Installing a Compass on a Typhoon

[Dan McCauley]

What is the best way to cut a hole in the bulkhead next to the companionway to install a compass? The hole will need to be a little over 4" in diameter or 104mm. The idea of cuting a hole in the boat and making a mistake scares the jebesus out of me.



sunmcc@gateway.net

[Jim Sullivan]

What is the best way to cut a hole in the bulkhead next to the companionway to install a compass? The hole will need to be a little over 4" in diameter or 104mm. The idea of cuting a hole in the boat and making a mistake scares the jebesus out of me.

I mounted the compass on my '71 Typhoon to the inside surface of the lowest of the three boards in the companionway using wood screws to secure the mounting bracket. When I want to use the compass, I simply reverse the board and the compass is ready for use. I have found this to be a good alternative to the procedure you have described.



jdsullivan@amexol.net

[Sean U]

I am in a similar boat (ahhemm) as Dan. My bejessus are also somewhat frightened by making any incisions. I second his request for thoughts on installing a compass. Thanks



suiterw@hotmail.com

[sloopjohnl]

when purchased from its original owner, my ty's compass was mounted on the teak under the companionway hatch. this required mount/dismount when using the compass. i like jim's way. it sure would be a shame to lose 50% of the good useable backrests when at anchor.

What is the best way to cut a hole in the bulkhead next to the companionway to install a compass? The hole will need to be a little over 4" in diameter or 104mm. The idea of cuting a hole in the boat and making a mistake scares the jebesus out of me.

I mounted the compass on my '71 Typhoon to the inside surface of the lowest of the three boards in the companionway using wood screws to secure the mounting bracket. When I want to use the compass, I simply reverse the board and the compass is ready for use. I have found this to be a good alternative to the procedure you have described.

[rodney]

I agonised over this decision too and ended up installing a bulkhead mount compass in the lower hatchboard..In fact, I had my carpenter make a new hatchboard w/ appropriate 4" cutout so I can use it during the summer and replace it with the original for winter storage..It works for me..Good luck..
rodney
s/v Mischief



seaweed@snet.net

[Bob Chamberland]

Not only is Jim's way neat and clean it also places the compass on the centerline of the boat where it belongs.

What is the best way to cut a hole in the bulkhead next to the companionway to install a compass? The hole will need to be a little over 4" in diameter or 104mm. The idea of cuting a hole in the boat and making a mistake scares the jebesus out of me.

I mounted the compass on my '71 Typhoon to the inside surface of the lowest of the three boards in the companionway using wood screws to secure the mounting bracket. When I want to use the compass, I simply reverse the board and the compass is ready for use. I have found this to be a good alternative to the procedure you have described.

cha62759@traverse.com

[Marino Curati]

I was lucky in that my bulkhead mounted compass is just a bracket. There's only three small screw holes. I'm planning on moving it to a companionway/small hatchboard mount, then filling the holes.

Is there an easy way to rig up some kind of small fitting to power the compass light? I go out past dark a lot.

Marino Curati
Ty #74 Snug
Cleveland

[Mike Wainfeld]

I installed a Contest Compass in the port bulkhead. I first marked the hole using the template, then I drilled a pilot hole at one edge. I used a Stanley tool which holds a hacksaw blade from one end to manually saw the circular hole. It was not perfect but the defects are covered by the flange of the compass. It actually came out pretty good-this was my first job on the boat! I have no electric on the boat so the light is not connected. I personally like the bulkhead location, but it does eliminate one spot to lean against. Good Luck!
Mike Wainfeld



mwainfeld@erols.com

[Dan McCauley]

I agonised over this decision too and ended up installing a bulkhead mount compass in the lower hatchboard..In fact, I had my carpenter make a new hatchboard w/ appropriate 4" cutout so I can use it during the summer and replace it with the original for winter storage..It works for me..Good luck..
rodney
s/v Mischief

Thanks for the great ideas and suggestions. I am rethinking the project in favor of mounting the compass on the lower hatchboard or making a second hatchboard for the compass. I do like the recline on the bulkhead and I'm not ready to give it up.



Sunmcc@gateway.net

[Pat Ballo]

I installed a SIMPLE portable compass to the inside, yes, inside of the center hatch board. when under way, i turn the hatch board so the compass is on the cockpit side. it is easy enough to still get down below and for storage, i simply turn the hatch board around to the proper closed hatch position



pjballo12@aol.com

[Joel Bondy]

Mine came similarly mounted. I don't find it adds more than 30 seconds to my pre-sail routine to attach it and think it is more in my line of sight when sailing than if mounted on a companionway board. Both options keep it in the center line of the boat and avoid any surgery.

Joel
Pokey II
'73 Typhoon Weekender
Hull #549

when purchased from its original owner, my ty's compass was mounted on the teak under the companionway hatch. this required mount/dismount when using the compass. i like jim's way. it sure would be a shame to lose 50% of the good useable backrests when at anchor.

What is the best way to cut a hole in the bulkhead next to the companionway to install a compass? The hole will need to be a little over 4" in diameter or 104mm. The idea of cuting a hole in the boat and making a mistake scares the jebesus out of me.

I mounted the compass on my '71 Typhoon to the inside surface of the lowest of the three boards in the companionway using wood screws to secure the mounting bracket. When I want to use the compass, I simply reverse the board and the compass is ready for use. I have found this to be a good alternative to the procedure you have described.

Bondy_Joel@hotmail.com