FLUID GONE OUT OF COMPASS

[mako 201]

Took my baot out for the first time in several years and noticed that most of the fluid had leaked out of the compass. The only name I found on it is Mako. My boat is a Mako but I doubt Mako manufactured the compass. There are a set of screws around the top that may give me access to the innerds???? Any one ever been inside one of these? If so what do I refill the compass with? Thanks in advance.

 

[JB]

Re: FLUID GONE OUT OF COMPASS

Howdy, Mako.<br /><br />Don't know who made your compass. <br /><br />I have Ritchies on all my family boats. They develop air bubbles about once a year. There is always a screw somewhere on the globe that allows access to the inside of the globe. <br /><br />I add odorless Mineral Spirits with an eyedropper, but I think a syringe would work better.<br /><br />Hope that helps.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[mako 201]

Re: FLUID GONE OUT OF COMPASS

Thanks J.B. got to looking in my boats folder and the compass sure enough is a ritchie. I'll loof for that screw. Should I drain and replace all the fluid or just top it off with the mineral spirits. The level is pretty low, and I'd like to find out where the leak is. You can see where the fluid has soaked into the teak base.

 

[JB]

Re: FLUID GONE OUT OF COMPASS

Hi, Mako.<br /><br />If your compass is leaking fast enough to leave a stain you probably should replace it. That little brass bellows underneath is quite thin and can develop a real leak from flexing with changes in barometric pressure. "Normal" leakage is osmosis and so slow that the spirits evaporate without even getting the exterior wet.<br /><br />Search for "compass" and look for the Ritchie site or a dealer who can sell you a new cartridge for it.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB