Description
Davis Illuminated Hand Bearing Compass | Boat Supply Store
Navigate with precision using the Davis Instruments Hand Bearing Compass, an essential tool for acquiring accurate magnetic bearings on shore or floating objects. Its liquid-damped compass card is graduated in 5° segments, ensuring clear readings. Featuring a solid-state LED illumination system activated by a push-on switch, this compass is engineered for optimal visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for situations like entering a harbor at dusk or pinpointing a channel marker at night. This instrument provides a straightforward and dependable method for critical situational awareness on the water.
Key Features
- Obtain precise magnetic bearings effortlessly on shore or floating objects
- Benefit from a liquid-damped compass card graduated in 5° increments for clear readings
- Navigate with confidence using the illuminated solid-state LED and convenient push-on switch
- Grip securely with the large, ergonomically contoured handle
- Enhance situational awareness in low-light marine environments
- Securely attach with the included lanyard for immediate access
- Benefit from straightforward operational instructions for immediate deployment
- Achieve reliable directional referencing for critical navigation decisions
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Davis Instruments |
| MPN | 215 |
| Card Graduation | 5° segments |
| Illumination | Solid-state LED with push-on switch |
| Handle | Large, contoured |
| Included Accessories | Lanyard and instructions |
Who This Is For
Designed for sailors, power boaters, cruisers, and racers who require a dependable and illuminated method to quickly determine magnetic bearings. It is equally suitable for any mariner needing to establish precise positions or reference points on the water, day or night.
How It Compares
| Feature | Davis Illuminated Hand Bearing Compass | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Illumination Type | Solid-state LED with push-on switch | Luminescent, None |
| Card Graduation | 5° | 5°, 2° |
| Handle Type | Large, contoured | Ergonomic, Ergonomic |
| Included Accessories | Lanyard, instructions | Lanyard, instructions, Lanyard, instructions, declination scale |
Common Concerns Answered
Some users mention the 5° graduation is less precise than higher-end compasses. How does this impact navigation?
For most routine bearing acquisition, such as lining up with a channel marker or a distant headland, the 5° graduation is perfectly adequate and offers excellent readability. For extremely precise navigational tasks requiring sub-degree accuracy, a dedicated sighting compass with finer graduations or a built-in mirror might be considered, but this Davis compass excels in its intended purpose of quick, reliable bearing determination.
Is the LED illumination sufficient for all conditions?
The solid-state LED illumination is designed to provide adequate visibility in dusk or night conditions for typical bearing acquisition. While some users might desire higher intensity in exceptionally dark environments, the current illumination is effective for its primary function of enabling bearing reads without external light sources.
What is the main advantage of a hand bearing compass over a fixed compass?
A hand bearing compass allows for the direct measurement of the magnetic bearing to any object in sight, whether it's on shore, a buoy, or another vessel. This provides immediate directional information for position fixing, course plotting, or identifying hazards without needing to read a compass integrated into a binnacle, offering greater flexibility and speed in dynamic situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a bearing with the Davis Hand Bearing Compass?
Align the front and rear sights on the object whose bearing you wish to determine, ensuring the compass card is settled. Read the magnetic bearing indicated by the compass card against the lubber line.
What is the illumination feature for on this compass?
The solid-state LED illumination is designed to light up the compass card and graduations, allowing you to take accurate magnetic bearings in low-light conditions or at night.
What are the primary uses for a hand bearing compass?
Primary uses include determining the magnetic bearing to navigational aids, shore features, or buoys for position fixing, identifying and tracking other vessels, and establishing a reference bearing for avoiding hazards or navigating complex waterways.
Is this compass suitable for racing sailboats?
Yes, it is suitable for racing sailboats for quickly taking bearings to marks, other boats, or land features for tactical awareness and course adjustments. However, for the most critical race navigation requiring the highest precision, some racers opt for compasses with finer graduations.
What is the accuracy of the Davis Hand Bearing Compass?
The accuracy is primarily determined by the user's ability to align the sights precisely and the stability of the liquid-damped card. The graduations are in 5° segments, providing a direct reading accuracy within that increment.
