➣CUSTOM MAGNETIC COMPASS INSTALLATIONS

Wayfinder Compass designs and machines custom adapter parts to install modern, reliable, repairable compasses in binnacle types that are no longer manufactured or supported, and to provide compensation solutions for unusual compass errors.

Modern Compass for the Baker Lyman Binnacle

Cassens & Plath Type 21 in Baker Lyman Binnacle

The Cassens & Plath Type 21 Compass, adapted with custom machined gimbal trunnions to fit a Baker Lyman binnacle. This replaces the discontinued Baker Lyman Navy Standard compass, and the recently discontinued Ritchie Navy Standard compass. It is a reflector compass (can be read via periscope), and qualifies as a bearing compass, as required by SOLAS V.

Cassens & Plath Type 21 Adapted for Baker Lyman Binnacle

Machined Adapter Rings

Ritchie Globemaster Compass Great Lakes Steamship Freighter

Machined adapter plates for the installation of modern Ritchie spherical compasses in 1940s brass binnacles, onboard Great Lakes bulk freighters. These installations replace the discontinued Danforth Constellation.

Ritchie Globemaster Custom Install Great Lakes Freighter Binnacle

Great Lakes Freighter Custom Ritchie Compass Install

E Error Solutions

E Links to compensate compass for asymmetrical soft iron

D & E error quadrantal sphere install binnacle

Slewed Quadrantal Spheres to compensate compass for asymmetrical soft iron

Compass errors caused by asymmetrical induced magnetic interference can exist in compasses installed off centerline, or compasses installed directly next to a strong source of induced interference. This error can be compensated with special hardware to “slew” the spheres: that is, set them at angles other than directly athwartships. This can be done with “E links”, or by installing additional sphere brackets on a binnacle.

Emergency steering station magnetic compass solutions

Emergency Steering Station Compasses

Emergency steering station/engine room compasses are difficult to adjust due to magnetic interference and shielding, and vibration close to an engine room will destroy a compass pivot quickly. The Ritchie 6” in a shock mount binnacle is an excellent solution to both problems. The compass needle is large enough to provide steady heading indication in a magnetically shielded environment. The vibration-damping shock mount extends the life of the compass pivot by a decade or more.

Custom Binnacle Covers

Wayfinder Compass can provide custom binnacle covers, handmade to spec by accomplished sailmakers out of tough weatherproof canvas. They can add decades to a binnacle’s operational lifespan.