----- Original Message ----- > > daily updates and details at www.sailblogs.com/member/sempergumbi? > Magnetic compasses have been used in steel boats and ships since steel ships have existed. The compass needs to have the proper compensation balls and to be adjusted by an expert, but there is no reason not to have one in a binnacle in the usual place ahead of the helm. The _standard_ compass on a steel ship is often up on the monkey bridge, but most steel fishboats have a magnetic steering compass in the binnacle. Michael Porter -- Michael Porter Marine Design www.mp-marine.com