RITCHIE COMPASSES S-53W Compass, Surface Mount, 2.75" Dial, Wht.

I retired after 35 years in the marine business and have had several boats. I have owned boats for 50 years. Ritchie is a very respected name in the compass world. Personally, I feel the compass is the most important item on my boat. I have never had a Ritchie fail me. I installed the S~53W (the W means white.) It also comes in black, thus S~53.) I prefer white on moon lit nights crossing the southern Chesapeake Bay. I do recommend attaching the light wires. It only takes a few minutes. I can read the compass clearly at night. My compass is my only navigation instrument actually attached to the boat. However, I do carry a hand held VHS and iPhone that has GPS and a Compass App. I prefer the Compass 365 Pro app. Your compass will pay for itself in fuel savings alone simply by keeping you on a straight course. Also for safety reasons, it's easily removed by squeezing the buttons.