Ritchie Panel Compass and Mirage drive

I need a compass for my AI.  I got lost in the fog this morning at Capitola and what a pain in the butt that was. My FF/GPS was acting up all morning and then my watch (had a digital compass) decided to take a swim without me.  The cheap little travle compass I had was virtually useless since it was wobbling around and hard to read. I ended up using the smartphone as my last layer of navigation.

So... I'm going to permanently mount a compass.  For those who have mounted the Ritchie Panel Compass into the forward bulkhead, is it still visible while you pedal? Seems like it wouldn't be.  My Mirage leash anchor is right smack in the middle of the bulkhead... which I may end up using as the spot to mount the compass. What's been your experience?

+1

I've been wanting to mount a compass on my Adventure, but can't figure out where to put it...

I use a Suunto Orca Compass, I wrapped the bungee that came with it on the middle of the Aka bar.  Its been in place for a couple of years, no holes drilled and removable. 

I had the same thing happen to me in the fog in SC/Cap and it convinced me to get a compass too.  I did a complete 360 in the fog while staring at my GPS to try and go south and ended up back at the harbor.  I got this one, which is a little big, but it's really easy to see:  http://www.amazon.com/Ritchie-XP-99W-Kayaker-Compass-Surface/dp/B002FVOL7A/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1435330217&sr=8-9&keywords=ritchie+compass+surface+mount&pebp=1435330239693&perid=1HDB9MW1SAASWBRWMXG7  It came with a mounting plate, and I dont recall if I added it or if it came with a bungee.  I basically either strapped it down on the front hatch if I had the sail, or I mounted it on the sail mount when not using it.  I actually would really like to make a pvc mount that fits the sail mast mount too.  But you could easily use something like a Hummingbird FF mount like this: http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-107U with one of PatR's awesome custom mounts.

Here's a picture of mine:

PatR's towards the bottom: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=40502.0

Are there any flatter compass options? I was thinking that the center hatch cover would be a good mounting location, but the compasses I've seen all seem to stick up so far that they'd be in the way when pedaling.

Take a look at suba/dive compasses like this one: http://www.amazon.com/XS-Scuba-Standard-Compass-Module/dp/B002J9WBWK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1435335778&sr=8-6&keywords=scuba+dive+compass&pebp=1435335788367&perid=1AVGYMKDWRS3BWH4P33B

Seen them installed by a few guys on say their rod pod, or like on my X-Factor deck between the legs.

I've seen all seem to stick up so far that they'd be in the way when pedaling.

Its mounted on the AKA bar.  The pedals never hit the AKA bar.  Its pretty easy to view.  The taller you are the better.

Take a look at suba/dive compasses like this one: http://www.amazon.com/XS-Scuba-Standard-Compass-Module/dp/B002J9WBWK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1435335778&sr=8-6&keywords=scuba+dive+compass&pebp=1435335788367&perid=1AVGYMKDWRS3BWH4P33B

Seen them installed by a few guys on say their rod pod, or like on my X-Factor deck between the legs.

That looks like it would work, and the price is good. Thanks Al.

I like the one Al posted from amazon...Im thinking Velcro and stick it somewhere...anyone know its diameter?

Thanks guys. Those were actually the compasses I was considering because they both look easy to read.  I like the idea of using a Scott mount, since I have flush mounts installed that aren't always used.  Or.. I might mount it on the bar like Mel until I figure out where to permanently install it.  Thanks again.

I've paddled in circles while staring at my GPS track a few times, while lost in fog. It can be somewhat disorienting. Now I just switch the view on my FF to display the basic compass dial when that happens...instead of staring at my GPS track.

Mark - I tilt it up and down to get the best view.  If you google Suunto Kayak compass, another model comes with a deck mount with 2 screws so you can move it around your different yaks.  I got mine on sale at Sports Chalet for $13 a few years ago.

There is a CL posting for a Ritchie compass now in Daly City
$20
It says brand new!