Which Hand Bearing Compass to Buy

[smitty469]

What is a descent entry level hand bearing compass to purchase?

I need something for my 1st bvi trip. Checking anchor holding, DR, etc...

Are these also called Range Compass?

[Hydra]

I have the Iris 50, made by Plastimo (got it with the boat).

Plastimo website says:
• Two functions : handbearing and traditional compass.
• Graduation : every 1°.
• Field of view : 20°.
• Built-in photoluminescent lighting.
• Red lubber lines.
• Weight : 105 g.
IME, all of this is true .

No affiliation whatever with the maker, just a satisfied user with this product (NOT the whole Plastimo range).

Alain

[AiniA]

Something to think about if you might be buying new binoculars at some point is to get binoculars with a a built-in compass. I have a pair of Fujinons that do nicel as a hand-bearing compass as well.

[rebel heart]

Another bump for the Iris 50. Thing is terrific and dead simple.

Iris 50 Compass

[Cheechako]

I had a couple, I really liked the one that locked the dial when you released a button. Sometimes by the time you work your way to the chart table you're asking yourself "was that 22 or 32 degrees?" You are often taking two bearings with a HB compass, so all you have to do is remember the first bearing, the last one is locked on the dial. :>)

[Astrid]

I also use the Iris 50--I actually have two, one in degrees and a military one in mils.

[Hydra]

If you want to have binoculars with a built-in compass, pay attention to the damping of the rose. On my binos (Tasco Offshore 54), it is totally insufficient, making the compass unusable in a seaway .

By the way, the price of a good pair of binoculars with a built-in compass is not really "entry level" .

Alain

[smitty469]

Originally Posted by AiniA

Something to think about if you might be buying new binoculars at some point is to get binoculars with a a built-in compass. I have a pair of Fujinons that do nicel as a hand-bearing compass as well.

I was thinking about that as well.

I had two reservations though.

1) Say your anchoring in a small cove/bay. I think you would almost be too close with the binaculars & have a hard time with the field of reguard (if that makes any sense).

2) Similar reasoning as above, however wouldn't using them at night would be more difficult?

[smitty469]

Originally Posted by Hydra

If you want to have binoculars with a built-in compass, pay attention to the damping of the rose. On my binos (Tasco Offshore 54), it is totally insufficient, making the compass unusable in a seaway .

Alain

I think that is what I was trying to say

[SailFastTri]

If you have an iPhone or iPad there is a cool app called "Spyglass" that gives you a hand-bearing compass, rangefinder and more App Store - Spyglass ~ AR compass, rangefinder, GPS tracker, stars, maps

[S/V Alchemy]

I have a Davis handheld with a pistol-type grip that suffices, but I prefer to put pieces of tape on the rail that works out to 30, 45 and 60 degrees off the centerline as per my Ritchie helm compass. I find eyeballing these bits of tape to shore features, and then seeing if the Ritchie, which is a large thing, is showing a change in bearing, is sufficient.

Your mileage, etc. may vary, but tape on the lifelines or rails is an old trick. We usually stand in the same spot at the helm, after all.

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by Hydra

I have the Iris 50, made by Plastimo (got it with the boat).

Plastimo website says:
• Two functions : handbearing and traditional compass.
• Graduation : every 1°.
• Field of view : 20°.
• Built-in photoluminescent lighting.
• Red lubber lines.
• Weight : 105 g.
IME, all of this is true .

No affiliation whatever with the maker, just a satisfied user with this product (NOT the whole Plastimo range).

Alain

+1 amazing little thing

[knottygurl]

I have 2 Iris 50's, one on deck and the second in bailout bag

[smitty469]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

but tape on the lifelines or rails is an old trick. We usually stand in the same spot at the helm, after all.

I read that in a SAIL mag. They also used clothespins.

[bobconnie]

I have 1 I keep in my Bag all the time along with my harness and off shore PFD. Bob and Connie