Installing Brunton 70P

[Kevin B (RPS Coach)]

I want to install a Brunton 70P using the recess on the Valley Avocet RM. Are there any tricks or things I should be aware of in trying to do this task? The instructions are rather vague. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[tvcrider]

Kevin,

Try this recent link from p.net. Input from several savy paddlers including NSPN's own Brian Nystrom.

http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread...vice&tid=438529

[Brian Nystrom]

In a plastic boat, just drill the holes undersize and the screws will fit tightly enough that you shouldn't even need to seal them. It's very easy.

[Bill Gwynn]

I had someone tell me that you should run a bead of silicone around the outside of the compass to prevent water from getting under it. The reason being that it is possible for the water underneath it to freeze, expand and possibly crack the compass.

[bob budd]

As I recall water only expands about 10% in volume when it freezes. If you are putting the compass on polyethylene I'd expect that the deck would flex enough such that compass would not crack if water underneath it froze. A glass boat might be stiffer, but I wouldn't expect this to be a problem.

[Brian Nystrom]

Water will still leak in between the compass ball and the surround, then be trapped behind it. Brunton doesn't suggest sealing it, which is good enough for me.

[Kevin B (RPS Coach)]

Thanks for all of the input. The compass is now in place, so it looks like all of your advice pointed me in the right direction