Drip, Drip, compass leak

[AlamedaKen]

I have a 2010 R-29 which is new to me. There seems to be a small leak around the compass. Does anyone have experience replacing the gasket? What is the compass model number? Where can I purchase a new gasket?
Ken, on Stuffy the R-29

 

[Levitation]

From my limited experience with the R29 outside compass (one boat) The factory sent him some retrofit parts (still leaked) He finally made up a hat (sorta) that sits over the compass when they are not underway. It seems to control the leaking.

 

[Todd]

Just remove and reset with silicone. I had to replace mine and I have no leaks.

 

[Romakeme IV]

They can be refilled with plumbing anti freeze using a syringe.

 

[stwendl]

Just wondering, unless you do ocean voyages, a compass seems to be not too helpful. Time of day and sun tells roughly the directions, a map and coastline tells you where you are. I don't suppose we do much night traveling to require a compass and the abundance of navigation tools n the instruments, and handheld phones is by far better than compass bearings. Sure what to do when gps is not working. I think in such situation we may have some other issues and may not even venture out. Perhaps returning from an offshore fishing trip, power failure on the boat, but then a lot of other things will not work either like power steering. Perhaps keep some cheap handheld compass around for emergencies but the one on the boat seems overrated. Open to other opinions

 

[S. Todd]

Those of us that learned to navigate the Great Lakes with a compass and a paper chart, and did so for 30 years, would never use a boat without a decent compass properly mounted and dialed in. Sure a GPS coupled with an auto pilot takes all the guess work out of navigating, but in rough seas I am going turn off the autopilot and handle the helm. When you can not see the shoreline over the curvature of the earth, or if you can it is just a blur in the distance, I want my compass and rely on it. And if the GPS fails, my chart and compass will get me where I want to be in a relatively straight line. I have only crossed Lake Michigan twice when you drive for hours without sight of land but both times my compass got me right where I wanted to be, thank you. When I was a teenager we did a trip to Isle Royale, in Lake Superior, in a dense fog for about two hours with a compass bearing from a road map because the chart store was closed. Never saw the Island until after we saw the buoys marking the harbor entrance.

 

[Scottfree]

My 2010 R29 had the same leak. I removed the compass, cleaned up the mating surfaces and siliconed it back in. Still had the leak. Upon closer inspection, you could see the black gasket around the glass dome had receded from the glass. Likely due to sun and age. I applied Captain Tolleys leak and crack sealer around the glass directly on the gasket gap in two applications a day apart. Problem solved.

I also had leaks around Stainless grab bars where they were bolted to the roof and eyebrows. Again two applications a day apart with Captain Tolley. No leaks since.

Good luck.

 

[AlamedaKen]

Thanks to all and to Captain Tolly I think the problem is solved.
Ken

 

[Automaticman865]

there is also the butyl rubber bed it tape. This stuff is remarkable. I found this and bought it and never regretted buying it.
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/butyl_tape

Stuart

 

[GA-Midnight Cruise]

This kind gentleman is located in Seminole, FL. He has rebuilt 9 or so vintage compasses for me over the years. He also will swing my compass every two years on my boat and update my compass card. joe@compassadjuster.com Joe Terri

 

[NorthernFocus]

... Perhaps keep some cheap handheld compass around for emergencies but the one on the boat seems overrated. Open to other opinions

Like most philisophical discussions, always interesting but no one ever changes their mind. Few people can see beyond the horizon thats defined by their own experience.