Bulkhead-mount magnetic compass from the Ritchie Navigation Navigator series is a magnetic marine compass for sailboats. The BN-202 model features a 4½″ CombiDial card with a diameter of 114 mm, a black housing, and a red card.
The CombiDial design combines horizontal reading with direct front reading, allowing the heading to be read both from above and from the front. The compass features 45° lubber lines and an integrated clinometer with a scale up to 40° on each side to display the boat's angle of heel.
The internal gimbal suspension stabilizes the compass during rolling and pitching. The compass movement is constructed with a matched sapphire jewel bearing and hardened steel pivot, while the compass bowl is manufactured from glass-reinforced Valox®. Built-in, adjustable compensators allow for correction of fixed deviation after installation.
The integrated night lighting consists of replaceable upper and lower amber LED units for 12 V DC. For installation on a 24 or 32 V system, an appropriate voltage-reducing resistor is required. A separate compass circuit must be properly fused; a fast-acting 1 A AGC glass fuse can be used.
The bulkhead mount requires a round cutout hole of 146 mm and a bolt circle of 161.9 mm. The front measures a maximum of 176.2 mm in width and 184.9 mm in height. The protrusion in front of the mounting surface is approx. 83 mm, while the installation depth behind the surface is approx. 76 mm. The compass centerline must be mounted parallel to the boat's centerline on a vertical mounting surface; for a slanted surface, a leveling block is required.
After installation, the compass must be compensated and checked for deviation. The mounting location must be kept free from magnetic interference from sources such as high-current cables, speakers, wiper motors, and ferromagnetic materials. Salt and dirt should be removed with fresh water and a damp cloth without chemical or abrasive cleaners. The construction is fully field-serviceable, made in the USA, and covered by a 5-year warranty.
Documented accessories include front cover item no. 25.088.41, corresponding to BN-C, and rear cover item no. 25.088.31, corresponding to NC-20. Service components include mounting gasket NV-0023, upper LED unit NV-0045 XSP, lower LED unit NV-0044 XSP, and lower light housing NV-0047 XSP.
Key featuresBulkhead-mount magnetic compass for sailboats
Navigator BN-202 with 4½″ / 114 mm CombiDial card
Red compass card with front and top reading
45° lubber lines and integrated 40° clinometer
Internal gimbal suspension
Built-in, adjustable deviation compensators
Amber LED night lighting for 12 V DC
Mounting hole: Ø 146 mm
Bolt circle: Ø 161.9 mm
5-year warranty
