Plastimo vs. Ritchie

[SailingWebGuy]

Hello!

I'm in need of a new compass. What are your thoughts on the Ritchie Navigator vs. the Plastimo Contest 101?? Thanks!

[Cruiser2B]

I asked that same question a couple months ago. I ended up with the Plastimo Contest 101, most recommended that one. Got it locally for 167.00. A great Deal! I have not installed it yet though. Been sailing around the bay every chance I get

[mitiempo]

I like my Contest 101. But I'm sure the Ritchie is good as well.

[fryewe]

I got my new Contest 101 off Mr. Brown's truck today. It will replace the Ritchie on Talofa Lee (Norsea 27). The Ritchie is still functional, but the dome has some crazing due to ultraviolet damage, and I expect it will begin to leak soon. The clinometer scale on the bottom of the bezel is also faded badly. I chose the Contest as a replacement because it has all the features of the Ritchie, which has been a good compass, and because all the Plastimo products I have owned have performed reliably and worn well.

Good luck with your new compass.

[DoubleEnder]

A few years ago I had a Ritchie compass (bulkhead mount) with crazing and also a few scars on the bubble. I brought it to Ritchie in Pembroke, Ma. and they fixed it for half the cost of a new one. In fact it absolutely looked like a brand new one. Great customer service.

Ritchie Navigation
243 Oak Street
Pembroke, MA 02359

Just one alternative.

[TintedChrome]

I managed to snag a "used"-but-new-in-box 101 and I couldn't be happier. Being able to see the heading from the other side of the bulkhead inside the cabin is a big plus for me.

Question for you 101 owners - did yours come with the magnetic compensation box? Looking at the Plastimo site it looks like it may be an extra..

[mitiempo]

No compensation on mine. Keep it away from ferrous metals and plot errors if any on a chart.

[TintedChrome]

Great, that's what I thought.. thanks mitiempo!

This is probably a stupid question, but an iron keel won't affect it right? It's the only ferrous material on the boat, but it's a big honkin' mother located about 3 feet forward and 4 feet below the compass..

[mitiempo]

Shouldn't, but check.

Only ferrous metal on the boat? No knives, forks, tinned cans, tools or anything else?

[TintedChrome]

Not right now, no She's bare as can be..

Although that will change as I bring stuff aboard that I think I'll need.. And I'll make sure to keep them away from that compass. Thanks for the heads up!