I'm a new-be to these boards, only posted once, I have enjoyed reading through the threads. I have a 1987 311 with Kaama drives and like the rest of you, I am passionate about my boat, I just wanted to say "hello".
At the end of the season I noticed the glass on my Ritchie compass to be broken. Does anybody know what model the compass is. Being in the Northeast my boat is all rapped up for winter. I was hoping to get a jump on purchasing a new compass, or glass.
Thanks for the help.

The folks at formula can probably give you this info through their technical support- they seem to know everything. If that doesn't work, I can get you the part number out of the books for my 1989.

I'm sure if you pull the compass out you'll find a tag from the manufacturer. I believe they were all made by Ritchie Navigation. You could pull it and send it back to Ritchie for repair. May be cheaper than purchasing a new one.

It is probably an SS-5000. The dome can be replaced by Ritchie. Pull it and send it to them.

SS-5000 - SuperSport (Flush Mount)

Compass Selection Guide SuperSport Compass Features
5" PowerDamp Plus, High-Visibility Blue Dial with Extra Large White Numerals
Easily Installed, Fits 6 1/4" (15.88 cm) Mounting Hole
Built-in Compensators to Easily Adjust for Deviation
Scientifically Matched Sapphire Jewel & Hardened Steel Pivot Dial Movement
Internal Gimbal Systems for Maximum Stability During Adverse Pitch and Roll Conditions
Powerful DirectiveForce Magnets for Fast Heading Lock-on
Fixed Low Level Green NiteVu Night Illumination
45 Degree Lubber Lines
High Temperature Construction for Extended Operating Range
Custom Fitted Protective Covers Available
100% Repairable
Exclusive 5-Year Ritchie Warranty
Approx. Shipping Weight: 5 lbs 12 oz (2.6 kg)

Protective Cover: LL-C

Replacement Parts

Light Assembly: SH-0111XSP
GM-0087 XSP (Green) & SH-0175 XSP (Red)
Notes:

All magnetic compasses come standard with 12 volt lighting. 24 & 32 volt lighting options are available.

This compass conforms with ISO 10316(E) and ISO 613:2000(E) standards.



Developed and hosted by Casco Software, Inc.

Not trying to be a smart a**, but why bother? Get a GPS !!!

welcome aboard riverrat311! Where do you live? where is north east for you ?

We all know that a GPS or Chart Plotter is the way to go, but when that equipment breaks down while underway you'll need a compass and paper chart to find your way. Even the best built airliners with all the fancy gizmo's still have mechanical backup gauges.......just in case.

My 87 311 has a Danforth Constellation compass I believe. Maybe they used different vendors, interesting..

Boy I appreciate all the help. Thats a bunch of info Red Dog, thanks.
I do have a GPS but I still want to keep all of the original 311 intact and in good shape.
I do my boating mainly on the Hudson River jeff32, with an occasional trip to the Jersey shore area.

The Ritchie SS-5000 is what was in my '89 311. The dome was cracked almost completely around the base, so I sent it back to Ritchie. They replaced the dome, gave the whole thing a "tune-up" and sent it back to me quickly for a very reasonable fee.

The domes are known to crack around the base, I haven't seen one yet that doesn't have this to some degree.

The SS-5000W (white) is standard on my 382. The compass is illuminated in green from the factory and clashes with the red Formula dash illumination. For $14, I obtained the red LED illumination directly from Ritchie and changed it out. Now everything matches.

Contact info for Ritchie is on their website