Repairing a Ritchie compass?

[SailingFan]

Hello everyone.

I have a task to handle where I am hoping someone else has done it and can offer some insight.

I currently have a Ritchie compass installed on my 78 Hunter 27, and the fluid in it has gone "dark". It is an illuminated compass and the one I see like it on Amazon is over $300 (yikes). During my current refit, as soon as the mast is done (have it down, wiring is all in and we are currently making connections, installing lights, coax, etc., so should be done with that part tomorrow) I want to go on board and get to the things that need handled there. The yard transit is still down (ugh) so I am unable to attend to the rotted mast step area, sadly. That leaves me with extremely low impact issues like mapping out wiring runs in the boat to order whatever supplies I may need, etc. But back to the compass.

I was told by somebody that these things are filled with some sort of mineral oil and that the oil can get some sort of bio growth in it over time, that there is a way to drain and replace the oil, but that there were some dangers to avoid. This is where I get foggy. Can anyone tell me how it is done and what I need to fill it with, what problems to watch for, whether it is even something I should do, or if there is a place such things are repaired if it is something that is beyond the basic new guy? Also, are there any seals I could damage, that sort of thing?

[NYSail]

On old boat I sent mine (20 year old) back to company and it came back sparkling new for less than half the price of new. For me well worth it. Certain models though may be too old. Sure it can be a do it yourself as well....

Good luck

[Orion Jim]

https://www.ritchienavigation.com/wh...ice-locations/

Just contact one of these service locations closest to you in Florida. I had mine serviced in Connecticut and it is as new. Very reasonable charge.

[Rucksta]

Odourless kerosene - clear
Usual to find a drain screw with "O" ring seal underneath.
Diaphram inside allows bleeding the bubble.
Old fluid if still present may be radio active

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Rucksta

Odourless kerosene - clear
Usual to find a drain screw with "O" ring seal underneath.
Diaphram inside allows bleeding the bubble.
Old fluid if still present may be radio active

Until 2001, all Ritchie compasses (see exception) were filled with Odorless Mineral Spirits (100% Paraffin based). Ritchie now uses a fluid called Isopar L that has similar properties, but some added benefits over Odorless Mineral Spirits.
➥ https://www.westmarine.com/buy/ritch...14_420_007_502

Exception: Some old style Flat Top Compasses used a mix of denatured alcohol and water. This process was stopped in the 1960s.

If service or replacement parts are necessary you may contact the Factory (call 781-709-3202), email service@ritchienavigation.com or contact an Authorized Service Station.
S-87 Compass
Service Stations ➥ https://www.ritchienavigation.com/wh...ice-locations/

[sail sfbay]

[QUOTE=SailingFan;3310042].............or if there is a place such things are repaired if it is something that is beyond the basic new guy?......[QUOTE]

I had 2 compasses rebuilt by Viking Compass.

https://www.vikingcompass.com/

[taylormobile]

I refurbished my Ritchie on our previous boat. Used Mineral spirits. Based on what I had read you are supposed to pull vacuum on the fluid for several hours to remove all air so bubbles don't form down the road. Fortunately I own a vacuum pump and was able to do that. Repair was still solid when I sold the boat 5 years later.

Steve

[Stmurray62]

There’s a fellow in New Hampshire that fixes compass’ at reasonable rates; Youngs Marine Services
603 412 4237
311 Pick Pocket Rd
Wakefield, NH

Call them, they can help; I’ve used them very successfully in the past...

[NorthCoastJoe]

You can buy compass oil at West marine and use a syringe to fill the compass. Easy to do.

[michaeld]

I sent mine to Viking Viking Instruments. I think you will be pleased with what they can do. Mine looked like new! https://www.vikingcompass.com/

[foufou]

I rebuilt my Ritchie compass following the instructions given to me over the phone by the guy at the Ritchie repair facility. He suggested the odorless mineral spirits that I bought at home Depot, and I replaced the plexiglass dome and diaphragm and o-ring. All easy enough for the average tinkerer. And the vacuum of fluid mentioned above is no doubt a good idea. good luck.

[dadster3]

Send it back to Richie and they will rebuild it. They will replace everything, not just the oil. I think it was about $165. It is worth it to get an essentially brand new compass.

[Peter1949]

Viking compass
Kingston mass
Came back like new. I think I paid $100 5 years ago

[Capt. Tom]

I have used Lauderdale speedometer to repair a compass. Reasonable price and good service.

[TNRivers]

Viking Compass rebuilt ours professionally with little cost.... easy to work with them and would highly recommend.
Terry and Melissa
sv Privateer III