Tacktick T061 compass

two stroke mick · 17 November 2008, 16:57

Hello

I was looking at a tacktick T061 compass. I have a 90 offshore compass but the vibration is such that it just spins around does anyone here have any experance of one of the tacktick typr compass. At the moment I am using an Etrex as a compass on my boat as my chart plotter is proving to be tempermental.

Regards

TSM

Doug Stormforce · 17 November 2008, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Hello

I was looking at a tacktick T061 compass.

I've never used one but I think its aimed more at sailing dinghy's and small keelboats where it will be used as a tactical compass on a boat that heals and rolls.

I don't think it was designed for the pounding motion of a RIB. Hasn't it got 2 displays angled so that it can be mounted on a mast but seen by a helm that is hiking out? I think its also got a countdown for start lines?

I would have thought you would be better buying a compass that has been designed for a RIB/powerboat.

SeaSkills · 17 November 2008, 20:03

I'm really surprised that you've had problems with the Plastimo compass. We've used various compasses in different boats, and had an Offshore 90 on one boat - never had any problems with it. Is it free of other interferences where you have it mounted?

I agree with Doug about the Tacktick. Apart from that, it's a lot of money! If you want a digital display, there are a number of fluxgate compasses around that are well suited to powerboats - one boat I trained on recently had an Azimuth 1000 which worked pretty well

Cookee · 21 November 2008, 13:28

Got one on the race boat, they are pretty much indestructible, it came off part way through a race and rattled around in the bilge for an hour in terrible conditions - we wiped it clean and clipped it back on none the worse for its experience!

murph06 · 21 November 2008, 16:46

just got a Silva 85 compass for my searider today, anyone have any experience of these?
are they any good?
Got it for next to nothing so I cant complain!

JSP · 21 November 2008, 17:57

Was going to ask the same about a Suunto C 65 I've just got.

SeaSkills · 22 November 2008, 07:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph06

just got a Silva 85 compass for my searider today, anyone have any experience of these?
are they any good?
Got it for next to nothing so I cant complain!

Like most compasses that are designed for dinghies and sailboats, you'll probably find that it isn't as stable on a powerboat as one that has been designed to cope with greater speed and engine vibrations. However, if you got it for next to nothing - give it a go and see!

murph06 · 22 November 2008, 17:30

cheers for the heads up Ian, probably try and flog on if thats the case.

Any recommendations for a good compass?

I quite like the Plastimo offshore 105, are they any good?

SeaSkills · 23 November 2008, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph06

I quite like the Plastimo offshore 105, are they any good?

Don't know that particular one, but it should be fine.

Pete7 · 23 November 2008, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph06

cheers for the heads up Ian, probably try and flog on if thats the case. Any recommendations for a good compass?
I quite like the Plastimo offshore 105, are they any good?

Superb compass. We had one mounted on Old Spice directly infront of the wheel. Loads of electrics nearby which never affected it. Even JK commented approvingly when he drove Old Spice. Not cheap but vey re-assuring to confirm you GPS by when the fog comes down.

Stable compass card even in the rough stuff which suprises me that the OP saying a 90 doesn't work is a little odd. It is possible that its a yacht version rather than a powerboat version which I think have greater damping. One thing for sure if you have a good compass doesn't matter what else fails so long as the engine is running you are going home.

Pete

9D280 · 24 November 2008, 11:01

I'll second not using a dinghy compass on a rib! I tried the Silva "laser" compass, the main problem was that as it was a "tactical" scale, to get a true reading became a pain in the neck, as the "degrees" scale was hidden along the inside lip of the card, and so could only really be read from an angle of about 20degrees from Horizontal to the bowl, as it was designed to go just behind the mast.... not a lot of use if you are standing / sitting above it!

In summary - great on a Laser, phrases involving chocolate teapots come to mind for use on a Rib! I found it was damped about right, but gave up on it due to having to bend down to get a sensible reading!

John Kennett · 24 November 2008, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph06

I quite like the Plastimo offshore 105, are they any good?

Yes. They're about £90, but a good bit of kit.

The Offshore 90 is good too - a bit smaller and slightly cheaper.

John