A Silva compass remains one of the most reliable and maintenance-free navigation instruments on board any sailboat or yacht. Power-independent, extremely stable, and easy to read in all sea conditions, it provides an immediate and trustworthy heading reference that every helmsman can rely on — even when electronic systems fail.
This technical guide explores the Silva marine compass range — including bulkhead, bracket, flush, pedestal, and handheld models — and explains key differences such as compensation, illumination, and installation flexibility.
Why Choose a Silva Compass for Your Sailboat?
A magnetic Silva compass offers a direct heading reference that’s unaffected by electronic dropouts, data lag, or power loss. Each Silva marine compass is engineered for clarity, stability, and longevity — with fluid damping, precision jewel bearings, and UV-resistant housings designed for the harsh marine environment.
Many models include LED illumination for accurate night navigation, while gimballed options keep the compass card level and readable even under heel or pitch.
Bulkhead-Mounted Silva Compasses
A bulkhead Silva compass offers an optimal sightline straight ahead of the helm, ideal for clear, consistent course-keeping.
Compact (70 mm card) front-reading compass for smaller yachts or as a secondary installation. Tolerates up to 30° of heel and unlimited fore-and-aft tilt.
Mid-size 100 mm card with three lubber lines and built-in red illumination. A balanced choice for most cruising yachts.
Professional, gimballed bulkhead compass with integrated illumination and heeling scale. Accepts an optional compensator kit for E/W and N/S deviation correction.
Large-dial (125 mm) gimballed compass with illumination and minimal rear projection — perfect for thin bulkheads. Optional compensator kit available.
Bracket, Flush, and Pedestal-Mounted Silva Compasses
Silva’s BC, NBC, FBC, FC, and FTC series provide installation flexibility for any cockpit layout.
Bracket-mounted 100 mm compass with illumination and built-in compensator. Can be mounted at almost any angle, including inverted surfaces.
Dual-mount kit (bracket + flush) with illumination and compensation. Ideal for yachts with dual steering stations or complex helm geometry.
Smaller 70 mm equivalent, fully compensated and illuminated. Suits small sailboats or secondary positions.
Flush-mount version for pods or dashboards. Includes integrated illumination and compensation.
Large-dial (125 mm) flush-mount compass with high stability — preferred by offshore cruisers for its readability in heavy seas.
Silva 125T
Pedestal/binnacle-mount, gimballed, and compensated. The definitive primary Silva compass for large yachts.
Handheld Silva Compasses
Every yacht should carry a handheld Silva compass as a vital backup to electronic and fixed installations.
Universal bracket/handheld design usable at any angle. Detaches instantly for bearings or transits.
Adds LED illumination (coin-cell powered) for night use. Compact, floating, and fully waterproof — a dependable backup for both cruising and racing sailors.
Compass Compensation and Deviation
Every magnetic compass — including the Silva compass range — is influenced by local magnetic fields from onboard wiring, electronics, or steel fittings. Compensation corrects this by using small internal magnets to counteract deviation.
- Models with a “C” (e.g., 70NBC/FBC, 100BC, 100NBC/FBC, 100FC, 125FTC, 125T) include built-in compensation.
- Other models (e.g., 102B/H, 125B/H) can be upgraded with optional compensator kits.
- After installation, always perform a compass swing and fine-tune using the adjustment screws.
- Recheck compensation after adding new electrical or magnetic equipment near the helm.
Properly compensated, your Silva compass aligns with electronic heading data and reduces course error — essential for offshore reliability.
Silva Compass
Key Selection Factors for Sailboats and Yachts
Mounting and sightline
Choose the installation type that keeps the compass card in your natural line of sight while steering. Bulkhead or pedestal mounting suits wheel-steered yachts, while bracket or flush systems add flexibility in tight cockpits.
Boat size and motion
Larger yachts benefit from 100–125 mm gimballed compasses for superior stability, while smaller craft can use compact 70 mm units.
Night navigation
If you sail after dark, illumination is essential. Most Silva compasses offer integrated red LED lighting or optional illuminated variants.
Refit compatibility
Many Silva models match legacy footprints, simplifying upgrades from older compasses such as the Plastimo Contest series.
Regional balance
Ensure your Silva compass is balanced for your operating hemisphere (e.g., Northern Hemisphere for Europe).
Reliable, Simple, Proven — The Silva Compass Advantage
A Silva compass delivers mechanical precision, installation versatility, and dependable performance — free from power, data, or software concerns. Whether installing a Silva 70NBC/FBC on a coastal cruiser, a Silva 125B/H on a blue-water yacht, or carrying a Silva 70UNE as backup, you can trust Silva’s proven marine heritage.
Explore the full Silva Compass range to find the perfect model for your yacht and sailing style — and ensure your navigation remains accurate, stable, and independent in all conditions. If you have any questions about Silva Compasses please feel free to contact us or click below to see our full range:
and then Add to Home Screen.
Silva Compass: reliable navigation for sailboats and yachts