Does anyone out there have any experience using a backward reading compass? I had Ritchie make up a 6" lighted binacle for me a couple years ago, but have not had the opportunity to use it. On our last rowing adventure I put my faith in a hand-held GPS which promptly went belly-up as soon as we left CONUS. This left us with a Texaco road map and knowledge of the usual prevailing winds and the sun as our nav aids. Anyone make me an offer for a nice GPS?

-- Dale R. Hamilton (dale.hamilton@med.va.gov), July 24, 2000

Answers

The compass that I use is not a back reading compass, but is a hand bearing "hockey puck" type compass. It can be read from the top in addition to its usual hand bearing mode (which can be used to navigate effectively when a bearing needs to be taken). It has a rubberized case, so I place it on the floor board just aft of my thwart (fixed seat), and glance down at it every few strokes or so. I have used this method quite successfully in quite rough conditions.

-- Kurt Breuer (breuer@cybrzn.com), July 29, 2000.

Dale, a commercial 180 reverse engineered compass does exist, just for rowers. An advertisement for it was shown to me a couple weeks after I bought and modified two of my own. I will find the information and send it on to you. Happy rowing, Co

-- Cork Friedman (captncork@aol.com), August 16, 2000.

The SmallBoat Shop, 203-854-5223, in South Norwalk,had a fine backwards reading rowing compass when I was there. Give them a try. Ed

-- Ed Rogers (paddloar@gis.net), December 09, 2000.