Sextants...

neil · Post by **neil** » Dec 19th, '06, 19:48

I am working on learning celestial navigation and am wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what would be a good sextant.
I am aware that Weems and Plath are likely to be the best but I have also heard that they are more geared for large vessels (something to do with hight over the water) and the prices are startling. (however the do have a lifetime guarantee if I remember correctly)
Anyhow, is there a high quality sextant available that is something less than $1600?
I need something accurate, easy to use and durable, VERY durable.

Any thoughts?

Cheers!
Neil

Joe Myerson · Post by **Joe Myerson** » Dec 19th, '06, 19:52

Hi Neil,
Check out the Celestaire catalog (//celestaire.com), and you'll find some quite nice Astra sextants for slightly more than $500.

I haven't used one (I haven't used my own sextant in 40 years), but the prices are reasonable, and others on this board have used them.

Best of luck,

--Joe

neil · Post by **neil** » Dec 19th, '06, 19:55

Thanks!

Warren S · Post by **Warren S** » Dec 19th, '06, 21:31

Neil,

I was attracted to this "package deal":

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/kcnb.html

Neil Gordon · Post by **Neil Gordon** » Dec 19th, '06, 22:01

Warren wrote:Neil,

I was attracted to this "package deal":

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/kcnb.html

Just for learning (although they claim more than that), you can get the Davis Mark 3 for less than $40.00.

Mathias · Post by **Mathias** » Dec 20th, '06, 08:28

I have been using the Mark Davis 25. It is relatively inexpensive and completely adequate. Best feature is its "beam converger" which makes "calibrating" it for a sight so simple. Because of that feature, I have not had to deal with "index error."

Also, its instructional booklet gives the simplest overview of celestial navigation that I have found. I researched many books, but wasn't able to find any intro as simplified as that one. You can also find it online by the way, if you just want the booklet without buying the unit.

-Mathias

s.v. LaVida · Post by **s.v. LaVida** » Dec 20th, '06, 18:55

I also have the Mark Davis 25 and have found it very serviceable.

However, I've found, it's light weight is a disadvantage in rough seas, where a metal sextant will be much easier to sight.

For a starter sextant the 25 is hard to beat.

Many ole sailors told me to learn on the 25 and then graduate up as seen fit.

Used sextants can sometimes be found on Ebay for far less than $1600.00.

Happy Holidays

rit

The Cape Dory Board

Sextants...

Sextants...

Celestaire

That was quick!

I may do this myself...

Re: I may do this myself...

sextant

plastic sextant