2988, after spending many years in Keith Callaghan’s garden, is sailing again, winning races(local club handicap kind) in both Belgium & Germany, giving much enjoyment, and looking like a piano with newly varnished topsides. We have two compass holes in the sidedecks, 90mm dia. hole, taking a part with 6 mounting screws on 118mm PCD, and which must,- judging from the fade marks,- have been around 125mm dia. 

You would be amazed how much water comes in through a 90mm hole when a little bit too much heeled. Sure,- we can stick blanking plates on the holes(and have), but the original compasses would look much better. Heh,- we are here virtually alone representing the Merlin Rocket class in Europe, and  attracting great interest everywhere we go ; are we going to advertise the crowning glory of UK dinghy building as a boat with bloody big holes in the sides ? I.e. has any of you more senior sailors got a pair of matching compasses,- doesn’t matter how bad state,- non working with scratched & faded tops ;- we can restore, or even an odd one. Two left(or right) hand models readily accepted!

Rod & Jo

Hi Rod and Jo,
I am pretty sure they were originaly Suunto compasses - they are not handed - same both sides.
I will have a rummage in the garage roof - there is a lot of rubbish up there but I doubt anything as useful - I guess they always got sold on with the boats. Good Luck.

You could always do what David Robinson did when he sold a boat to Gerry Burnham in the late 60's put a couple of alloy discs over the holes looks neat!
Good luck.

Thanks Pat, the comment about the handing was a joke. It would be nice if we can find some.

Thanks WVM, Yes, I did put circular disks over there; it would just pop people's eyes even more if we could find a pair of old compasses,- which probably are lying around in someone's junk.

Hole sounds ideal for can holder -perhaps sell the idea to PeeWee for his next Salcombe trip??

I'm pretty sure I've one of those in my garage (1979 vintage Suunto in gwo but the red/green sector ring that sticks on is loose/buckled.)

Careful Pat, the garage roof might not take any more weight up there- straws and camels backs spring to mind...