I am planning a circumnavigation, westbound, starting from Panama. My boat, Islander, has a magnetic compass in the binnacle. To date, I have cruised only in the northern hemisphere. I understand that when cruising in the southern hemisphere, one needs a southern hemisphere compass. How do cruisers handle this? Do you use a handheld southern hemisphere compass? Other suggestions, solutions? Thanks for your ideas.

+x

 

Barbara.Euser - 7 Feb 2021

I am planning a circumnavigation, westbound, starting from Panama. My boat, Islander, has a magnetic compass in the binnacle. To date, I have cruised only in the northern hemisphere. I understand that when cruising in the southern hemisphere, one needs a southern hemisphere compass. How do cruisers handle this? Do you use a handheld southern hemisphere compass? Other suggestions, solutions? Thanks for your ideas.

I think the issue with southern hemisphere compasses is about the angle of inclination. But this is only an issue with a flat, hand-held compass (such as the Silva type) when the needle grounds on the casing. I don't think it's an issue in a marine, binnacle type compass where the card moves in all planes. 
I think that's right but I'm no expert and am happy to be corrected.

Simon