Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor Review

All About the Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor: Start Here

My search for a reliable navigation tool for my vessel led me to the Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor. After a particularly disorienting foggy passage where my existing electronic compass flickered out unexpectedly, I knew a robust replacement was in order. This particular unit from Clipper caught my eye with its promise of a remote sensor and sophisticated calibration.

Upon unboxing, the build quality felt solid, with a reassuring heft to the main display unit and the sensor housing. The materials suggest durability, a critical factor when dealing with the marine environment’s salt and moisture. I considered a few other integrated chartplotter compasses, but their significantly higher price point made them less appealing for my current needs. My initial reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, a feeling that this system might finally put my navigation anxieties to rest.

Real-World Testing: Putting Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor on my 30-foot sailboat, primarily testing it during coastal cruising and while navigating through tidal estuaries. The remote fluxgate sensor was strategically mounted away from potential magnetic interference, a key installation step. Performance was consistently good even during moderate chop, where the gimballed sensor managed to maintain stability.

Getting started was straightforward; the electronic auto-calibration feature proved intuitive, quickly canceling out any minor magnetic deviations. After a few hours of use, I noticed a slight learning curve with the “Steer to Course” function, but once mastered, it became an invaluable aid for single-handed sailing. No significant issues or surprises cropped up during this initial phase.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including a few extended offshore passages, the system has held up exceptionally well. The main display unit has endured numerous days of direct sunlight and occasional salt spray without any degradation in clarity or functionality. The sensor, perpetually exposed to the elements, shows no signs of wear; its gimbal system remains smooth and free of corrosion.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving wiping down the display screen with a soft cloth and ensuring the sensor’s connections remain clean. Compared to previous basic compasses I’ve used, the accuracy and reliability of this system are vastly superior. It has certainly outperformed budget electronic compasses that tended to drift or require frequent recalibration.

Breaking Down the Features of Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor

Specifications

The Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor is a fully electronic compass designed for marine navigation. It features a large, clear display that offers 7 levels of illumination, allowing for easy readability day or night. This display can show heading in either True or magnetic format, catering to different navigational preferences.

The core of the system is its remote fluxgate sensor, which is gimballed for ±45 degrees of pitch and roll. This gimbaling is crucial for maintaining accuracy in rough seas, compensating for the vessel’s motion. The sensor is intended for placement where stray magnetic fields are minimized, ensuring the most accurate readings possible. An electronic auto-calibration function is included to cancel out minor installation errors and local magnetic influences.

The system also boasts a unique “Steer to Course” function. When activated, it displays a series of chevrons that visually indicate the magnitude and direction of steering error. By following the chevrons, a user can easily maintain a desired course, turning the wheel until they disappear. The sensitivity of this steering function is user-presettable, allowing for fine-tuning.

A vital safety feature is the off-course alarm. This alarm will sound if the vessel deviates from its set heading by more than a user-defined amount, providing a critical warning when the helmsman may be momentarily distracted or away from the helm. The manufacturer is listed as Clipper, and the unit’s color is Black.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, this electronic compass performs its primary job of providing accurate heading information exceptionally well. During my testing, the magnetic headings consistently matched my handheld compass, and the true heading conversions were reliable, especially when combined with accurate GPS data. The “Steer to Course” feature is particularly impressive for maintaining precise headings, whether under sail or power.

The strengths of this system lie in its accuracy, the clarity of its display, and the sophisticated “Steer to Course” function. However, the initial setup and calibration, while straightforward, do require careful attention to the manual to ensure optimal placement of the remote sensor to avoid magnetic interference. For its intended use, it generally meets and often exceeds expectations, especially considering the price point of $313.99.

Design & Ergonomics

The main display unit of the Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor features a clean, functional design. The large, clear display is highly legible, and the 7 levels of illumination provide excellent adaptability for various light conditions. The buttons for controlling settings and functions are well-spaced and provide a satisfying tactile click when pressed.

The remote sensor housing is robust and designed to be mounted externally, away from the boat’s electrical systems that can cause interference. Its gimbaled design is crucial for maintaining accurate readings on a moving platform. While not overly ergonomic in a handheld sense, its intended fixed installation makes it highly practical and user-friendly for a helmsman.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, this compass system is built for the long haul in a marine environment. The materials used in both the display and the sensor housing appear to be highly resistant to corrosion and UV damage. I anticipate it will last many seasons under normal operating conditions.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down of the display and ensuring the sensor’s connections are free from debris are typically all that’s needed. There are no complex moving parts in the display unit, and the sensor’s gimbal mechanism is well-sealed. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but as with any electronic equipment exposed to the marine environment, occasional checks of cable connections are advisable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor is a self-contained unit that doesn’t come with a wide array of accessories. The primary components are the main display unit and the remote fluxgate sensor itself, along with necessary mounting hardware and cabling. There are no user-replaceable parts in terms of interchangeable modules or tips, as this is a dedicated navigation instrument.

The “Steer to Course” function does offer a degree of user-presettable sensitivity, which can be considered a form of customization. This allows the user to tailor the system’s responsiveness to their steering style and the vessel’s handling characteristics. Compatibility with other marine electronics would depend on specific NMEA output protocols, which are not detailed in the provided description but are common for such systems.

Pros and Cons of Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor

Who Should Buy Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor?

This Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor is ideally suited for sailors and powerboaters who prioritize accurate and reliable heading information. It’s a perfect fit for those who do a fair amount of cruising, especially in areas with limited visibility or complex tidal currents where precise course holding is important. The “Steer to Course” function makes it particularly attractive for solo helmsmen or those who occasionally need to step away from the helm.

Anyone needing a robust, dependable electronic compass that offers more than just a basic heading would benefit greatly from this system. Those who should probably skip it are individuals operating in extremely confined or static environments where traditional magnetic compasses might suffice, or those requiring integration with highly specialized or proprietary navigation networks without verifying compatibility. For enhanced usability, I would recommend pairing it with a reliable GPS source for true heading calibration and considering a good quality marine-grade electrical installation kit for the sensor wiring.

Conclusion on Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor

The Clipper Compass System w/Remote Fluxgate Sensor is a highly capable and well-executed navigation instrument that offers significant value at its price point of $313.99. Its accuracy, robust build, and especially the intuitive yet powerful “Steer to Course” function, make it a standout choice for serious boaters. While the proper installation of the remote sensor is key to unlocking its full potential, the effort is rewarded with consistent and dependable heading data.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this system to any boater looking for an upgrade from a basic compass or a reliable secondary electronic heading reference. It strikes an excellent balance between advanced features and ease of use, providing a tangible boost in navigational confidence and safety, particularly when heading into challenging conditions or sailing short-handed. It’s a solid investment for anyone who values precise control at the helm.