Compasses

Product Options

We know no two boats—or budgets—are alike, so we carry several styles:

• Hand-bearing / handheld marine compass models – perfect for paddle craft and as a backup on bigger vessels.
• Dash-mount marine compass units – sit neatly on a console for quick reference at speed.
• Flush-mount marine compass designs – integrate cleanly into a helm dash for a factory look.
• Bulkhead-mount marine compass products – pivot for clear sight lines on sailboats and cruisers.
• Surface-mount and bracket-mount marine compass options – offer flexible placement on rails, roofs, or tenders.

Within each style you’ll find favourites like the Plastimo Contest bulkhead series, Ritchie Voyager dash mounts, and compact surface-mount units for inflatables. Every model arrives with gimbal hardware, compensation screws, and clear installation guides.

Who Should Buy A Marine Compass?

GPS plotters often fail when batteries die, antennas malfunction, or rain interferes with a satellite signal. A well-balanced marine compass keeps pointing north no matter what—no power required, no data plan, no boot-up time. One glance at the card lets you judge the current set, lay a back-bearing, or steer clear of an unseen reef. It’s the most reliable backup a skipper can carry, yet it costs less than a tank of fuel. Because the capsule is sealed and gimballed, vibration, spray, and sub-zero wind chill barely touch its accuracy, so you stay on course in conditions that fry electronics. Carrying a compass also means you meet Transport Canada safety guidelines and avoid fines during an inspection. Installation takes minutes, maintenance takes seconds, and the peace of mind lasts for years. When electronics blink, the compass is the one instrument that never lies. Own one, and every voyage feels calmer from the helm.

Why Choose Our Marine Compasses?

We hand-pick every model to give you the best marine compass for each application, whether you need an ultra-compact backup or a blue-water specialist.

Precision in every weather

Canadian boating throws everything at you—from dazzling prairie sunshine to sleet on the Atlantic. Liquid damping, sapphire-jewel bearings, and balanced cards keep headings stable in pounding waves or sub-zero cold.

Built to last

Housings are molded from UV-stabilized polymers or anodized aluminum, with corrosion-proof internals that shrug off salt spray and ice. Many models meet or exceed ISO 613 and ABYC standards.

Simple to fit, simple to read

Bold five-degree graduations, high-contrast lubber lines, and built-in night illumination keep bearings crisp after sunset. Dash and flush units drop into common cut-outs, while bracket mounts securely with two stainless steel bolts—no specialist tools required.

Support that stands behind you

Buy a marine compass for sale from us and get more than hardware. Our staff will guide you through deviation checks, provide quick video tutorials, and expedite any warranty claim. If a compass arrives mis-calibrated, we replace it—no questions asked.

Extended Features That Matter

• Global balancing – Stay accurate whether you’re in northern B.C. or the Florida Keys.
• Built-in compensators – Fine-tune deviation caused by speakers or metal dashboards in minutes.
• 360-degree card markings – Let crew confirm headings without leaning over the wheel.
• High-contrast domes – Anti-glare moulding keeps numbers sharp on bright or grey days.

How to Choose the Right Marine Compass

Handheld vs. fixed

• Handheld: Light and pocket-sized—ideal for kayaks, canoes, and emergency backup.
• Fixed: Dash, flush, bulkhead, surface, or bracket mounts give hands-free reference for powerboats, sailboats, and RIBs.

Mounting preference

Dash and flush mounts deliver a sleek look on powerboats. Bulkhead units swivel for clear sight under sail. Surface and bracket mounts let you place the dial exactly where it feels natural.

Vessel size

Runabouts and skiffs do well with 2 ½-inch cards. Offshore trawlers and tall-console rigs need larger 4-inch dials for readability from a metre back.

Visibility in low light

If twilight voyages are common, select models with sealed LED or incandescent back-lighting to preserve night vision.

Budget

A basic bracket-mount marine compass starts below $100. A premium flush-mount model with global balance and a reversible dial may approach $450. Remember, a compass is a decade-long investment; spending a little more now protects you from costly navigation errors later.

Frequently Asked Questions on Marine Compasses

1. What type of compass is best for my boat?
   Powerboats with a flat helm suit dash- or flush-mount units. Sailboats often choose a bulkhead mount visible from both sides of the cockpit. Paddlers favour a compact handheld model.
2. How accurate are marine compasses?
   Quality units from Plastimo or Ritchie are accurate within one degree when properly compensated and installed.
3. Can I install the compass myself?
   Yes. Most models include templates and hardware. Align the lubber line with the vessel’s centreline, drill pilot holes, and secure. Our team can guide you by phone if needed.
4. How do I maintain my marine compass?
   Rinse the dome with fresh water and mild soap, check for bubbles each spring, tighten mounting screws annually, and verify deviation after adding new electronics or metal fittings.

A compass remains the heart of safe navigation even in the era of chartplotters and smartphones. By choosing a model crafted for Canadian conditions and supported by knowledgeable service, you set yourself up for years of confident cruising. Browse our full range today, enjoy fast shipping anywhere in Canada, and call our experts if you need help selecting the perfect compass for your adventures.