Compass placement (newbie)

[dennisvetter]

I purchased an old C&C Redwing (1970) 30'. She had no compass so, after much research/thought, I purchased a Danforth A140 bulkhead mount (bulkhead has 20 degree slant). She's a tiller boat and it seems like "natural" spot for the helmsman is on the port side right behind the bulkhead (engine controls are there under the seat, instruments are on the side of the seat on the starboard side so you can't see them if you're positioned starboard). Unfortunately, most of the electrical/electronics (i.e. fuse panel, radio, wiring) is on the port side on the other side of the bulkhead. So the dilemna is this: would I be best putting the compass on the starboard side bulkhead (or maybe this is the ONLY bulkhead alternative with all the potential electrical interference issues) OR can I put it on the port side so that I can more easily and accurately read the compass. Or pehaps someone has a "third alternative".
Thanks in advance for any ideas/thoughts!
Ciao'
Dennis

[Idiens]

Don't put a steering compass any where near the wiring, the recommendation is usually 3 feet separation.

If you provide a picture, we can make suggestions.

[VASailor10]

Don't put your compass near any wiring and or electronics (including your VHF). I would suggest installing it on the starboard bulkhead because depending on the tack your on will dictate which side of the cockpit you will be sitting on. However, assuming your right handed I agree that you would prefer to sit on the port side enabling you to steer with your right hand. I do not think installing the compasson the starboard side will be that much of an inconvience.

Yes, if you could provide a picture, someone may be able to think up a "third alternative"!

-Spencer
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Surprise
Catalina 22

[dennisvetter]

Sounds like the starboard side it is ... any suggestions about exact placement before I cut a 4" hole in the bulkhead!! Photo attached in case someone has a "third alternative".
Many thanks!
Dennis[IMG]
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa2/dennisvetter/cockpit.jpg[/IMG]

[dennisvetter]

[Idiens]

Since you already bought the compass, starboard side looks good. I was wondering if central on top of the sliding hatch might be an alternative, but you would need to make a mounting box.

[dennisvetter]

I can return the compass ... West Marine is always great about that. I was wondering about something on/around the sliding hatch as you've suggested ... have you seen something that worked particularly well in this situation?
Thanks for your feedback!
Dennis

[VASailor10]

I would just install it on the starboard bulkhead its more practical.

-Spencer
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Suprise
Catalina 22

[sailingdog]

I think the starboard side is probably the least problematic. What I would recommend you do is to temporarily mount it about where you want it and then sail the boat a bit and see if the compass is affected by anything like the VHF radio or such. If it isn't... then mount it permanently.

[dennisvetter]

Thank you all for your suggestions!