Ritchie Explorer F-50 Flush Mount Compass, Black
- Brand:
- Ritchie
- Part no:
- F-50
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mount
- Flush
- Card
- Direct read
- Built-in compensators
- Yes
The Explorer F-50 is a flush mount compass with a 2-3/4 inch direct read dial in black. Night lighting is built in as 12V green, and a movable sun shield and built-in compensators are included. The movement runs on a hardened steel pivot and sapphire jewel with no plastic, and the magnets are a DirectiveForce type for fast heading lock-on. A 5-year maker warranty applies, and it is made in the USA.
Our take
The 2-3/4 inch direct read dial puts the heading in front of the helmsman, and the built-in compensators let you trim out deviation after the compass is mounted. The steel and sapphire movement has no plastic in it.
From our buying guide
Ritchie says a magnetic compass needs no electrical power to work, and that a GPS gives course over ground, not heading. Magnets, ferrous metals and current-carrying devices near it can cause deviation, so the spot matters too.
Check before you buy:
- It's balanced for where you boat. Ritchie advises buying the zone central to where you boat.
- The dial suits your helm. A flat card is read from above, and a direct-read dial from directly in front.
- You can compensate it, since not every compass has built-in compensators.