Compass works when electronics don’t

Ritchie Navigation Compass

May 28, 2024

Even in the event of an onboard power failure, a Ritchie Navigation SuperSport Helmsman SS-1002 magnetic compass still works. Plus, when the vessel is moving slowly in fog or while trolling, it can do something a GPS can’t: show the actual heading in real time. As a back-up to modern electronics, it’s a vital navigational tool that belongs on every commercial and recreational boat.

Made in the USA, the SuperSport Helmsman SS-1002’s bright blue card with large, high-visibility white numbers and bearing marks and yellow lubber line contrast sharply for easy reading. An integrated sun shield and built-in 12V green LED lighting add further easy viewing.

The compact 3.75″ compass uses Ritchie’s exclusive PowerDamp technology to prevent oscillation and large DirectiveForce magnets to lock onto direction without undue card movement. Extra-large hardened steel pivots with jeweled bearings on the internal gimbal system deliver silky-smooth operation. Built-in compensators make deviation adjustment easy and expand potential mounting locations.

Simple to install, the base of the Ritchie SuperSport Helmsman 1002 is 5.2″W x 5.1″D, requiring a standard 4″ mounting hole with 2.2″ clearance below. The compass includes all necessary hardware.

Available in black (SS-1002) and white (SS-1002W), the Ritchie Navigation SuperSport Helmsman 1002 costs $241.21 USD. It comes with a five-year warranty and is 100% repairable. 

Related Posts




Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs)

CASBAS

The 2025 Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) were held on Sunday, January 18 at the National Yacht Club in Toronto. At this gala event the Canadian Safe Boating Council, its members and stakeholders in recreational boating safety assembled to honour the people, programs, organizations and marinas that help to make boating in Canada safer…

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Monterey Expands Its Industry Leading Elite Series with The Elite 23, 34 and 38

Monterey Boats has announced the introduction of the new Elite 23, expanding its industry-leading Elite series of premium adventure boats. The addition brings the lineup of 23 to 30-feet reinforcing Monterey’s leadership across key size categories and building on the rapid retail growth of its premium bow rider offering, with the Elite 34 and Elite 38 models scheduled to follow in the summer and fall of this year.

Read More


Scanstrut Wins Red Dot Award

Scanstrut, a global leader in outdoor technology, is proud to announce that its Ventura Series has been awarded a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious and internationally recognised marks of design excellence. The Ventura Series was recognised by the Red Dot Jury for its exceptional design quality, combining precision engineering, intuitive functionality and a refined, cohesive aesthetic. It delivers a fully integrated range of exterior utility solutions, including 12V power, USB-C charging, solar, water, TV and mains connections, all within a compact, low-profile and unified design language.

Read More