Compass Replacement Options


S

SabrToothSqrl

Well-known member
Thinking about replacing the compass, as it's looking rough after all these years.
Looking for ideas.
Thought about a GPS, but that's a good chunk of change and I just use my phone.

Was going to replace the compass with new, but that seems to be $100-$200 and... that's not going to happen. Rather spend $200 where I use it more.
I was able to clean up the plastic a bit, but it still looks.. sad. I'd rather spend $200 redoing the panels than this thing.

Maybe mount a dash-cam here? Take some starboard, make a nice circle to fit.
GPS Mount? (Not for me, for now at least)
Super Deep 40oz cup holder for those stupid big cups?
Tip Jar for fuel?
I threw in a summer photo as well cuz... it's not summer, and that's a bummer.
Compass_Old.jpgboat1.jpgDash.jpgdash2.jpg

Anyone make a cover or something that would plug the 'hole' ? I just ... don't use this compass, and don't like looking at it's current condition.
I guess since I don't plan to use it I could take it apart and try to polish the plastic. Worst Case, it's trash anyway.
 
I would check with Ritchie and see if they would rebuild and refresh or upgrade your compass. They are a great company and offer excellent warranty service. I sent them the compass from my 1994 because the mineral spirits was evaporating. They stated that this was a common problem and performed the repairs under warranty, at no charge. This was 9 years after the warranty expired.
Even if there is a charge, I think it is still best to keep it.
 
I wonder if this would run Navionics?


I could mount this on the top of the dash, where the compass was.
I'd need to get one in summer so I could do some testing.

I use an iPhone/iPad and never owned an android, but I assume if I can download the app on wifi, download where all we boat, and the tablet has GPS we should be in business. I don't really need the map. I usually run the same 2-3 places all summer. I just like having it. and a $80 Tablet is cheaper than a $600+ GPS....
 
maybe I'm over thinking this. An iPad mini would work (apparently only the cellular versions have GPS). I could find a used one maybe.
 
I'm now leaning towards just using this phone:


to replace me using my personal actual phone for boat GPS.
Then I can just leave it on the dash 24/7. for $150 seems fine to me. I just don't want to pay for 2 copies of Navionics.
I know nothing about android stuff - been iPhone since the 1st one.

Price for the hardware seems solid. I'd just get the app, then i assume sign in to app w/my existing navionics account? I know it would work on iPad as 1 account, just not sure navi would cross. ugh.

I'd have to change from lightning to USBC on my dash. maybe both.
it should fit in the bracket I have now for my iPhone 13. I guess I'll wait till around May or June to test it out.

No more having to swap out my phone GPS for being able to take a pic, change music, etc. I can just leave this on the dash.
 
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