The Ritchie Helmsman 3¾″ magnetic marine compass is a flush-mount compass for powerboats and sailboats. The HF-743 features a black housing, a black CombiDial/CombiDamp compass card, and combined direct-reading and top-reading capabilities, allowing the course to be read from multiple angles at the helm.
The compass has a nominal card diameter of 3¾″ (94 mm), an adjustable sunshield, and 45° lubber lines. The DirectiveForce magnet system supports rapid stabilization of the heading display, while the compass movement utilizes a sapphire jewel bearing and a hardened steel pivot.
The housing is constructed from high-temperature composite. The maximum outer diameter is 131 mm, the height above the mounting surface is 62 mm, and the mounting depth below the surface is 57 mm. Flush mounting requires a Ø 102 mm cutout.
The green NiteVu LED night lighting is powered by 12 V and consists of one light source at the front of the compass and one in the sunshield. Both light sources connect to the same fused circuit, which should be rated for 1 A for the compass.
Built-in compensators allow for the correction of fixed magnetic deviation. The mounting location must be checked for magnetic interference before cutting the hole, and the compass must be mounted on a flat, horizontal surface with the centerline parallel to the boat's centerline. Use the included mounting gasket and non-magnetic mounting hardware; sealant should not be used around the compass.
After installation, the compass must be compensated, and the deviation should be checked across the entire range of headings. Maintenance is performed with clean fresh water and a damp cloth, without chemical or abrasive cleaners. The model is repairable and comes with a five-year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Accessories and spare parts
Protective cover H-741-C and black retrofit adapter ring H-ABLK are compatible with the HF-743. The adapter ring can be used when mounting in an existing 128 mm hole from older HF-72 and HF-73 installations. Mounting template HL-0231 is suitable for the HF-743.
Documented spare parts include capsule HL-0225 XBC, sunshield with light HL-0216 XBK, black flange HL-0215 BLK, lower housing HL-0217 BLK, gasket HL-0218, compensator HL-0230 MAG, and mounting gasket HL-0219. Green 12 V replacement lights have part numbers SH-0194 for the front and SH-0195 for the sunshield.
Key featuresMagnetic marine compass for flush mounting
Combined direct-reading and top-reading
Black 3¾″ (94 mm) CombiDial/CombiDamp card
Green 12 V NiteVu LED night lighting with two light sources
Built-in compensators for fixed deviation
Adjustable sunshield and 45° lubber lines
Cutout hole: Ø 102 mm
Max. outer diameter: 131 mm
Mounting depth: 57 mm
Five-year manufacturer's warranty
