Riviera Genova Artica 2¾" (69 mm) Compass

The Riviera Artica 2¾" (69 mm) Compass is part of Riviera’s line of compact compasses (also known by the model name Vega), intended for small craft where space is at a premium but reliable navigation remains paramount. With a card diameter of ~70 mm, this compass offers excellent legibility for boats up to about 6–7 meters in length. The Artica series covers multiple mounting methods to suit your vessel’s requirements:

• Flush (BA1) Mount: This version installs directly into a console or dash panel. It comes in two color options: black housing with black card (Code 25.005.01) or grey housing with blue card (Code 25.005.11). The blue dial with grey body provides a modern, unobtrusive look on your helm and excellent scale contrast. BA1 is ideal for motorboats, fishing skiffs, and RIBs where the compass can be integrated into the console. The unit is compact (standing only about 80 mm proud of the dash) so it won’t impede your view, yet despite its size it packs all the features of larger compasses – internal compensators, 5° graduations, and night illumination.
• Bracket (BA2) Mount: This model comes with a sturdy bracket that allows mounting on a horizontal surface or angled windshield frame. It is offered in black housing with black card (Code 25.005.02) and grey housing with blue card (Code 25.005.12). The bracket lets you adjust the compass angle toward the helmsman for comfortable viewing. BA2 is preferred for open boats where flush installation isn’t feasible – for example, on top of the dashboard or attached to the console brow. The blue dial variant (grey body/blue card) is recommended for light-colored interiors – it remains visible in bright sun – while the black/black variant suits dark consoles.
• Binnacle (BA3) Mount: This mini compass with its own base is the easiest to install – affix it with screws or adhesive on any flat cockpit surface. It’s available in white body with blue dial (Code 25.005.13) or black body with black dial (Code 25.005.03). With a height of only ~60 mm, the BA3 stands very low and hardly obstructs your view of the horizon. It’s perfect for small fishing boats, inflatables, and tiller-steered craft with minimal helm area – for instance, mounting on top of a console or even used as a portable compass.

General Features & Recommendations: All Artica models feature internal semi-gimbals that keep the compass card level for accurate readings even when your boat is pitching, and built-in compensator magnets to correct for deviation, ensuring precise bearings. The 5-degree increment graduation on the dial provides fine resolution for navigating tight channels or taking bearings on landmarks. Night illumination (12V bulb) is integrated under the dome, so the markings are visible after dark without ruining your night vision. Because of its smaller size, the Artica 69 mm is recommended for vessels up to about 6.5–7 meters in length – e.g., trailerable boats, open runabouts, RIBs, personal watercraft – and it also serves well as a backup compass on a larger yacht. The choice between black or blue card is a matter of preference: blue is often perceived as easier to read in bright daylight, whereas black is a classic that works well in all conditions. Thanks to the anti-glare domed lens, sunlight reflections are minimized, improving readability during midday sun. Riviera Artica provides small boat owners with a professional level of reliability and accuracy typically found on larger vessels, all in a compact and easy-to-install package.