The Riviera Zenit 3" Flush Mount Compass (76 mm) combines precision and style by installing directly into your helm station for a seamless look. Engineered for versatility, this compass offers various models to meet the needs of high-speed powerboats as well as more leisurely vessels. The key differences between the versions lie in dial type, illumination, and color scheme:
- BH1/AVB (Code 25.015.20): A high-speed flush compass with a front-reading dial, featuring a blue card and white bezel. Ideal for boats with white dashboards and a need for performance – the blue dial with illumination is easy to read in bright sun and at night. Recommendation: suited for sport cruisers and powerboats in the 5–8 m range where the stylish white compass blends in perfectly and delivers steady readings at high RPMs.
- BH1/AV (Code 25.015.10): A high-speed model with front-reading card, black compass rose, and black housing. Designed for fast RIBs and high-performance boats with dark consoles – the all-black look provides a professional aesthetic. It features LED lighting for night use and rapid card stabilization for sharp turns and high-speed operation.
- BZ1/AVB (Code 25.014.20): A high-speed flush compass with a flat/top-reading dial, blue card, and white housing. Notably includes a telescopic anti-glare hood (built-in sun shield) and LED lighting. This model is perfect for center consoles on motor yachts – the white bezel and blue card combination enhances visibility in choppy waters and bright conditions.
- BZ1/AV (Code 25.014.10): A high-speed version with flat dial, blue card, and grey housing. It uses a traditional 12V bulb (non-LED) for illumination and offers the same quick card response at speed. The grey body and blue card are suited for boats with grey or tan helm stations – maintaining aesthetics while ensuring clear readouts.
- BZ1 (Code 25.013.00): A standard compass with flat dial, black card, and black housing, geared for lower speeds (under ~25 knots). This model has basic 12V lighting and lacks the extra rapid damping system of the high-speed series. Recommended for: small sailboats and motorboats (4–6 m) where a reliable, no-frills compass for daytime coastal navigation is desired.
Usage & Recommendations: The Riviera Zenit Flush Mount compass is a flexible choice for various vessel types. High-speed models (AV/AVB) are highly recommended for fast motor yachts and speedboats that frequently run at high velocity – their advanced damping ensures the compass card remains steady and legible even in strong winds and waves. The standard BZ1 compass is an excellent solution for calmer outings – fishing boats, day cruisers, and sailing craft where the priority is fundamental reliability over added features like LED lighting or extreme damping. When installing, front-reading (BH1) compasses are utilized on vertical surfaces (e.g. bulkhead panels or console fronts) so the helmsman can look straight into them, whereas flat (BZ1) compasses mount on horizontal dashboards or console tops, allowing for viewing from above. Each variant is equipped with internal semi-gimbals to steady the card and deviation compensator magnets (in AV models) to fine-tune for magnetic interference, ensuring accurate bearings. For optimal visibility, blue dials provide high contrast in daylight, while black dials offer all-around clarity in any condition. With the Riviera Zenit 3" flush compass, your helm will look modern and uncluttered, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a precise instrument guiding you on every voyage.




