Let’s Talk About Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass
The Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass is more than just a navigational tool; it’s a reliable companion for anyone venturing into the unpredictable realms of the sea. Made by Ritchie, a name synonymous with quality marine instruments, the S-87 Voyager promises accuracy and durability. Its compact design, coupled with features like built-in night illumination and deviation compensators, make it a standout choice for sailors and boaters.
My need for the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass stemmed from a growing frustration with digital navigation systems during my solo sailing trips. While GPS is convenient, its reliance on batteries and satellites makes it vulnerable to failure. I needed a dependable, analog backup, and the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass seemed the perfect solution.
Unboxing the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and compact form factor. The black finish exudes a sense of understated quality, and the materials felt robust and ready for the harsh marine environment. The 3″ dial is easy to read, and the movement felt smooth, hinting at the precision engineering within.
Compared to other compasses I’ve used, such as the Suunto Clipper and the Plastimo Iris 50, the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass stands out for its combination of size, features, and build quality. The Suunto is smaller and more basic, while the Plastimo is larger and aimed at larger vessels. This Ritchie compass hits a sweet spot.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test its performance under real-world conditions. The promise of a lifetime of reliable navigation was enticing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass to the Test
First Use Experience
My first serious test of the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass came during a weekend sailing trip along the California coast. This included navigating through fog and varying wind conditions. I mounted it securely in the cockpit using the provided hardware. This allowed for easy visibility while helming.
The compass performed flawlessly even in the damp, foggy conditions. The dial remained steady, providing accurate headings. The built-in green night illumination was invaluable during an early morning departure, allowing me to navigate safely in the pre-dawn gloom.
Using the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass was intuitive. I was able to quickly orient myself and maintain a consistent course. One minor issue was the glare from the sun on the dial during midday. However, adjusting the viewing angle mostly alleviated this.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass continues to impress me. It has become an indispensable part of my navigational toolkit. I’ve trusted it through rain, rough seas, and blazing sun.
The compass shows no signs of wear and tear, a testament to its high-quality construction. I rinse it with fresh water after each trip to remove salt spray. This keeps it looking and functioning like new.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper compasses that often fogged up or lost accuracy, the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass is a clear winner. Its reliability and accuracy give me confidence in my navigation. It consistently outperforms my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass
Specifications
- 3″ CombiDamp Dial: The 3-inch dial is easy to read even in rough seas. The CombiDamp feature minimizes oscillation, providing stable readings.
- Compact Low-Profile Design: The low-profile design reduces obstruction and integrates seamlessly into the boat’s cockpit. This makes it less prone to damage.
- Built-in Green Night Illumination: The green illumination provides clear visibility in low-light conditions. This allows for safe navigation during dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
- Built-in Compensators: The built-in compensators allow for easy adjustment for magnetic deviation. This ensures accurate readings regardless of the boat’s magnetic field.
- Sapphire Jewel and Hardened Steel Pivot: The scientifically matched sapphire jewel and hardened steel pivot dial movement ensures accuracy and durability. This means a long service life.
- DirectiveForce Magnets: Powerful DirectiveForce magnets allow for fast heading lock-on. This means quick and accurate readings, especially in turbulent conditions.
- Movable Sun Shield: The movable sun shield minimizes glare and improves visibility in bright sunlight. This ensures readability under all conditions.
- High Temperature Composite Construction: The high-temperature composite construction ensures extended operating range. This allows for reliable performance in extreme weather.
- Custom Fitted Protective Covers Available: Fitted covers protect the compass when not in use. This helps preserve the finish and accuracy.
- 100% Repairable: Being 100% repairable means a long lifespan. This adds value and longevity.
- Exclusive 5-Year Ritchie Warranty: The Ritchie 5-year warranty offers peace of mind. This backs up the product’s durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass excels at its primary job: providing accurate and reliable headings. Its damped dial and powerful magnets ensure stable readings. This enables me to maintain a precise course, even in challenging conditions.
The compass’s strengths lie in its accuracy, durability, and ease of use. A minor weakness is its price, as it’s more expensive than some basic models. However, its superior performance justifies the cost.
The compass meets and even exceeds my expectations. It provides a level of accuracy and reliability that inspires confidence. I know this even when relying solely on it in adverse weather.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The materials used are robust and resistant to the harsh marine environment. The weight feels substantial, indicating quality construction without being cumbersome.
The Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass is user-friendly. It requires minimal setup and is easy to read and adjust. The compass also features intuitive controls.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass should last for many years. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure longevity.
Maintenance is simple. Rinsing with fresh water after each use is generally sufficient. The fact that it’s 100% repairable adds to its long-term value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass comes with mounting hardware and instructions. Protective covers are available separately.
While there aren’t many customization options for compasses, its universal mounting system means it can be placed in many locations. This ensures optimal visibility and accessibility on various boat types.
Pros and Cons of Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Provides precise headings for reliable navigation.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh marine environments.
- Built-in Night Illumination: Offers clear visibility in low-light conditions.
- Easy to Use: Simple setup and intuitive operation.
- 100% Repairable: Ensures a long service life and lasting value.
Cons
- Price: More expensive than basic compass models.
- Sun Glare: Can be susceptible to glare in direct sunlight.
Who Should Buy Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass?
The Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass is perfect for sailors, boaters, and fishermen who need a reliable and accurate navigational tool. It’s ideal for both experienced mariners and those new to sailing. It’s also well-suited for anyone who values redundancy in their navigation systems.
Those who only occasionally go out on the water and don’t venture far from shore might find a cheaper, more basic compass sufficient. Anyone focused solely on electronic navigation may not appreciate the value of a traditional compass.
A custom fitted protective cover is a must-have accessory to protect it when not in use. A good quality mounting bracket is also essential for secure and stable placement.
Conclusion on Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass
The Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass is an exceptional navigational instrument. It offers a compelling blend of accuracy, durability, and ease of use.
While the price may seem high compared to basic compasses, the quality and features justify the investment. This makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about safe and reliable navigation.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Ritchie S-87 Voyager Compass. It has proven to be an invaluable addition to my sailing gear. It provides peace of mind knowing I have a reliable backup. Invest in your safety and navigation by adding this to your boat.