Like my compass

I installed a fine Ritchie compass (2 3/4" card) several months ago in my rowing wherry and it has made my trips much more enjoyable.  I tend to row longer distances in the Willamette - tens of miles - and I used to pick landmarks to row toward to maintain a straight course.   

But now I steer by compass.  I just pick my line and note the heading. It's just easier to follow compared to remembering which landmark I'm using at the moment.  Plus it really helps maintain my course in crossing situations when the river is crowded with powerboats.  Keeping a steady course is good when crossing paths with other boats because the other skipper knows your intention.

For whatever reason, the compass feels more precise, more professional and less stressful.  Of course I'm facing backward when I row, so a compass may not help kayakers as much. 

I got a Ritchie compass mounted in my kayak and love it. Notice to that I'm using it more than like you said by going off landmarks.

Every kayak that goes somewhere other than a pond should have a reliable compass.

My Humminbird 768 fish finder has a built in compass...and then I have small (3/4") compass attached to my PFD.

Tinman, assume that is your wherry in your avatar? Good gosh, what a beautiful craft!

I agree with Fishboy, what a beautiful boat that photo makes me want to take up rowing

Thanks, yes that is my wherry.  It's stitch and glue construction, from a kit (Wineglass Wherry by Pygmy boats) and it took about 200 hours to complete.  She only weighs 95 pounds, so I can cartop. I love the boat and rowed over 1000 miles the first year.

Thanks, yes that is my wherry.  It's stitch and glue construction, from a kit (Wineglass Wherry by Pygmy boats) and it took about 200 hours to complete.  She only weighs 95 pounds, so I can cartop. I love the boat and rowed over 1000 miles the first year.

Do you fish from it? I used to row various wooden skiffs as a kid and kind of miss that.

Yes, I fish from it.  I've launched at Oceanside and Pacific City and caught lingcod, rockfish and Coho.  I've caught Coho and Chinook in the Willamette and Columbia.  The boat is outfitted with a fishfinder, rod holder and handheld gps.