: I was in the sailboat business for many years and we never compensated the
: compasses but the good sailors would swing the boat and develop a
: deviation card for navigating. If your look at the marine the can be
: variable deviation. From my weak memory it can take alot of mass to
: correct a compass and is a bit tricky to do. With all the gps stuff out I
: doubt there is any one around to provide the service.
: Don

I just got word back this morning from Ritchie that the S-59W white RITCHIE COMPASS doesn't have deviation magnets. I didn't want to hear that. Next I will set a compass on my deck where the Ritchie would go and see if it is draw off by the metal I have on the boat. If it isn't affected then I may go ahead and buy the Ritchie. I have a cheap auto compass in my car that has the deviation magnets so you would think the Ritchie would have. Thanks for the information Don.

John