Compass

 Finally fitted a decent navigation compass to Teria.

It's a Silva 70P bulkhead compass from Whitworths Cairns store.

First removed the old rectangular sum log readout, then made a 3mm plywood adapter plate with a round hole to hold the compass on the cockpits bulkhead. Non-magnetic screws used (stainless and brass). Sealed it all with silicone.

Silva 70P Bulkhead compass

Compass located on bulkhead next to companionway.

Covered with aluminium foil container for laid-up weather protection.

It can be read from standing or seated helm positions. 

Silva is a swedish company, and their compasses quality is high for a reasonable price point. It has a jewelled card bearing, liquid dampening, a lubberline and can heel 30 degrees and pitch 30 degrees (heaven help us then!) Once the boat is heeled over on a tack, the lubber line can be manually rotated to the new vertical, so you get 30 degrees sideways tilt on card either way.

Had to remount the VHF's microphone about 2ft away from the compass as it is magnetic and caused about 5 degrees deviation when its next to the compass. The compass is also mounted away from 12V electrical system which also avoids compass deviation.

Also bought a Silva field compass at Tentworld for handheld bearings or  hiking ashore. 

It's an entry level baseplate compass and also high quality. It has a rotating bezel with north indicator , so you can easily stay on course. Bearings can also be taken of landmarks which can be used for map/chart navigation, a reliable backup for GPS nav. It's not quiet as accurate as a marine hand bearing compass by a few degrees either way, but the price is certainly many times less. It's also very lightweight and compact. Should do for coastal sailing or hiking.