Title
Pelorus
FMM2008.10.11.1
Subject
navigation
Description
Pelorus, a tool resembling a compass. Black plastic frame and base. White face marked with numbers 0 to 350 in increments of 10 as well as numbers 0 to 180 in the opposite direction. Cardinal directions marked in black. Black plastic cap at center of face has raised lettering: "FILL WITH WATER". Clear plastic U-shaped piece slots over cap and has small level attached. Three holes around edge of base for mounting.
A pelorus is a navigational tool that resembles a compass, but has no magnet and does not point north. Rather, it is used to identify relative directions. To operate, the pelorus is set up parallel to a ship’s center line. The clear and lined upright pieces, called sighting vanes, are used to view a landmark and find the ship’s relative bearing to that landmark. With two or more such bearings, a mariner is able to calculate the ship’s position on a nautical chart.
A pelorus is a navigational tool that resembles a compass, but has no magnet and does not point north. Rather, it is used to identify relative directions. To operate, the pelorus is set up parallel to a ship’s center line. The clear and lined upright pieces, called sighting vanes, are used to view a landmark and find the ship’s relative bearing to that landmark. With two or more such bearings, a mariner is able to calculate the ship’s position on a nautical chart.
Date
circa 1990
Format
8.25" h x 6.25" w x 6.875" d
Comments