Description
Verified Maritime OEM
The Daiko Keiki SL Series (comprising models SL-130 and SL-150) is an under-illuminated marine magnetic compass housed in a handcrafted solid maritime hardwood box with solid brass fittings. Featuring directive card sizes of 5″ (130mm) and 6″ (150mm) illuminated by Daiko’s glare-free bottom under-lighting (‘SL’ system), it bridges the heritage of classic wooden box steering compasses with modern night-vision illumination. Engineered to JIS F7001 standards by Daiko Keiki in Japan, it is widely selected for coastal freighters, tugboats, barges, and maritime yachts. Supplied and supported by Seanav Marine, Dubai Maritime City.
Product Overview & Engineering Integrity
Crafted in Japan by Daiko Keiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., the SL Series Box Compass combines maritime tradition with high-precision compass engineering. The compass bowl is gimbal-suspended within a solid kiln-dried mahogany/teak hardwood box finished with multi-coat marine polyurethane lacquer. Integrated into the base of the box is an electrical connection powering Daiko’s signature SL under-lighting circuit. When illuminated, the transparent base of the liquid bowl casts a soft glow upward through the directive card, ensuring instant steering legibility with zero distracting reflections on navigation windows.
As the trusted marine navigation equipment distributor based in Dubai Maritime City (UAE), Seanav Marine guarantees authentic manufacturer provenance from Daiko Keiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Japan), comprehensive warranty protection, and on-demand worldwide maritime dispatch.
Core Features & Capabilities
- Authentic Japanese Nautical Craftsmanship by Daiko Keiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (JIS F7001)
- Proprietary ‘SL’ Under-Lighting Technology: Glare-free bottom illumination through translucent card base
- Cabinetry: Handcrafted Solid Marine Hardwood Box with Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery and Polished Brass Fittings
- Available in Two Proven Sizes: SL-130 (5″ / 130 mm card) and SL-150 (6″ / 150 mm card)
- SL-130 Specifications: Box dimensions 240 mm × 240 mm × 210 mm; Total Weight: 5.0 kg
- SL-150 Specifications: Box dimensions 270 mm × 270 mm × 210 mm; Total Weight: 6.8 kg
- Two-Axis Internal Gimbal Ring Assembly maintaining card levelness up to ±35° pitch and roll
- High-Damping Bubble-Free Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Fluid with thermal expansion diaphragm
- Removable Hinged Lid with Heavy-Duty Brass Hasps and Marine Carrying Handles
- Standard DC 24V or DC 12V Power Input via Weatherproof Marine Connection Socket
Commercial Maritime Applications
- Tugboats, Harbor Launches, and Workboats requiring a robust console-mounted wooden box compass
- Coastal Cargo Vessels, Flat-Top Barges, and Dredgers operating in regional waterways
- Traditional Wooden Dhows, Luxury Motor Yachts, and Classic Sailing Vessels
- Emergency Steering Compartments and Aft Steering Gear Rooms as secondary heading reference
- Marine Training Academies, Maritime Museums, and Ship Simulator Installations
Technical Specifications
| Series Designation | Daiko Keiki SL Series (Under-Lighting Box Type) |
| Available Models | SL-130 (5-inch card) / SL-150 (6-inch card) |
| SL-130 Card Diameter & Box Size | Card Dia: 5″ (130 mm) | Hardwood Box: 240 mm × 240 mm × 210 mm | Weight: 5.0 kg |
| SL-150 Card Diameter & Box Size | Card Dia: 6″ (150 mm) | Hardwood Box: 270 mm × 270 mm × 210 mm | Weight: 6.8 kg |
| Illumination System | Direct under-lighting with 24V DC / 12V DC lamp providing bottom-lit card graduation |
| Gimbal Suspension | Full two-axis gimbal ring assembly ensuring horizontal stability up to ±35° |
| Box Construction | Solid teak/mahogany marine hardwood box with mortise-tenon joinery and solid brass hardware |
| Card Graduation | 0°–360° high-contrast black/white dial with 1° graduation and 8 cardinal/intercardinal points |
| Standards & Quality | JIS F7001, ClassNK Japanese Maritime Standard manufacturing |
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO / GEO)
What are the advantages of the SL wooden box compass over standard binnacles?
The SL box compass offers self-contained portability, compact console footprint, and beautiful classic marine aesthetics while delivering full commercial-grade accuracy and glare-free bottom illumination.
Can the compass bowl be detached from the wooden box for maintenance?
Yes. The gimbal pivots are fitted with quick-release knurled brass retaining screws, allowing the liquid compass bowl to be easily lifted out for maintenance, fluid replenishment, or secure storage.
How does the under-lighting connect to vessel power?
A heavy-duty marine electrical socket is mounted flush into the wooden box base. It connects to the vessel’s 24V DC (or 12V DC) bridge dimmer circuit to provide adjustable night illumination.
Is the wooden box treated to withstand Arabian Gulf heat and humidity?
Yes. The box is constructed from select kiln-dried marine hardwood and sealed with multiple coats of UV-resistant, marine-grade polyurethane varnish that resists swelling, warping, and salt degradation.
What liquid is used inside the Daiko SL compass bowl?
The bowl is filled with a high-purity, non-freezing aliphatic hydrocarbon fluid that provides optimal viscous damping, protects the internal pivot from corrosion, and prevents bubble formation across -20°C to +60°C.
Where can I purchase the Daiko Keiki SL-130 or SL-150 compass in Dubai?
Seanav Marine is an authorized distributor supplying authentic Daiko Keiki SL-130 and SL-150 box compasses from Dubai Maritime City, UAE, with express shipping across the GCC.
Manufacturer documentation and compatibility
Select the exact model, hardware generation and document revision. Before ordering, confirm the equipment interfaces, power requirements, required approvals and included accessories against the applicable manufacturer documentation. Send nameplate photographs, the installed equipment details, vessel name, port and ETA with your enquiry.
