Selecting the best compass for your boat is extremely important, as the compass will be the helmsman's or pilot's navigation mate for many years. To help you choose, we suggest that you ask yourself the following simple but essential questions :
· What type of boat do you own ? Dinghy, cruising boat, racing boat, powerboat, kayak or yawl… You should know that the main differences between a sailboat and a powerboat (in terms of compass construction) are the heeling angle and the resistance to vibration and shocks. These technical elements are of course integrated in the engineering of our compasses.
· What is your navigation programme ? Day sailing, cruising,
passage making, racing… you will select a compass with or without lighting,
with or without compensation, with the right card balanced for the geographical
card where you are going to sail, with a plain or tactical card.
· Which size of compass ? If the compass is designed to be read from a distance, you will need a larger compass. Generally speaking and as a benchmark indication, you should select a card apparent diameter between 70 and 90 mm, for a 5 to 9 m boat (17-30 ft).
· Which type
of mounting ? Flushmounted on a horizontal, vertical or inclined bulkhead,
on a binnacle or mini-binnacle, on a bracket, in a take-away or mast-mounted
version… you must choose a compass which remains easily readable (shape
of card) at all times. The Plastimo range of compasses covers all mounting
options and all our models are designed for minimum drilling and screwing.
Last but not least, be stylish : often located at the heart of your boat,
your compass should ideally match and enhance the character of your boat ;
you will therefore pay particular attention to its design and colour.
