RitchieSR-2 Venture Bulkhead Mount Sail Boat Compass with Clinometer - Black

I purchased this compass as a replacement unit on my O'Day 192 sailboat. Overall I'm pretty pleased with this compass. It was very easy to install, the compass card and lubber line are visible from all steering positions in the cockpit, and the card is well-dampened for use in rough seas. I have three complaints that kept this from being a 5-star review. First, the removable plastic compass cover comes with a rope handle with a red-color wood ball. As other reviewers have mentioned, the red ball WILL stain whatever it touches. I cut the factory rope and ball off and replaced it with some 1/8-inch synthetic line with a fat knot at the end to replace the ball. Then I had to buff the stain off the gelcoat. The second complaint is that the wires for the LED backlight are a ridiculously thin gauge, maybe 18 gauge at best. This means there are very few wire strands that are easily breakable, and this makes it hard to splice the wires into the 14 gauge marine wire that I use on my boat. The provided wires are also quite short, maybe 18 inches. My final complaint is that the plastic mounting bolts provide an unfinished look on the interior portion of the compass where it protrudes through the bulkhead, because they are black plastic and don't match the white plastic interior compass cover. In the end, the compass works quite well for its intended purpose, which of course is steering the boat. It's easy to read, accurate, and looks good.

One of the plastic bolts broke off in the threads of the compass while installing it. I was able to extract the broken piece with no harm to compass. Enough of the threads were left I was able to insert what was left on the bolt to use it. How much more could it possibly cost to use brass, or bronze. Even if it where $20.00 more, I still would have purchased it. Other than that, it's fine. Looks real nice and the light looks good in the dark. Very easy to read.

If you only use this compass during the daytime it's great. It's completely useless at night. The BLUE light does not light up the front of the compass and the heading unreadable without a flashlight. Ritchie's other bulkhead compass BN-202 solves this problem but it twice the price.UPDATE: I contacted Ritchie and they immediately fixed myproblem with a new upgraded compass. Honestly, I was surprised by their quick service. I initially gave this compass one star, but I've since updated my review to three stars because it is usable during the day and the Ritchie customer service surprised me with their prompt reaction. Hopefully, they can update their description of this compass stating the outside bezel can't be read at night to avoid future customer problems.One other thing came to mind while writing this. Almost immediately upon installing this compass I broke the front sun cover during removal. If you buy this compass, pull down (gently) on the string, then pull out. I don't know, I'm torn, this compass isn't the best but the customer service is top notch.

It's a great addition to the bulkhead of my 26 ft sailboat. The cover, however, is a disaster. It's designed so that you have to pull a string straight down to bend the cover around a lip that holds it on. All of this is, as you might expect, below the compass where you cannot see what you are doing. At any rate, also as you might expect, the cover broke at the point where it was supposed to bend. It lasted maybe a dozen uses.

Getting detailed information on this unit before purchase was hard, but be aware that this mounts through the bulkhead, not to the bulkhead.I replaced a Suunto mounted on a decorative ring and needed to modify the mounting of the Ritchie and get some additional hardware. Just be forewarned that this might not be an out-of-box replacement if it's an upgrade you're looking after. Additionally, there is an extra dampening kit available if you need to mount it near metal - this is not an included feature.

Took some adaption to fit in my Hunter 23, since the vintage stock unit was smaller, but seems to perform fine. Need a little bit more time on the water to give a final judgement

If you take the included back piece, and place it over the paper template provided, the drill holes are slightly off. Enough that you have to fiddle with it after installation and enlarge some of the holes. Not good when working with fiberglass.The unit itself looks fantastic. I also did not like the plastic screws included, but perhaps this is best in a wet environment? I would have thought brass screws would have been better and much stronger.

Very high quality Compass, comes as a combo with an Inclinometer. Has all templates, plus a cover to protect from elements. Awesome.