['roundthehorn]

According the FAQs on Ritchie Navigation (http://www.ritchienavigation.com/service/faq.html) site:

"Until 2001, all Ritchie compasses (see exception) were filled with odorless mineral spirits. Ritchie now uses a fluid called Isopar L® that has similar properties but some added benefits over odorless mineral spirits. These can be mixed together.

Exception: Some old style Flat Top Compasses used a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. This process was stopped in the 1960s. If you have a Flat Top Compass, it is recommended that you test the fluid to see if it is odorless mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol."

FYI - Isopar is the brand name for a series of products from ExxonMobile.

[K1W1]

Hi,

Blair- I agree that there isn't anything like the Kaipara elsewhere mores the pity.

When we were kids we used to get out over the Manukau Bar with my Dad quite often and it could be pretty hairy there sometimes too.

I was out in the Kaipara last December just inside the entrance over on the Baileys Beach side and we (2 blokes) caught our snapper quota in less than an hour along with a couple of pesky sharks.

I subsequently kite fished and surf casted on Muriwai, 90 Mile, Ahipara and Ruakaka with nothing like the same results.