The 6 Best Boat Compasses | Boating Buying Guides and Review

This review has been updated 15 times since it was first published in October of 2016. If you are more of a traditional seafarer who prefers not to solely rely on modern GPS systems, then you’ll need to install one of these boat compasses on your vessel to help you navigate your way. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, so regardless of where your expeditions take you, you’ll always be able to find your way home again. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the review.

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Top 6 Boat Compasses

6. Ritchie Venture Sr-2

Designed for sailboats from 16 to 36 feet in length, the Ritchie Venture Sr-2 will add an extra touch of class to your already luxurious nautical experience. Its subtle blue glow enables it to be read at night, without flooding the cabin with harsh light.

5. Shoreline Illuminated Marine

The impressive accuracy and reliability of the Shoreline Illuminated Marine is equaled only by its surprisingly low cost. This unit features a jeweled pivot assembly that can be easily adjusted to compensate for the pitch and roll of waves to give accurate readings.

4. Ritchie HF-743 Helmsman

Users whose eyesight isn’t the greatest should invest in the Ritchie HF-743 Helmsman, as the dial sports large numbers that are easy to determine even at a distance. The whole unit is pretty big, in fact, so you’ll never have to struggle to find it in an emergency.

3. Ritchie RA-93 Angler

You can mount the Ritchie RA-93 Angler right next to the wheel, and if it gets in your way, taking it off is as easy as pressing a button. That makes it a cinch to carry with you for storage if you don’t want to leave it on your boat around the clock.

2. Brunton Dash Mount

If you don’t want to constantly be knocking into or getting caught on your compass, the Brunton Dash Mount lies flush with your bulkhead when installed. This isn’t just safer and more convenient, but it also happens to be much more attractive.

1. Ritchie Explorer

The Ritchie Explorer has internal green illumination, allowing you to determine if you’re staying on course well after the sun’s gone down. It’s extremely easy to read in low light, making it a smart choice for anyone who frequently takes overnight trips.

2. Maxwell RC8

Save some sweat on the high seas and let the Maxwell RC8 do the hard work for you. This vertical unit has a stainless-steel pressure arm that grips the rope-to-chain splice securely. The motor can pull a 300-pound anchor at a blazing 92 feet per minute.

1. Lewmar V3 Go FF

Though pricey, the reliable Lewmar V3 Go FF is made of high-quality materials and packs a strong motor. Suitable for boats of up to 48 feet, it is rust-resistant with a cone clutch that ensures trouble-free rope engagement with the push of a button.

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