This Ritchie Voyager 3″ marine compass with combined front and top reading is a magnetic flush-mount compass for installation in a boat's dashboard or console. The F-83W variant features a white housing, white dial, and a 3″ CombiDamp dial with a nominal diameter of 76 mm.
The compass can be read from both the front and above. The liquid-filled construction, internal gimbal system, sapphire jewel bearing with a hardened steel pivot, and DirectiveForce magnets contribute to a stable and quick-responsive heading display. Built-in compensators allow for correcting fixed deviation after installation.
The built-in 12 V LED night lighting consists of two light sets and provides green NiteVu illumination. Both light sets can be connected to the same suitably fused circuit. If a separate circuit is used for the compass lighting, a fast-acting 1 A AGC glass fuse is recommended.
The external flange measures 133 mm in diameter, and the compass extends 51 mm above the mounting surface and 33 mm below it. Installation requires a round cutout of 107 mm and four screw positions on a bolt circle of 121.9 mm. Use the included mounting gasket and non-magnetic screws. Sealant or bedding compound should be avoided, as certain chemicals may damage the compass.
The mounting surface must be level and horizontal when the boat is on an even keel, and the center line of the compass must be parallel to the boat's center line. Place the compass away from magnets, iron and steel, high-current cables, speakers, windshield wipers, and other equipment that can affect the magnetic field. After compensation, deviation should be checked every 30° and recorded on a deviation card. The check should be repeated at the start of the sailing season and after installing new equipment nearby.
The housing is made of temperature-resistant composite material and features a movable sunshield. The compass is designed to be repairable and comes with a five-year Ritchie warranty. Remove salt and dirt with clean fresh water and a damp cloth; chemical and abrasive cleaning agents must not be used.
Related spare parts
Documented manufacturer parts include the SH-0195 KIT for 12 V green LED lighting and the VY-0164 mounting gasket. The suitability of other service parts should be checked against the compass's production year and revision before ordering.
Key featuresMagnetic 3″ marine compass for flush mounting
Combined front and top reading
White housing and white CombiDamp dial
12 V LED night lighting with green NiteVu light
Built-in compensators for deviation correction
Outer flange: Ø133 mm
Mounting cutout: Ø107 mm
Installation depth: 33 mm
Four mounting points on Ø121.9 mm bolt circle
Movable sunshield and temperature-resistant composite housing
