Quote:
Originally Posted by zachduckworth
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Good for you, it's not that difficult. There are basically two method types, using tables or using trigonometry.
Tables are much easier.
But the trig maths isn't too difficult, especially basic Sun sights.
Learn both methods.
You'll also need an Almanac for planet and star times etc.
And as someone else points out, getting a fix within a mile or so is about the best you can expect. And it's very satisfying. And I remember the days when
GPS was only accurate to within about the same. I think it was Clinton? who made the decision to provide military precision to all users in his last days of his Presidency, (even those of us from other countries).
A group from our
boat Club learnt together, and we did much practising at the beach with the setting sun (when I learnt it was too far to go to a beach where we could see the sunrise). Had a lot of fun
learning. We paid some old
salt to teach us. Drank quite a bit of wine after the Sun had set too if my memory serves.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zachduckworth
What exactly should I be looking for? Is there any chance the cheaper ones work and are accurate, of are they likely junk? Also shouldn’t it be fairly easy to test a sextant for accuracy if you already know your coordinates via GPS and have an almanac? |
I found that there were many units
for sale that are actually just reproductions designed as office ornaments. Be careful and search the make/model to ensure whatever you find
for sale is in fact a 'real' sextant.
I have a Davis Mark 3 as a backup. And yes it's made of some sort of high grade plastic but gives excellent results. I think that the Mark 15 and 25 are in fact made of some type of metal.
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