Ritchie BN-202 Navigator Compass – Bulkhead Mount – Black

Description

Sailboat cockpits have a unique mounting challenge. The Ritchie BN-202 Navigator solves it perfectly. This compass is designed specifically to be mounted on a vertical bulkhead, such as the aft face of a cabin house, where it is directly in the line of sight of the helmsman. It features a large 4.5-inch apparent dial with a CombiDial design, making it incredibly easy to read from the wheel. The front of the compass is read for the direct heading, while the top can be read by the crew in the cockpit.

Inside the rugged black housing, a high-stability internal gimbal system is designed to handle the high heeling angles of a sailboat. The movement is classic Ritchie, with a sapphire jewel bearing and hardened steel pivot for smooth, responsive action. It includes 12V internal lighting for night sailing and built-in compensators for deviation adjustment. It is a large, purpose-built instrument that brings a professional touch to any sailboat cockpit.

Key Specifications of the Ritchie BN-202 Navigator Marine Compass

• The vertical bulkhead mount design is purpose-built for sailboat cockpits, placing the large dial directly in the helmsman’s view.
• A massive 4.5-inch CombiDial provides a huge, easy-to-read display that is stable even when the boat is heeled over.
• A specialized internal gimbal system is engineered to keep the card level and accurate at high angles of heel common in sailing.
• Standard 12V internal lighting illuminates the large card, ensuring the heading is clearly visible for safe navigation after dark.
• It includes built-in compensators, allowing for the critical process of adjusting for magnetic deviation caused by rigging or engine.
• The rugged, 100% weatherproof housing is designed to withstand decades of direct exposure to sun, rain, and saltwater.

Helm Use and Readability

From the helm of a sailboat, the BN-202 is in the perfect spot. You look forward, and the heading is right there. The 4.5-inch dial is massive, so you do not have to squint. The markings are bold and clear. When sailing at night, the internal lighting provides a soft glow that is easy on the eyes but makes the numbers perfectly clear. The stability at high heel angles is its best feature; the card stays usable when many other compasses become unreadable.

Why Choose the Ritchie BN-202 Navigator Marine Compass

You choose the BN-202 Navigator marine compass because you are a sailor and you need a compass designed for how you use your boat. Its bulkhead mounting style and its stability at high heeling angles are its defining features. The huge 4.5-inch dial is a significant upgrade in readability over smaller compasses. For any cruising or racing sailboat that needs a large, reliable, and properly placed primary compass, the BN-202 is the classic and correct choice.

Mounting and Compensation Considerations

Mounting this Ritchie marine compass requires cutting a hole in your bulkhead, so placement is key. It must be on the boat’s centerline and positioned so it is easily readable from the helm. Check for magnetic interference from winches or engine controls behind the bulkhead. After installation, the compass must be compensated. This involves adjusting the correctors while the boat is afloat to create an accurate deviation card.

Warranty and Support

This classic sailboat compass is backed by Ritchie’s Exclusive 5-Year Limited Warranty. If you need a cutout template or have questions about compensation, the team at Mulmarine.com is ready to provide support before you order. Every compass is visually inspected before shipping. We recommend reviewing the full warranty policy details on Mulmarine.com.

Before Ordering the Ritchie BN-202 Navigator Marine Compass

Before you buy, confirm the dimensions and required cutout will fit your chosen bulkhead location. Ensure you have clear access behind the bulkhead to secure the compass and connect the 12V lighting wires. Plan for the compensation process, which is a mandatory step to ensure the compass is a reliable tool for navigation, especially for long-distance cruising or racing.