Installation, Compensation,

For all
RITCHIE®
Compass Models
Made in U.S.A.

CAUTION:
All Magnetic Compasses are vulnerable to magnetic interference, which will produce errors, called deviation.
It is the Owner/Operator and/or Helmsman’s responsibility to make sure the compass is properly installed
and compensated. Compensation is the act of correcting for deviation. Magnets (speakers, microphones
etc.), ferrous metals (steel, iron, etc.) and current carrying devices are common causes of deviation. It is
important to understand that magnetic compasses point toward Magnetic North. There is a difference
between Magnetic North and True North, and that difference is called variation. Variation differs depending
on your geographical location and can be determined by referring to a local chart.

Please read the Instructions completely before beginning installation.

Selecting the Proper Location
The compass should be close enough to the helmsman and positioned below the helmsman's line of sight so it is
easily read during normal operation. Direct Read Dial or CombiDamp Dial models will allow the compass to be
mounted higher, near or at eye level.

You will need a flat and level surface (when the boat is on a level keel). Many boats have a curved mounting surface
and if this is the case, a fairing block should be utilized to bring the compass to a level position.

Select a location that has no more that 20 degrees deviation on any of the four cardinal points (N S E and W). Most
compasses have a built in compensation system that will correct for fixed deviation up to 20 degrees. It is important
to realize that proper compensation is not possible when a compass is subjected to a magnetic field that is variable.
Some shipboard devices can cause varying magnetic fields. Devices such as windshield wipers, high current carrying
wire and even some steering wheels must be considered when selecting a location for your compass.

Testing Your Chosen Location

Use your compass to test a location. There are two brass rods near the bottom of the compass which rotate 360
degrees, the slotted ends may be all that is visible. These compensation rods are used to correct your compass
for deviation. When testing a location, you do not want pre-set corrections in your compass, so neutralize the comp-
rods by setting the slots in a horizontal position.

Begin your test by holding the compass away from any possible interference and observing the compass reading.
Then move the compass into position carefully; keeping it pointed in the same direction. If the compass reading is
different without a change in direction you are observing deviation. You need to find a location that has less that 20
degrees of deviation on the 4 cardinal points if you intend to adjust your compass using the compensator rods.

After finding a location you should test for intermittent changes in the magnetic field. With the compass mounted
temporarily in its intended position try moving the steering wheel, throttle controls or anything else that might cause
deviation. It is also advised to turn electrical devices off and on. Please be advised that a changing magnetic field
can not be corrected with compensation and you will need to find another location for your compass.

Installation (all Models)

Mounting the Compass
Great care must be taken to mount the compass so that it is aligned with the keel of the boat. An alignment error is
a constant error on all headings caused by the compass not being pointed in the same direction as the boat.
One recommendation is to temporarily mount the compass using one fastener so if an alignment error is detected it is
easily corrected. Masking tape can be used as a reference or to keep the compass steady during installation.

If you are mounting to a bulkhead that is not perpendicular to the centerline of the boat, a fairing block must be used.

Due to variations in bulkhead and deck materials, mounting screws are not supplied. Use hardware that is suitable for
your specific installation. SELECT MOUNTING HARDWARE THAT IS NON-MAGNETIC. Most quality stainless steel
and solid brass fasteners can be used. If you are unsure test them with a magnet.

Most models have built-in lights which will require routing the wire or wires to your power source. To assure a clean
installation you may want to wait and drill the routing holes after you are satisfied with the compass alignment.
Compensation
A built-in correcting magnet system consists of two sets of magnets fixed to two adjusting rods with slotted ends. The
slots should be horizontal before starting the adjusting procedure. A small non-magnetic screwdriver is provided for
this purpose.
Before starting compensation, make sure you have a suitable location (see Testing Your Chosen Location).

Method 1. (Preferred)
Step One. With the compass in its intended position, but
LIGHTHOUSE
not finally secured, (see Mounting the Compass) select a
course on your chart using two fixed aids that are within ten
degrees (10°) of the North/South line. Try to select this
course so that you can maneuver your boat “down range” of
the marks selected (See example).
LIGHTHOUSE
Step Two. From a position down range of the North/South TOWER
marks, and keeping the marks lined up, run the boat
visually along the Northerly course selected. Turn the
port/starboard compensator (slot is facing starboard) until
the compass reads correctly. DOWN RANGE
Step Three. Simply repeat steps 1 & 2, except this time,
using an East/West course and the fore/aft compensator EXAMPLE

(slot is facing aft).

Step Four. Check compass alignment by running the boat in a Southerly direction, again keeping the marks
lined up. If the compass is not correct at this time, there is an alignment error. To correct, rotate the compass itself to
remove one half of this error. Repeat steps 1, 2 & 4 until your North/South line is correct then repeat step 3.
Step Five. Install fastener (s), taking care not to disturb alignment.

Method 2. (Requires the use of GPS)

In this method you will be using a GPS as your reference.
1. Your GPS must be set to provide you with Magnetic, not True headings. Check your Manual.
2. GPS provide headings based on COG (course over ground). Compasses provide heading based on the direction
the boat is actually pointed. Because of Tides, Currents and Winds, the boat may not always point in the same
direction as COG. Pick a time and location that will minimize these effects.
3. Because the GPS calculate COG based on current and past positions you will see greater heading accuracy
while traveling at higher speeds. We recommend at least 10 knots.
Step One. While at sea, with the compass in its intended position, but not finally secured, (see Mounting the Compass),
o
obtain the GPS bearing to a fixed aid or landmark that is within 10 of a North/South line.
Step Two. Position your boat along that line and steer directly at that mark. Turn the port/starboard compensator (slot is
facing starboard) until the compass heading matches the GPS bearing.
Step Three. Simply repeat steps 1 & 2, except this time, using an East/West course and the fore/aft compensator (slot is
facing aft).
Step Four. Check compass alignment by running the boat 180 degrees from the heading used in step 2. If the compass
is not correct at this time, there is an alignment error. To correct, rotate the compass itself to remove one half of this error.
Repeat steps 1, 2 & 4 until your North/South line is correct then repeat step 3.
Step Five. Upon completing the procedure, secure the compass in its final position.

If you feel that the deviation on your boat is of an unusual nature, the services of a professional compass
adjuster will be a wise investment.

To assure accuracy on all headings, check for deviation every thirty degrees and record any deviation on a deviation card.
We recommend checking at the start of each boating season, and any time new equipment is added near the compass,
for deviation.

Maintenance
Protect your compass from the sun when not using your boat. Strong sunlight may decrease the life of your compass.
Custom fit covers are available from Ritchie.

Ritchie compasses require very little care. To remove salt spray deposits or dirt, rinse the entire compass with clean, fresh
water and wipe carefully with a damp cloth. Important Note: Never Use Chemical or Abrasive Cleaners