I use a compass for turning at night or low vis. GPS often responds slowly enough in very tight quarters you can overshoot real easy in a sharp turn. A compass doesn't have to be accurate to use it in this mode...it's really just for turning the appropriate number of degrees to the new course.
I navigate with the GPS but steer by the compass, if that makes any sense as stated. I use both.
So basically, I always use my compass. Adjusting you heading with a crab angle is no different with a compass than a GPS. I do it because I am comfortable with it. I'm sure I could come up with lots of reasons to use it as not - maybe.
I find it much easier to steer by compass in thick fog. Crossed half of Dixon Entrance in the fog. Had the GPS on of course (and radar) but to steer a straight course the compass was a better tool. It's one of those things you've got to get the hang of too. I considered it a challenge and a good thing to know. Gotta watch it constantly though.
Whenever visibility disappears (or looks like it may) I use the compass as a reference point. If all else fails I have the ability to continue on the course that I was on. Sometimes I make a note on paper of the course so I can always return to it w the compass.
I'm fortunate enough to have a compass w just the right amount of stability. The compass I have is the only really useable compass I've used.
Greetings,
Mr. RW. couldn't help but notice "AREA OF MAGNETIC DISTURBANCE". Is the cause for this known and does it affect the compass much?
Greetings,
Mr. RW. couldn't help but notice "AREA OF MAGNETIC DISTURBANCE". Is the cause for this known and does it affect the compass much?
Coincidental ... there is plenty of cables between various islands there and no marked disturbance, and other marked disturbance areas and no cables in sight.