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Remove compass and use GPS only, legal, safe, done frequently?

Old 01-04-2012, 10:59 AM
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Default Remove compass and use GPS only, legal, safe, done frequently?

Just wondering if anyone has done it, or if it is legal to not have a compass on a boat. I am in the process of getting a new gps, and my dash space is extremely limited. The best spot to put it would be right where my old ritchie compass is. I hardly ever look at it, and it doesnt read true anymore, is always 30 degreees off. Figured I could pull it and build a housing right in the dash for the gps like I see on the newer boats. Any opinions, info, ideas?
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Old 01-04-2012, 11:06 AM
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It is not a legal requirement to have one, and I have seen a lot of boats where people have done this.

I would never operate offshore without a compass, or a backup means of navigation (handheld GPS, etc.) Failure rates on electronics are extremely low, but I would not put all my eggs in one basket if I was on a long trip in open water, or at night.
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Old 01-04-2012, 11:27 AM
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Dumbest idea ever to do offshore. If the GPS goes down, your screwed.
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Old 01-04-2012, 11:35 AM
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if you are cleaning up the dash i dont see it as a bad idea to move the compass just make sure you have a backup onboard. I have a Top Gun in the shop that i am doing that very same thing on. Make sure its a GOOD backup compass and not some handheld toy.
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Old 01-04-2012, 12:00 PM
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I did exactly that on my 382. Removed the dash compass and made a plate out of starboard to mount the GPS to. When I later re-configured the dash I put the GPS in the dash and re-installed the compass.

I'd post pics but my membership expired.......I've posted them before in here somewhere though.
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Old 01-04-2012, 12:24 PM
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A diesel boat i had (single 3208 in a Blackfin)got caught in a electrical storm out there and everything failed except the mechanical guages and the compass,it made it back BTW.
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Old 01-04-2012, 12:28 PM
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othing wrong with a good handheld compass as a backup. If your navigating by GPS and it goes down, your compass is only going to get you in the general direction of "home" if you know which way that is.
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Old 01-04-2012, 02:55 PM
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That is my only holdup, not having a compass if you are out of sight of land and the gps goes out. Maybe I can find a smaller one to mount somewhere else.
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Old 01-04-2012, 03:01 PM
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Before...
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Old 01-04-2012, 03:03 PM
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After...

This was on my old 31 Cig.
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