original in the big chrome (or stainless steel) housing - 10" I think. I'll take it off this weekend and see if it looks like a repair that I can do. It still works, just has slowed down in it's rotation due to the fluid being a little low.
Tom

 

[MikeP]

I really did mean mineral SPIRITS, not mineral oil. Ritchie's own tech folks (781 826-5131) recommended that to me several years ago - as opposed to selling me a pint of "compass oil" at 8 bucks a pint. Works perfectly (I used paint thinner).

Note: Lacquer thinner and Acetone are NOT mineral spirits. DON'T USE THEM!

 

[jim rosenthal]

Tom, price that compass through any good marine outfitter and you will feel very good about renovating the one you have. If it is the one I am thinking of, it is probably over a thousand dollars to replace it- any the new one didn't come with your boat when it was built.