Hi Don, The compass sticks up about 2-1/2" off the deck and is several feet in front of the cockpit. I like the Richie Kayaker as it has a bezel that you can set your course and the compass is removable. I have yet to glue the block to my new boat but you get the idea in the pic. I have several filler coats before I'm ready to glue it on. As you can see I just finished my flush deck fittings and hope to put the deck and hull together this week. It looks pretty rough right now!