[Paddlewise] Gear Review

From: Wayne Smith <wsmith16_at_snet.net>
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 17:54:48 -0400
Weems & Plath Bi-Rola Ruler plotter #155

An incredibly simple tool to use. It is a straight ruler, with protractor
markings and a swivel arm that can be mounted on either end. The swivel
arm can be used to correct for compass error, or as a caliper to measure
distance.

The real beauty is that the ruler has vertical and horizontal rollers in
it that allow you to move a specific bearing from anywhere on your chart
to anywhere on your chart. I have found that there is little to no walk,
even after moving a bearing across the chart several times.

The most common use for kayakers would be this: Place the ruler along a
course you'd like to plot, and roll the ruler vertically and horizontally
as needed until it lies across a compass rose on the chart. Take a reading
off the rose, and you have your bearings for both outgoing and returning!
Distance is measured by opening the swing arm to cover the distance you
want to measure, and then lay it against the latitude lines on your chart.
Each minute of latitude is a nautical mile. Can't be any simpler. It does
require a relatively flat surface to work well, but that's the only
downside I've found.

Cost was $32. Ruler is made of Lexan (Which is all but indestructible),
and the rollers are brass. If you're into paddling where navigation is a
consideration, you'll find this to be a great little plotter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
------

Wayne Smith
wsmith16_at_snet.net

Check out my sea kayaking & homebrewing page:
http://pages.cthome.net/wsmith16/home.html




***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Wed Apr 11 2001 - 14:57:24 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:41 PDT