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She looks somewhat reminiscent of the oft-recommended Alberg 30. Looks to be a sea-kindly boat, the cockpit is smaller than the A30 so theoretically you'll have a bit more space below. She'll probably have all the typical issues of a full keel cruiser, notably the difficulty of controlling the boat in close quarters, esp in reverse.... A very different beast from dear old Hartley....  

Faster said: She looks somewhat reminiscent of the oft-recommended Alberg 30. Looks to be a sea-kindly boat, the cockpit is smaller than the A30 so theoretically you'll have a bit more space below. She'll probably have all the typical issues of a full keel cruiser, notably the difficulty of controlling the boat in close quarters, esp in reverse.... A very different beast from dear old Hartley.... Click to expand...

Why do you want a wooden boat...Have you decided to give up sailing and go into boat maintenance as a hobby???  

I think you may find that it is actually a Herreshoff H28. I think it is actually 29'.5. Compass Yachts built hundreds up till 1984. I have had a Compass boat and they were strongly built. They the H28 have a reputation as sea kindly capable of offshore, a bit slow and tend to make more leeway with the less draft. I know of someone who did a round the world solo in one. I very much doubt that Compass were building to 28' in the 80s so this is probably it. You will find useful general info on Compass Yachts  

Ok thats odd maybe there were two compass yachts or maybe they tarted it up towards the end changing the rudder as it is still full keeled. I am sure the H28 association would be able to assist you. They have a loyal following and it is a respected boat for it's style. That is it won't win around the buoys but will take you anywhere safely.  

Hartley18, below are the main details from The Observers Book of Sailing Craft (1979 edition) on the Compass 28: LOA 8.58m (28ft 2") Beam 2.48m (8ft 2") Draft 1.29m (4ft 3") The Compass 28 is a proven, all purpose design - large enough for comfortable ocean cruising and small enough for family day sailing, easy to handle.... Nearly 400 of these yachts can be found throughout Australia and the South Pacific....Produced by Compass yachts. Reading the H28 writeup it sounds like a totally different yacht LOA 8.8m (29ft) Beam 2.79m (9ft 2") Draft 1.2m (4ft) Just to confuse the issue there is also a Compass 29 which is a stretched version of the Compass 28. LOA 8.77m (28ft 10") Beam 2.77m (9ft 2") Draft 1.29m (4ft 3") From memory the (Australian) Cruising Helmsmen had a few articles of a couple that sailed from SA to WA then to South Africa in either a Compass 28 or 29. I'll have a dig around & see if I can find the article. Ilenart  

Ilenart said: Hartley18, below are the main details from The Observers Book of Sailing Craft (1979 edition) on the Compass 28: Click to expand...

Evidently there were two Compass yacht companies, one in Australia and one in NZ which worked in collaboration. Of the two boats the 29 sounds closer to the H28 given that there were thousands built by many companies most with tweaks to the design. The foot difference in beam of the Compass 28 seems a major difference though.  

Cameron, H28 and C28 totally different boats albeit based on the same design. To make it even more confusing there was both an Australian and a New Zealand Compass Yachts. C28 began life as the Northerner 28 designed by (I think) a fellow by the name of Rob Lees and they were built apparently by John Duncanson of Duncanson Yachts fame. Fabulous little boats, I know, I owned one for donkey's years and spent many a weekend plus the occasional longer cruise on her. Wee bit cramped but I rebuilt the interior to suit myself and was as happy as I could be given that she was not the Tardis. Duncanson and the designer apparently fell out and Compass Yachts came into being to build the C28 while Duncanson went on to built a slightly longer version known as the Duncanson 29. H28 is in the same class but heavier and more expensive, there is also the Clansman 30 which is very similar. Positives were ease of handling under sail, a reasonably comfortable interior and nice cockpit big enough for lounging, indeed I often slept out there under the stars. Poor stowage space made up for to some extent by under cockpit quarter berth that I never slept in and the Volvo donk ran on the smell of an oily rag. Negatives were limited space, lack of tankage (both fuel and water), not a whole lot of storage space and absolutely appalling behaviour in reverse under power. Overloaded for a cruise they have a tendency to squat down at the stern but that's no big deal really. Mine had two setter berths rather than the dinette and I found this to be a far preferable arrangement. She also had an enclosed head with shower stall formed by closing off the space between the forward cabin and the saloon. Good sea boats, mine won it's class in the Sydney - Montague Island race in the early seventies although I never raced her myself. Mine has since cruised the NSW and QLD coasts , is now up in Moreton Bay and still going strong although that is more to the credit of the folk I sold her to than me. Depending on what you want to use the thing for they, and their cousins are highly recommended but if you want something for longish term cruising my feeling is they are a bit cramped inside. Any questions, let me know. Happy to answer any and all. ps - the C29 was a slightly larger version that Compass hoped would extend the life of the design but the word is that they were nowhere near the same build quality and suffered badly from the dreaded pox. That is what I have been told, it is not gospel however.  

Hartley18 said: Thanks, TD. Duncanson... That makes sense. All his boats were pretty much the same - good looking sea boats with no storage space! I'm glad to hear you had a good time on one and that they're not particualrly slow. Anything practical for sailing around Melbourne needs to be able to handle short chop and lousy weather, so if it'll do the Montague Island race, that's the kind of thing I'm after. Lack of reverse can be dealt with, but the lack of storage might annoy the First Mate. We're hiring a Catalina 28 over the Queen's Birthday long weekend (a lot more space and in a higher $$$ bracket) so I'll see how she copes on that before deciding on the next move. Click to expand...

One Van de Stadt design listed is the MB 24 (p68). I know this boat design fairly well as I used to race offshore in one in the 1980's. Good seaworthy design. Similar to the Spacesailer 24, but points a bit better in a seaway. Lots of them over here in WA as they used to be built here.  

tdw said: ..... Having owned a C28 I know what you mean about reversing a full keeler. Raven is fin and you can park her like a car. When we move on to fin and skeg I am going to miss that attribute although I'm hopeful the fin and skeg will track a little better and that should make up for the reversing woes. Click to expand...

fancy that, post number 100  

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Navigate Across the Sea With the Best Boat Compass

Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.

Sailing into open waters can be an exhilarating experience, but it can quickly turn into a real-life nightmare if you get lost. Whether you are a newbie who is just learning to ride a boat or an experienced sailor who loves taking in the salty air and waves, a boat compass can be your savior.

Not sure which compasses work? Rest assured, we have you covered with all the information you need to get your hands on the perfect compass for your beloved boat. Read until the end and you’ll not only find out about the premier boat compasses, but will also learn what you should look out for when making the purchase, how to use the compass accurately, and some commonly asked questions. Here are the highest-rated boat compasses of 2024!

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: TurnOnSport Boat Compass Shop Now ➔
• Best Design: Ritchie Navigation Boat Compass Shop Now ➔
• Best Marine Compass: COSTIN Multifunctional Compass Shop Now ➔
• Best Value: Odowalker Electronic Marine Compass Shop Now ➔
• Most User Friendly: DETUCK Boat Compass Shop Now ➔
• 1 Compass Size
• 2 Mounting Options
• 3 Dashboard
• 4 Surface mount
• 6 Flush mount
• 7 Binnacle mount
• 9 Dial Types
• 10 Direct-dial
• 11 Flat card
• 12 Hybrid dial
• 13 Expertise

Is a boat compass even necessary?

How do i calibrate a boat compass, can the compass be damaged, do boat compasses have brackets, related reviews, detailing the finest boat compasses of 2024, best overall.

TurnOnSport Boat Compass

The TurnOnSport boat compass is a 12V magnetic compass that can be used for ships, cars, or vehicles. The best thing about this compass is that even a novice can read it with ease. Whether it is day or night, this compass provides clear vision as it lights up in the dark. It is the perfect design for ships and other watercraft — so long as you have a flat surface, the compass can be stuck or screwed on.

This magnetic compass is waterproof, resistant to corrosion, and also comes with a shade that can be used to shield it from sunlight. Because it’s so easily readable and boasts unparalleled accuracy, this compass is easily the best on our list.

• Magnetic compass with a 12V power supply
• Lights up in the dark
• Shade for protection from the sun
• Stickiness isn’t too reliable

Best Design

Ritchie Navigation Boat Compass

The product by Ritchie is a professional compass that can be used with ease and has superb accuracy. It comes with built-in compensators that are non-interactive and correct to true north when there are any deviations. Also featured is a hardened steel pivot that is scientifically designed to show you accurate routes — it doesn’t have plastic that can break down or show inaccurate directions. And, for convenience of use, this boat compass has a 2 ¾-inch dial that is very easy to read and comes with internal green night illumination. What’s best about Ritchie compasses is that they can be 100% repaired and come with five-year exclusive assurance. This means that, even if your compass gets damaged, you can get it fixed by the manufacturers.

• Compact black design 
• Direct reading dial
• Features internal green night illumination
• Built-in compensators to correct deviations
• Installation might be complicated

Best Marine Compass

COSTIN Multifunctional Compass

Made from high-quality engineering metal, the Costin multifunctional compass will ensure that you never get lost, whether you are on land or in water. The luminous arrow helps get accurate directions during the darkest of nights and its dial also lights up for better readings. It comes in a compact metal case that has a foldable metal lid and a floating compass dial, along with a pouch that makes carrying the compass very easy. This boat compass’s design is shockproof and waterproof, so despite the kind of weather you might be traveling in, there is little chance of the compass getting damaged.

• A built-in bubble improves accuracy
• Waterproof and shockproof
• Manufactured from engineering metal for longevity
• Metal case and pouch for easy transport
• It may not be accurate enough

Odowalker Electronic Marine Compass

If you are looking for a compass that works both in your boat and your car, then this pick from Odowalker is just what you need. Made with high-quality ABS material, the compass has an adjustable magnetic declination sheet and features an incandescent light that helps you read at even the darkest of hours. For ease of use, you can adjust the compass in a clear position for your vision. Also present are two power cords that can be attached to the power supply light or dashboard of a car or ship to create a backlight.

• High-quality LED light function
• Ideal for cars, ships, and more
• Comes with adjustable brackets for better vision
• Convenient backlight
• Requires power cords for backlight function

Most User Friendly

DETUCK Boat Compass

The DETUCK boat compass is one of the most user-friendly compasses available online. It comes with magnetic declination adjustment, which means the accuracy of your compass is increased and can easily be mounted on your boat’s dashboard with the help of its included double-sided tape. Also present are night lighting options that ensure you can see whether it is day or night — however, to make use of them you will have to connect the 12V power supply. The manufacturer will either replace or refund this compass if you are not 100% satisfied, meaning that you will not be disappointed.

• Magnetic declination for proper accuracy
• Red light illumination
• Made from high-grade material for longevity
• 100% refund or replacement guarantee
• Can’t have long-term sun exposure

Boat Compass Buying Guide

There are many things you need to look out for when purchasing a boat compass. After all, you don’t want to end up with a product that doesn’t show true directions. Here’s everything you need to know.

Compass Size

According to experts, as a rule, always choose a compass that has a large diameter. It should conform with your dashboard or helm to fit properly while also increasing readability. This feature can be a lifesaver when there is a lot of turbulence or when a storm is making the boat too rocky. If your compass does not come with illumination, a bigger dial will make it easy to read in the moonlight or under a flashlight.

Mounting Options

You also have a choice when it comes to the placement of your compass. Pick out the type that you feel will best suit your needs.

This is a model that can be installed on the dashboard of a ship or a vehicle and are mostly direct read dials that have to be kept in a vertical position to work properly. You will need to cut out some parts of the dash panel to properly install this boat compass.

Surface mount

These compasses can either simply be placed on a flat surface or installed horizontally. They are ideal for when you don’t want to cut out the dash or when you have a compact helm and come in all types of dials like direct-read, flat, or hybrid.

Most experts prefer compasses that come with brackets, as they allow tilting of the compass for better readings, but they are primarily suited for vertical surfaces. These come in all types of dial options.

Flush mount

This is another mounting option that requires you to make a hole on the surface of the dash. It gets installed into the hole so that only the surface of the compass is visible. These kinds of compasses are available in direct reads or hybrid dials.

Binnacle mount

Another type of surface mount compass is the binnacle mount model. These have longer bodies, as the compasses are large, and all come in flat card dials.

Almost all marine compasses come with LED lighting that needs to be connected to the power supply. This is because illumination makes reading the directions easy on a compass, whether you are traveling during the day or on dark, stormy nights. Certain compasses come with their own illumination that is either red or green-hued.

Some compasses come with adjustable shields that help protect the compass from sunlight to not cause glare. This helps increase readability even when the light is too bright, or the boat moves too much.

When it comes to boat compass dials, there are quite a few options. Here is all you need to know.

Direct-dial

Direct dials are for upright views where the lubber line is at the aft portion. These conical-shaped dials are perfect for helms where the boat compass is close to eye level. Generally, this type of dial is for expert sailors, as they know just the right way to read it.

A flat card dial comes with a horizontal face, so you need to be standing up when checking the compass. The lubber line is at a forward position, which is well suited to helms because you are mostly standing straight while piloting the boat. If you have a luxury boat with high seating, a flat card compass would also work well for you.

Hybrid dial

Hybrid dials are a mixture of direct read and flat card compasses. Also known as the combi-dial, the hybrid is widely available among boat compasses from Ritchie Navigations. What is so interesting about hybrid dials is that they can be read from above as well as from the front. This makes for an excellent and easy read because taking notes of the directions will not be an issue whether you are sitting or standing.

This is another important thing you need to consider when purchasing a boat compass. If you are a seasoned sailor, you will be able to read all kinds of dials and compasses. However, if you’re new to sailing and haven’t had much experience taking readings from compasses, you will need to get one that has clear, precise markers and a simplified read. This way, there will be no chance of getting confused about which direction you want to go.

People Also Asked

Whether you are a professional sailor or a beginner, a compass is essential. If you don’t have a compass, the chances of getting lost are high, it can cause great distress, and might also lead to some kind of accident. So be sure to always sail or go out on the sea with an accurate compass.

Calibrating a compass isn’t too difficult. You start by putting the compass to zero and then turning it 180 degrees. Then adjust the athwartship compensator in such a way that one half is over or undershoot. Repeat at 90 degrees, all the while adjusting the fore/aft compensator.

Very much so. The compass can break, its glass can crack, the plastic can melt, or the housing could leak. After some time, the fluid in the housing can change colors, although this only happens after a long time of use. Most compasses from good companies last a long time without getting any kind of damage. Generally, it’s a good idea to check out reviews before investing in one.

This depends on what manufacturer you buy from. Some companies give a bracket mount so that installation is easy, while others only come with double-ended tape or with a stand of their own that can be placed on a plain flat surface. If you have specific needs, be sure to ask the seller whether or not a bracket comes with the compass.

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