Updated August 31, 2023
Navigating with skill out on open water in a kayak is the key to the most direct safe route. Throw in some fog, rain, darkness, and/or rough water and it can be difficult if not downright frightening if you can’t maintain a true course. Today many kayakers use a GPS device for navigation but what if there is a battery problem, malfunction, or weak signal? The best bet is still the old standby conventional compass, preferably deck-mounted, which can be relied upon hands-free to maintain the truest course to the destination.
Many compasses are on the market with quite a few suitable for kayak use. To aid in your selection of the one that meets your needs, some of the best representing the range available are reviewed below. Starting with a basic comparison table, each is described with key features, pros, cons, and photos, with a couple of videos, followed by a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, canoes, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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Best Kayak Compasses of 2023
- Brunton Dash Mount Kayak Compass
- Seattle Sports Sea Rover Kayak Compass
- Suunto Orca Pioneer Kayak Compass
- Ritchie XP-99 Kayak Compass
- Ritchie Surface Mount S-53 Explorer Kayak Compass
- Ritchie Navigation X-11Y Kayak Compass
- Sun Company Seaturtl Kayak Compass
Kayak Compass Comparison Table
| Picture | Compass | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Brunton Dash Mount Kayak Compass | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Seattle Sports Sea Rover Kayak Compass | 4.4 | $ |
  | Suunto Orca Pioneer Kayak Compass | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Ritchie XP-99 Kayak Compass | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Ritchie Surface Mount S-53 Explorer Kayak Compass | 4.9 | $$ |
  | Ritchie Navigation X-11Y Kayak Compass | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Sun Company Seaturtl Kayak Compass | 4.1 | $ |
| Picture | Compass | Rating | Price |
Brunton Dash Mount Kayak Compass
- Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
- Flush-mountable in manufacturer-ready recesses, screws included
- Reciprocal bearing
- 5-degree graduations
- Pros: easy to read from almost any angle, from the top and sides, durable, limited lifetime warranty
- Cons: mounting is more complicated without a built-in recess
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
Seattle Sports Sea Rover Kayak Compass
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 7.5 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Attachable to deck rigging or a deck bag with adjustable nylon straps and quick-release buckles
- Rubber non-slip base
- Front and top reading
- 5-degree graduations
- Pros: easy, adjustable, non-slip installation, easy to read, reasonably priced
- Cons: minimal negative comments from buyers
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
Suunto Orca Pioneer Kayak Compass
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.54 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Durable plastic construction
- Floats
- 2 mounting systems – elastic cord with clips or mounting bracket with screws
- Comes with a mesh pouch for storage
- Luminescent compass card (glows in the dark)
- Front reading
- Tilts +/- 25 degrees
- Pros: durable, 5-year Suunto warranty, 2 attachment systems, floats, luminescent, respected brand-name
- Cons: deck mounting with the bracket and screws may be complicated for some users
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
- Dimensions: 4.25-inch diameter, 2.75-inch dial height
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Easy surface-mounted installation, optional strap-down adapter
- Movable bezel with heading memory indicator
- High-quality hardened steel pivot and sapphire jewel movement
- Directive force magnet for heading lock-on
- Operates well at extended temperatures with composite construction & diaphragm
- Optional lighting kit
- Pros: quality movement, extended temperature range, 5-year Ritchie warranty,
- Cons: optional lighting system may be problematic for some users
- Rating: 4.9
- Price: $$
Ritchie Surface Mount S-53 Explorer Kayak Compass
- Dimensions: 3.625-inch diameter, 2.875-inch dial height
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Easy surface-mounted installation
- Quick push-button removal of the compass from its base for storage
- High-quality hardened steel pivot and sapphire jewel movement
- Directive force magnet for heading lock-on
- Operates well at extended temperatures with composite construction & diaphragm
- LED lighting
- 100% reparable, if needed
- Pros: quality movement and functions, LED lighting, 5-year Ritchie warranty
- Cons: some users had accuracy problems when using it in a car
- Rating: 4.9
- Price: $$
Ritchie Navigation X-11Y Kayak Compass
- Dimensions: 2-inch dial
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Hand-held with a lanyard and optional deck mount
- Direct reading dial
- High-quality hardened steel pivot and sapphire jewel movement
- Comes with 3 chemical glow sticks for low-light conditions (18 hours of light per stick)
- Pros: quality movement, lightweight, durable
- Cons: small dial may be hard to see
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$
Sun Company Seaturtl Kayak Compass
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.9 x 1 inches
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Easy attachment with 4 adjustable elastic cords with 4 ABS clips
- Foam pads on the base to protect the mounting point
- Adjustable hood to protect compass when not in use and prevent glare
- Pros: full-sized, adjustable mounting, protective hood, foam pads, durable
- Cons: straps came loose from the housing for one user
- Rating: 4.1
- Price: $
Kayak Compass Buying Guide
Mounting
Kayaks don’t often have special locations for mounting a compass, like those on many larger boats with consoles. About the only special mounting point available on some models is a manufacturer-ready recess that can accommodate compasses such as the Brunton Dash Mount Compass reviewed at the top.
Some models can be mounted with screws, glue, or sticky tape. You’ll have to bear in mind any impact on the kayak and make sure it is in an effective position.
Other compasses use tie-downs with clips that can be attached to bungee cords or rigging. These can be easily attached and removed for safekeeping when not in use or moved to another vessel. Again, if you choose this type of attachment you need to make sure there is a place to mount it where it can serve its purpose effectively. This type may not be as securely mounted as the permanently attached types.
Readability
A compass with clear markings and large enough to see from where you are seated is only common sense.
Some are designed to be readable from certain angles, such as from above or straight-on. Make sure it can be read from the angle of usage or your seat.
Some also are lit or have luminous dials for visibility in low light conditions which would eliminate the need for a flashlight or other separate light source.
Durability
Kayaking is a rigorous activity where bouncing around, the odd bump with a paddle, or getting wet is to be expected, so your compass will need to have the capability of withstanding such rigors. If you select one of the compasses reviewed above you will have a model that is sturdy enough for such abuse.
In addition, some models are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, so keep that in mind if that is what you have in store for it.
If your compass has endured some sort of abuse including temperature extremes, check that the dial spins easily or if the liquid has any discoloration or ice. When there are problems with these, it’s time for a new compass.
Further Reading: Compass Basics for Kayaking including Declination
For my review of scuba diving compasses, please check out this article: Scuba Diving Compasses
For more reviews of kayaks, canoes, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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