I have been asked to review the Weems & Plath Hand Bearing Compass. This "hockey puck" compass is factory certified to within 1 degree. The calibration certificate, as well as a lifetime warranty, are included. It also comes with photo luminescent lighting for taking fixes at night. I must admit I have a bias toward "hockey puck" type hand-held compasses. I've used a Pismo hand-held for more than seven years. They are better than any other pistol grip hand-held as they read in one degree increments, not in 5 degree increments. This makes a big difference when taking bearings and fixes.
The compass comes in a rubber, yellow and blue collar with a high resistance polycarbonate case that is anti-UV treated. It is very light and easy to hold. Optics are large and clear due to a prism which magnifies the numbers 10 times. Finally, the compass is attached to a neck cord to prevent accidentally dropping or "compass overboard drill." The literature I received made no mention of the compass being waterproof, but I'm told it is splash proof, and waterproof to about 150 feet. However, it doesn't float! So wear the lanyard or attach a float of some kind.
One distinct difference in this compass, versus the others I've used, is the absence of any lubber lines. At first I found this odd, and was afraid this would affect accuracy. After comparing this compass to my Pismo hand-held (which has a lubber line) I realized the opposite is true. When taking readings, a lubber line actually interferes with reading degrees, and doesn't increase accuracy at all. In fact, a lubber line probably causes more harm than good. After all, you are looking at a point, light, etc., at a distance, and looking at the card with one degree graduation just below the object. The object you are viewing becomes your "lubber line" making readings easier and more accurate.
The compass can also be used to monitor your boat's direction, with the conical magnifying glass on the right, top side of the compass. The bearing shown on the inner ring of the compass rose is the boat's magnetic heading.
These features make this compass ideal for a beginner that may be chartering a variety of boats, with a variety of equipment. As you probably know, a compass is not required by the U.S. Coast Guard, but recommended by the American Sailing Association. With this compass and a chart you can easily fix your position and maintain a proper course. Of course, its accuracy and calibration make it ideal for the seasoned sailor as well. I always carry a hand-held compass in my sail bag or in my chart table.
The Weems & Plath compass retails for $160.00 This price places the compass at the high end in regard to cost. However, with the lifetime warranty, why not buy the best? It will most likely be the only hand-held bearing compass you will ever buy.
October/November 2001 Issue of The Journal of the American Sailing Association