Plastimo USA

I plan to sail in a geographical area which is different from the zone my compass is designed for. Can I use my current compass ?
All our compasses are balanced manually : with a standard procedure for Zone A models, and using a specific magnetic field simulator for all other area compasses.
Balancing the compass consists in adjusting the card so that it is perfectly horizontal. If you sail too far away from the area for which your compass was originally balanced, the card will dip and the precision can be affected by a few degrees.
For a long passage in a different zone, the acquisition of a compass specifically balanced for that area is a wise investment.

My compass does not indicate the right course. Why ?
If you notice a course discrepancy of exactly 180°, the answer is probably that you are not reading your compass properly.
With a flat card, the lubber line marks your heading at the back of the compass. With a conical or cylindrical card, course reading is done on the front of the compass. On the Contest 101 model, the rear lubber line allows reading from inside the cabin.

For any other course discrepancy, the compass deviation should be minimised :

1. Make sure that your compass is mounted at least 70 cm from objects generating local magnetic fields (compass, fire extinguisher, loudspeaker, electric wires and equipment, metallic parts of steering system, camera, tools, analogic instruments…) and at least 1 metre away from the main engine and the windscreen wipers motor.

2. Deviation correction :
If deviation is no more than 7° : simply draw a deviation table assessing the error, and keep it for future reference.
If deviation is between 7 and 20° : we recommend that you have your compass compensated as a start, and then draw a deviation table. The compensation procedure is a delicate operation and should ideally be carried out by a professional compass adjuster.
See "Compensation" chapter.

Some water is leaking along the bulkhead, underneath the compass.
Make sure you drilled the hole at the exact cut-out dimension, as instructed on the drilling template supplied with the compass. Check that the mounting surface is perfectly even and flat. Some compass models are supplied with a gasket for watertightness ; check that the gasket is properly positioned and that the light wire is correctly fed through the appropriate hole.

Lighting does not work any longer. What should I do ?
Simply replacing the bulb is the answer in most cases. Still, you should also check the connection clamping and make sure that there is no corrosion on the wires or the connector.

The dome of my compass is damaged. Is it possible to repair or replace it ?
Replacing the dome is not possible. If the dome is scratched, you can smooth out the scratches by using products such as the Plastimo SEA 77 polish.
If the dome turns whitish, rinse it with fresh water and soap. If rinsing is not sufficient, proceed as described above, using a polish.

Minimal care to ensure years of reliable service.
Rinsing your compass with fresh water and soap is the only minimal requirement. Solvants, abrasive or corrosive cleaners must absolutely be banned.
Sunlight and cold temperatures accelerate the ageing process of materials. Do not hesitate to protect your compass in all seasons (either by taking it down for wintering, or by protecting it with a hood or even a simple cloth which inhibits UV-rays).

My compass has a bubble. What should I do ?
The cell of the Plastimo compasses is designed to be completely fluid filled. If you notice a permanent bubble, in a temperature range from -20° to +60°C, it means that your compass is leaking (as the fluid tends to evaporate, you may not have seen the actual leak path).
Contact our after-sales department for advice.

My boat has a steel or ferrocement hull. Which compass should I choose ?
No compass can answer this specific requirement alone. It is necessary to call for the services of a professional compass adjuster who will set up a compensation system relevant to your boat.