Best Boat Compasses of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Boat compasses are essential navigation tools for any boater. They provide accurate readings of a vessel's heading, allowing the captain to plot a course and stay on track. These compasses come in a variety of styles and sizes, from traditional magnetic compasses to modern electronic ones. They can be mounted on a boat's dashboard or bulkhead, and some are even designed to be portable. Reliable and durable, boat compasses are a must-have for any boater looking to safely navigate the open waters.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass with 2.75-inch Dial Cover #TOP 1
Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass with 2.75-inch Dial
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ritchie F-50 Flush Mount Navigation Compass Cover #TOP 2
Ritchie F-50 Flush Mount Navigation Compass
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ritchie Navigation X-10W-M Sport Marine Compass Cover #TOP 3
Ritchie Navigation X-10W-M Sport Marine Compass
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Boat Compasses

#TOP 1

Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass with 2.75-inch Dial

Ritchie
B-51
Black
2.75-inch Dial
Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass with 2.75-inch Dial Cover
Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass, Black, 2.75-inch Dial

The Ritchie Explorer Compass is an essential tool for boating enthusiasts. Its 2 3/4-inch easy-to-read direct reading dial ensures you can quickly and accurately determine your direction on the water. Weighing only 0.85 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for any boating adventure. Included components, such as the owner's documentation, provide you with all the necessary information to make the most of your compass. This compass is designed to enhance your navigation experience, giving you peace of mind as you explore.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Easy-to-read dial
Includes owner's documentation
Ideal for boating
#TOP 2

Ritchie F-50 Flush Mount Navigation Compass

Ritchie
F-50
Black
2.75-inch Dial
Ritchie F-50 Flush Mount Navigation Compass Cover
Ritchie Navigation Flush Mount Compass, Black (F-50)

The Ritchie F-50 Compass features a 2-3/4" Direct-Read dial, allowing for quick and easy navigation while boating. With its exclusive built-in green Intevac lighting, you can read the compass clearly even in low-light conditions. The built-in compensators help you adjust for any deviation, ensuring accurate readings. Additionally, the scientifically matched Sapphire Jewel and Hardened Steel Pivot dial movement provides smooth and reliable operation, making your boating experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

What We Like
Easy-to-read dial
Incredible low-light visibility
Accurate deviation adjustments
Smooth dial movement
#TOP 3

Ritchie Navigation X-10W-M Sport Marine Compass

Ritchie
X-10B-M
Black
Ritchie Navigation X-10W-M Sport Marine Compass Cover
Ritchie Navigation X-10W-M Sport Marine Compass, Black

The Ritchie X-10W-M Compass is a reliable marine navigation tool, proudly made in the United States. With a compact package height of 3.5 inches, it is easy to install in various locations on your boat. Its length and width of 5 inches and 3.5 inches respectively ensure that it won’t take up too much space, making it convenient for your boating adventures. This durable compass is essential for navigating waters safely, giving you the confidence you need to explore.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Durable construction
Proudly made in the USA
Easy to install
#TOP 4

Plastimo Contest 101 Bulkhead Compass for Boats

64417
Plastimo Contest 101 Bulkhead Compass for Boats Cover
Plastimo Contest 101 Bulkhead Compass White and Red

The Contest 101 Bulkhead Compass is ideal for powerboats and sailboats ranging from 26 to 40 feet. Its versatile design allows for easy mounting in bulkheads of any thickness, ensuring you can read it from both the cockpit and the cabin. The illuminated, double-gradated 4-inch apparent card provides clear visibility at night, enhancing your navigation capabilities. Additionally, the watertight assembly includes a clinometer, making it a reliable choice for all boating conditions.

What We Like
Easy to read from cockpit
Illuminated for night use
Watertight assembly
Includes a clinometer
Suitable for various boat sizes
#TOP 5

Ritchie F-50W Explorer Flush Mount Compass

Ritchie
F-50W
White
Standard
Ritchie F-50W Explorer Flush Mount Compass Cover
Ritchie Explorer Flush Mount Compass, White (F-50W)

The Ritchie F-50W Compass features a 2-3/4" Direct-Read dial, making it easy for you to take quick and accurate readings while navigating. Its exclusive built-in green NiteVu lighting ensures that you can read the compass even in low-light conditions, adding to your convenience at dusk or dawn. The compass also includes built-in compensators, allowing you to easily adjust for any deviation, which helps ensure more precise navigation. Moreover, its scientifically matched Sapphire Jewel and Hardened Steel Pivot dial movement guarantees smooth operation and durability, providing you with a reliable tool for your boating adventures.

What We Like
Easy-to-read dial
Night vision lighting
Adjustable for deviation
Smooth dial movement
#TOP 6

Ritchie Navigation 2.75" Surface Mount Compass

S-53
Black
2.75-inch Dial
Ritchie Navigation 2.75" Surface Mount Compass Cover
Compass, Surface Mount, 2.75" Dial, Blk.

The Ritchie Navigation Compass is designed for optimal performance on the water. Its powerful DirectiveForce magnets ensure a fast heading lock-on, allowing you to navigate with confidence. The movable sun shield offers protection against glare, enhancing visibility during bright conditions. Made from high-temperature composite materials, this compass is built for an extended operating range, ensuring reliability in various environments. Its compact low-profile design means it won't take up much space, making it ideal for any boat.

What We Like
Fast heading lock-on
Glare protection with sun shield
Durable high-temperature materials
Compact and low-profile design
#TOP 7

Shoreline Marine Boat Electronics Compasses

SL52280
Multi-coloured
One Size
Shoreline Marine Boat Electronics Compasses Cover
Shoreline Marine Boats Electronics Compasses

The Shoreline Marine Compasses are essential tools for navigating on the water. Designed specifically for boating, these compasses provide accurate directional guidance, ensuring you can find your way even in unfamiliar waters. Their robust construction means you can rely on them under various conditions, offering peace of mind during your adventures. Additionally, their clear display makes it easy to read your heading at a glance, enhancing your overall boating experience.

What We Like
Accurate directional guidance
Robust construction
Easy-to-read display
Ideal for boating
#TOP 8

Ritchie F-50-1 Explorer Compass with NiteVu

Ritchie
F-50-1
Black
One Size
Ritchie F-50-1 Explorer Compass with NiteVu Cover
Ritchie Navigation F-50-1 Explorer Compass - Flush Mount, Black with Black Dial

The Ritchie F-50-1 Compass is an essential tool for any boating enthusiast. Its 2-3/4" direct-read dial ensures you can easily read your heading at a glance, which is crucial when navigating open waters. The exclusive built-in green NiteVu lighting allows you to read the compass in low-light conditions, enhancing your visibility during night-time outings. Additionally, the built-in compensators make it simple to adjust for deviation, ensuring accurate readings. The scientifically matched sapphire jewel and hardened steel pivot dial movement provide smooth operation, giving you confidence in your navigation efforts.

What We Like
Easy-to-read dial
Built-in night lighting
Simple adjustment for deviation
Smooth dial movement
#TOP 9

Weems & Plath Nautical Slide Rule for Navigation

full size
Weems & Plath Nautical Slide Rule for Navigation Cover
Weems & Plath Marine Navigation Nautical Slide Rule

The Weems & Plath Slide Rule is a reliable tool for solving common speed, time, and distance problems quickly. It enables you to calculate distances in yards when you factor in speed measured in knots, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips. The device is designed for ease of use, making it accessible even for those new to navigation. This user-friendly calculator simplifies complex calculations, allowing you to focus more on your journey and less on the maths involved.

What We Like
Immediate solution for navigation problems
Calculates distance in yards
Easy to read and operate
#TOP 10

Nautical Oil Lamp Compass by Antique Vibes

Shiny Brass
Nautical Oil Lamp Compass by Antique Vibes Cover
Nautical Ship/Boat Oil Lamp Floating Dial Binnacle Gimbled Compass Collectible Dunkirk War Marine Instruments

The Antique Vibes Compass is a remarkable navigational tool that utilises the Earth's magnetic field to help you confidently find your way in unfamiliar areas. It features a fully functional oil lamp, allowing you to illuminate the compass during nighttime adventures. With a ground diameter of 8 inches and a height of 7 inches, this classic instrument combines polished brass and glass for an elegant finish. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or a marine collector, this compass makes the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates nautical history.

What We Like
Elegant design with polished brass
Functional oil lamp included
Helps navigate unknown terrains
Great gift for collectors
Vintage navigational tool
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the compass on a boat called?

A binnacle is a waist-high case or stand on the deck of a ship, generally mounted in front of the helmsman, in which navigational instruments are placed for easy and quick reference as well as to protect the delicate instruments.

2. Do boats use compasses?

Every boat needs a magnetic compass. It is still the most reliable means of navigation. It is also the most convenient for long-distance navigation. GPS and chartplotting navigation are becoming the norm for premium yachts, but these systems can fail.

3. What is a marine compass?

Card Compass (Marine Compass) It is finely balanced on a needle point, floating and able to swing around to align with magnetic north. The reading is taken from the fixed lubber line on the body of the compass. The lubber line is pointed in the direction of the head of the vessel for steering on a given bearing.

4. Where should a boat compass be mounted away from?

You must apply a correction to determine the direction of true north. The ability to steer a pleasure craft by a compass is useful if land is out of sight, visibility is reduced, or the pleasure craft operator is disoriented. Mount a compass away from iron, magnets, and electrical wiring and equipment.

Editor's Notes

During our boat compass research, we found 39 boat compass products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,822 customer reviews through our big data system to write the boat compasses list. We found that most customers choose boat compasses with an average price of £71.78.

The boat compasses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of boat compasses, including Ritchie, Nautos, Ritchie Navigation, Shoreline Marine, Weems & Plath.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.