Boat Compasses

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Boat Compasses Resources and Information Compasses are an important instrument in your boat’s navigation system. Boat compasses allow boat operators to determine the direction in which their prow is pointed. You can use this information to consult a map and navigate your vessel in a desired direction. PartsVu offers boat compasses from trust manufacturers, like Ritchie Navigation, Furuno, SI-TEX, Clipper, Raymarine, Davis Instruments, Simrad, Digital Yacht and others. Looking for more marine products? Check out our selection of Marine Accessories for Boats , or Boating Electronics and Navigation . Boat Compasses FAQs Why should I use a compass for marine navigation? Carrying a compass may seem a little antiquated with all of the modern GPS technologies available to boaters. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Although we may not use our compasses nearly as much as we used to, electronic devices are vulnerable to failure. Traditional compasses provide an important navigational backup that every boater needs. Stay on course with these compass selections from PartsVu. Ritchie B-51 Explorer Compass – Bracket Mount – Black or White Ritchie S-53 Explorer Compass – Surface Mount – Black or White Ritchie Dash Mount Compass Davis Instrument Hand Bearing Compass – Illuminated What makes Ritchie Navigation compasses so unique? GPS devices are exceptional at collecting data and extrapolating from that information. The position you’re at. Your current travel speed. The direction you came from, etc. However, GPS data has no bearing on your real-time heading — which is also affected by factors such as wind, current and the unique characteristics of your boat. Whether you’re dead in the water, moving on a plane or moving slowly against a tide, a Ritchie compass provides the reliable real-time headings needed for straight-line steering in all situations. This is especially crucial in no-power, dead reckoning scenarios with no land in sight. When all you have to work w