The Yachtsman's Handbook THE PROPER NAVIGATING EQUIP MENT. APPARATUS REQUIRED FOR THE PROPER AND SAFE OPERATION OF SMALL CRAFT, INCLUDING THE U. S. GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS. TH BY CHARLES H. HALL. HE proper navigating equipment for yachts and motor boats depends somewhat on the size of the boat and largely on the extent of her cruising ground and the character of the waters in which she may operNevertheless, there is a certain minimum. outfit that should be on hand always if any cruising is to be done. THE COMPASS AND ITS LOCATION. First and foremost is the compass, and a good one from a reliable dealer will prove best in the end. True, a good compass costs real money; but there is an old adage about "spoil ing the ship for a ha'p'orth o' tar" that should be borne in mind. A small, single-needle dry compass is often more of a hindrance than a help, especially in a small, lively boat; while a well-made liquid compass, with a large, clearly marked card, will give a feeling of security in fog that will amply repay one for the money expended. The best makes of dry compasses, with light card and many needles, equal the liquid compasses in steadiness and sensitiveness, but cost as much as the corresponding sizes of the liquid ones. In making a long run a card as large as 6 or 7 inches in diameter will allow much greater nicety of steering than a small one, as with a 7-inch card one can steer to a degree, while with a 2 or 3-inch card the boat can scarcely be kept within a half point either side of her course. The binnacle, or box containing the compass, should be of hard wood, brass or copper, without any iron or steel in its structure, and should be arranged for proper illumination at night. The majority of binnacles are lighted with oil lamps, though some have been put on the market lately with electric lamps. Care must be taken that the light is thrown on to the card and not in the helmsman's eyes, and is not too bright. A binnacle is now on the market with a tiny incandescent lamp of only 35/100 candlepower. In any case, double shutters sliding .35 c. p. across the after part will be found useful. For day running the shutters are thrown back or the binnacle hood removed entirely; for night work the shutters are brought almost together, leaving but a narrow slit through which the lubber's line and an inch or so of the card may be seen. If the binnacle hood is removable the azimuth instrument may be used for taking bearings. The location of the compass should be given considerable thought in planning a new boat, so Wooden boat binnacle with electric light that it may be close to the wheel, in a commanding position, and as far removed as possible from the disturbing influence of iron and steel. In fitting a compass on a boat already built there is little choice left, as it must be under the helmsman's eye as he stands at the |