This Ritchie Explorer 70 mm marine compass with compensator and night lighting is model B-51G for bracket mounting. It features a grey housing, a blue, direct-reading compass card, and is intended as a steering compass for powerboats up to 24 feet (7.32 m).
The 70 mm compass card is graduated every 5° and is supported by DirectiveForce magnets, which provide rapid stabilization of the heading indication. The compass movement uses a sapphire jewel bearing with a hardened steel pivot, while the built-in compensators consist of two sets of correction magnets on adjustable rods. The movable sun shield can be adjusted according to lighting conditions.
The adjustable and removable bracket with thumb screws makes it possible to level the compass fore and aft. The compass has a total height of 119 mm including the bracket and a maximum horizontal footprint of 116 mm. The compass housing itself measures 102 mm from the top to the bottom of the housing, excluding the base of the bracket. The housing is made of high-temperature composite material.
The green LED night lighting connects to 12 V DC. The compass must be mounted parallel to the boat's centerline and close enough to the helm for easy reading. The mounting location must be kept free from interference from magnets, iron, steel, high-current cables, windshield wipers, and other variable magnetic fields. Use non-magnetic fasteners, and if necessary, use a suitable shim so that the compass sits level. For a separate compass circuit, a fast-acting 1 A AGC fuse is recommended.
After installation, the deviation should be checked and, if necessary, corrected with the built-in compensators. The check should be repeated at the beginning of each sailing season and after the installation of electrical or magnetic equipment near the compass. Remove salt and dirt with clean fresh water and a damp cloth; chemical and abrasive cleaning agents should not be used.
The compass is designed to be repairable and is supplied without a protective cover. Documented spare parts include grey bracket EX-0073 XSP, grey thumb screws EX-0081 XSP in a 2-pack, 12 V replacement lighting EX-0005-2, and light and wire assembly EX-0022 ASY. Check model and serial number before ordering lighting parts. The product is manufactured in the USA and has a 5-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects.
Key Features70 mm direct-reading, blue compass card
Graduations every 5°
Built-in compensators to correct for fixed deviation
12 V DC green LED night lighting
Adjustable and removable grey mounting bracket
Sapphire jewel bearing and hardened steel pivot
Movable sun shield
For powerboats up to 24 feet (7.32 m)
Total height including bracket: 119 mm
Maximum horizontal footprint: 116 mm
