This Ritchie Helmsman marine compass with 94 mm dial and night lighting is model HF-742 in black finish for flush mounting. The compass features a flat, open, black card with green NiteVu night lighting for a 24 V DC circuit.
The magnetic heading display operates independently of electronic navigation. The compass movement is constructed with a sapphire jewel bearing, a hardened steel pivot, and DirectiveForce magnets, which contribute to rapid stabilization on course. The built-in compensators are used to correct for fixed magnetic deviation, and the movable 45° lubber lines assist in reading while sailing.
The housing is manufactured from high-temperature resistant composite material and features a movable sun shield. The compass card has a nominal diameter of 94 mm (3¾"). The maximum width across the bezel and flange is 131 mm, the height above the mounting surface is 62 mm, and the mounting depth is 57 mm. Mounting requires a round cutout of Ø102 mm (4") and has a bolt circle of 117.4 mm.
The compass is mounted on a flat, horizontal surface with the centerline parallel to the boat's centerline. For an inclined or curved mounting surface, a suitable leveling block is required. Use non-magnetic fasteners and avoid placement near wiper motors, high-current cables, speakers, and other equipment that can create shifting magnetic fields.
The night lighting is connected to a suitably fused 24 V DC circuit. For an independent compass circuit, a fast-acting 1 A AGC glass fuse is recommended. Deviation should be checked every 30° and recorded on a deviation card. The check should be repeated at the beginning of each sailing season and after installing new equipment near the compass.
Maintenance is performed with clean fresh water and a damp cloth; chemical and abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided. The model is serviceable, while the sealed dome, card, and bowl capsule are normally serviced as a single unit. The compass is made in the USA and comes with a five-year manufacturer's warranty.
Documented accessories and spare parts
For standard installation, mounting gasket HL-0219 is used. Black adapter ring H-ABLK can be used when retrofitting mounting holes from older HF-72 and HF-73 models; together with the adapter ring, gasket HL-0105 is used. Other relevant parts include protective cover H-741-C, mounting template HL-0231, and green 24 V LED unit SH-0213 ASY.
Key featuresMagnetic marine compass for flush mounting
Flat, open, black 94 mm (3¾") compass card
Green NiteVu night lighting for 24 V DC
Built-in compensators for fixed magnetic deviation
Sapphire jewel bearing, hardened steel pivot, and DirectiveForce magnets
Movable sun shield and 45° lubber lines
Mounting cutout: Ø102 mm (4")
Five-year manufacturer's warranty
