The right course with our compasses

Compasses: first the installation, then the rest. A compass that cannot be properly installed is useless, no matter how good the instrument is otherwise. Therefore, the choice begins with the location where it will be placed.

Flush Mount or Recessed — recessed into the dashboard or binnacle, with only the compass card remaining visible. Sleek and protected, but you need installation depth behind the panel. Measure that first.

Surface Mount — mounted on the panel or console. Easier to install than flush mount and clearly readable from above. Requires vertical space.

Bulkhead — against a vertical wall, such as the cabin bulkhead. The classic solution on sailboats where you have a view of the wall from the helm position.

Deck and Roof — on a horizontal surface or under a canopy, often with a larger compass card so you can read it from a distance.

Bracket — portable, screwed onto a bracket. Useful if you want to take the compass with you or are sailing on an open boat.

What else to look for. The card diameter is indicated in inches, usually 3 to 6 inches. A larger compass card is easier to read from a distance; a smaller one fits where space is tight. Our models are fluid-filled, which keeps the compass card steady instead of overshooting in choppy seas.

Compensation is not a detail. Metal and electronics on board disturb the magnetic field; a steel hull, a loudspeaker, or a placed engine can cause your course to deviate by several degrees. Many compasses have compensating magnets to adjust this. On a steel or aluminum boat, professional compass compensation is not a luxury.

For commercial shipping, we supply certified compasses. Ask for the specifications.

Autonautic Instrumental is a brand we represent, and we have versions for motorboats, sailing yachts, sloops, and RIBs, as well as for large commercial vessels. Are you unsure about the mounting type or size? Send a photo of your helm, and we'll help you figure it out.

Also check out navigation instruments for charts, or binoculars.

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Frequently asked questions

A compass works with a freely rotating magnetic needle, which aligns itself with the north-south lines of the Earth's magnetic field. This allows you to determine your direction relative to the north. The side of the needle that points north is often red.

Place the compass on the map and rotate the map until the compass needle is parallel with the north-south lines, with the red tip pointing north (the top of the map). The map is now oriented north, and every direction on the map corresponds to the actual direction.

The difference between cone-shaped and conical lies in the form: cone-shaped refers to a completely cone-shaped object, such as a cone-shaped housing or a rotating card in a compass.

Cone-shaped: This refers to the rotating card with a cone shape or a housing with a cone-shaped design.

Conical: This refers to components such as a pointer balancing on a conical axis or a conical housing that provides stability, as with a gimballing mechanism.

At Studio Maritime, we offer compasses designed for nautical adventures or an outdoor life.

Baseplate Compass: Specifically designed for direct use on maps for route planning and navigation. Often equipped with a ruler for measuring distances and determining course directions. Ideal for sailors and adventurers who want to accurately plot their route.

Marine Compass for Navigation: These robust compasses are designed for use at sea and on boats. They are resistant to harsh elements, such as saltwater and extreme weather conditions, and provide reliable navigation information, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Handheld Compass: Compact and portable, a handheld compass is ideal for navigation during hikes or while on the go on a boat. It is convenient and versatile, making it a must-have for both at sea and on land.

Each of these compasses has been carefully selected to help you always stay on course, whether you are sailing the ocean or embarking on a land adventure.

The best places to mount a compass on your boat:

Dashboard: The most popular location, close to the steering for easy access and visibility. Ensure the dashboard is free from magnetic interference from electronic equipment.

Steering Wheel: A logical choice for direct use when navigating, allowing for easy compass reading while steering.

Centrally on the deck: Mounting a compass in a prominent spot on the deck ensures good visibility from different parts of the boat, ideal when multiple people need to see it.

Cabin or Wheelhouse: An ideal spot if you want to install the compass for general use and navigation on board, but without it getting in the way of other instruments.

Above the waterline, free from magnetic interference: Ensure the compass is far away from engines, electrical equipment, and other strong magnetic sources to avoid disturbing your compass's accuracy.