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5% off

Weems & Plath 18" Parallel Rule

Sale price £2659 Regular price £2795
Tax included

Delivery Information

We dispatch most orders within one working day.

Admiralty charts are printed to order. During the busy season from April to August dispatch may take three to five working days due to print queues. If you'd like to know our current dispatch time or if you're up against a deadline please get in touch and we will do our best to help.

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We ship to the UK. If you're ordering from outside the UK, get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

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Not what you were looking for? No problem. We accept returns of items in as-sold condition within 30 days. Just let us know and we'll sort everything out, including the cost of return shipping.

Please note that Admiralty charts are not returnable as they are printed to order. See our returns policy for more information.

If anything arrives faulty or damaged, get in touch and we'll sort it out.

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

Durable aluminium parallel rule with protractor scale

The Weems & Plath 18" Aluminium Arm Parallel Rule is a favourite among sailors, offering a reliable and efficient way to plot courses and measure distances on nautical charts. The integrated protractor scale (Captain Field pattern markings) allows you to measure angles when there isn't a convenient compass rose nearby on your chart.

This parallel rule is slightly longer than the best-selling 15" version, making it ideal for use on larger chart tables. It's a popular choice for Royal Navy and Merchant Navy navigators and cadets, as well as anyone who appreciates a longer reach and added versatility.

Features:
  • 18-inch (45.7 cm) length
  • Brushed aluminium arms
  • Polished aluminium handles
  • Milled acrylic with bevelled edges
  • Integrated protractor scale (Captain Fields Pattern)
  • Protective plastic sleeve
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
How to Use a Parallel Rule

A parallel rule consists of two straight edges joined by hinges, allowing them to move closer or further apart while remaining parallel. To use it, place one edge along your desired course or bearing, then hold it securely while moving the other edge to a new position on the chart. This allows you to transfer lines and angles accurately, making it an essential tool for navigation and chartwork.

A History of Precision

Parallel rules have been used by navigators for centuries to draw parallel lines on charts. The earliest versions date back to the 16th century, and the design was further refined in the 19th century by Captain William Andrew Field, who added a protractor scale and compass points for easier bearing measurement.

About Weems & Plath

Founded in 1928 by Lieutenant Commander Philip Van Horn Weems, Weems & Plath has a long and distinguished history of providing sailors with high-quality nautical instruments and navigational tools. From the Weems Plotter to the Second Setting Watch, their innovations have helped shape the world of navigation.

Today, Weems & Plath continues to uphold its tradition of craftsmanship and precision, offering a wide range of navigational tools and instruments for sailors of all levels.

Beyond its nautical applications, this parallel rule can also be used for drafting, surveying, and other tasks that require precise parallel lines.

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