> Anyone know where you can get a compass with a built in light?

> I already bought a compass, unfortunately I didn't know there were lighted
> kayak compasses out there when I bought it.

> I though about mounting a small light next to it, but why reinvent the
> wheel.

Why? Because it may be cheaper, lighter, have less friction, or get coated with a layer of synthetic rubber that lasts for 50,000 miles. The wheel is always being reinvented -- sometimes we call that progress.

As for lighting your compass: A single LED (about 50 cents at Radio Shack) will provide enough light. Use two if your tired old eyes demand the extra illumination. Use more if you want to decorate your deck for Xmas. You can get a nylon battery tray from Radio shack for under $1.50 Put it on a ziplock bag to protect it from spray, replace it when it gets corroded, duct tape it any where. If you want to make an attempt at waterproofing the connections on th LEDs, try wiring them together and sliding the assembly into a length of clear vinyl tubing. Heat seal the ends. If you are careful, you can heat the vinyl tubing hot enough to squish over the wires and make that water tight. The diameter of the tubing will depend on how big your LEDs and wires are. Electric wires near a compass WILL cause it to deflect, affecting accuracy. The lower the current and the further the wires are from the compass the less the effect. A single LED doesn't draw much power, so the effect should be very slight, but if you can find a clear styrene plastic rod and convert it into a lightpipe by epoxying an LED at one end, you can increase the distance from the LED to a point where electrical influences are trivial.

Hint: Those clear styrene plastic rods are often called ``swizzle sticks'' and can be obtained at many parties where alcoholic beverages are served.

Party on dude.

Paul Jacobson