Vhf Location?

[spareparts]

keep the antenna cable away from the compass also, anything with a speaker in it will alter a compass. I've seen flashlights, binoculars, stereos, cameras, and even a box of oil filters alter the reading on a compass.

[bcmarinamanager]

As said, it will interfere, but most compasses have compensators that you can adjust to calibrate the compass back. I would suggest just getting a a hand held berring compass. That way you can hold it up away from any metal and get a true magnetic north reading. I have a handheld anyway just to double check my mounted compass. I think they're about 12 dollars at West.

[shubey61]

Years back i saw a steel beer can screw your compass reading up! Put us about 20 miles from our destination.

[macojoe]

Install all you want to the boat, then take it to a boat yard and have them adjust the compass for you, now you have all and it works great!!

I have not had a compass in 8 years at least!! what you need it for any how??

[C YENSEN]

Originally Posted by macojoe

I have not had a compass in 8 years at least!! what you need it for any how??

what if your gps fails and you get stuck in the fog?

[csvencer]

Originally Posted by C YENSEN

what if your gps fails and you get stuck in the fog?

You drop the hook, grab a beer, cast a line and wait...

I get your point but at some point you have to trust your electronics not to crap out on you randomly. And for the cost of a good mounted compass you can pick up a cheapo handheld GPS as a back up to keep on board. I have a GPSmap 60 that goes with me on bigger trips and is also great for land excursions, double duty.

-Svence

[shaneburris74]

Originally Posted by shubey61

Years back i saw a steel beer can screw your compass reading up! Put us about 20 miles from our destination.

Shubey, you sure it wasn't the liquid INSIDE the can that caused you to miss your destination??? Denial ain't just a river in Egypt my friend.

I can't tell you how many times beer cans have caused me to end up somewhere that I didn't plan on being....lol