Raymarine 150/400 manual Finding the most suitable location, Steel-hulled boats

Step 4: Install the Compass 19

Finding the most suitable location

To identify the best compass location on your boat, start at the pitch and roll center then move the compass up and/or aft until you find a location with minimal magnetic disturbance.

Note: To check if the intended mounting location is free from magnetic influence, tape a handheld compass to the chosen location, then turn the boat through 360°. The readings on the handheld compass and your boat’s main steering compass (if accurately aligned) should not differ by more than10° at any heading.

Steel-hulled boats

On steel-hulled boats you must mount the compass at least 1 m (3 ft) above the main deck or wheelhouse. Otherwise the compass will not work correctly because the hull will prevent it from sensing the Earth’s magnetic field. The following diagram shows recommended mounting positions for steel-hulled boats.

Note: The higher above the waterline you mount the compass, the more the boat’s pitch and roll will affect compass performance.

Step 4

6 ft (1.8 m)

4 ft (1.2 m)

4 ft (1.2 m)

D5383-1

Compass - recommended location for steel-hulled boats