For Sale: Astra IIIB Sextant

[acdunni]

This sextant and box are in excellent condition. I used the sextant once in the Marion, MA to Bermuda Yacht Race.
The Astra IIIB has revolutionized celestial navigation. Never before has such a high quality, accurate metal sextant been available at such a low price. Over 24,000 sextants of this model have been sold in the US alone in the past 27 years; far more than any other serious sextant. Its popularity has spread throughout the rest of the world as well, making it the most recognized (and supported) sextant worldwide. Its low price, excellent optics, and choice of horizon mirrors and other accessories makes it the perfect selection for beginners. There are also professional navigators who prefer the ASTRA IIIB merely because they can leave their expensive models at home without sacrificing noticeable accuracy. The Astra IIIB is made by the Changzhou Celestaire Instrument Co. in China, and is produced in accordance with specific quality guidelines.
Construction Details
The frame is made from lightweight aluminum alloy which resists corrosion. The sextant is electrically lighted by an LED on the arc and drum. The Astra IIIB is considered by many to be the easiest sextant to use. Its light weight and excellent balance makes it a pleasure to hold and makes sights easier to take under dynamic weather and sea conditions. Even reading the sextant is easier under low light conditions by having white degree marks against a black background as opposed to scribe marks on a brass arc. The index mirror is round in shape and an index mirror upgrade kit is available to convert to a rectangular frame.
Features
The ability to quickly and economically change the type of horizon mirror is an attraction of this sextant to many navigators. This is because whole horizon mirrors are generally preferred by beginners who later may wish to change to a traditional mirror as proficiency is attained. Maintainability is appreciated by schools and other groups who because of heavy usage need inexpensive replacement parts due to the threat of student mishandling.
Included and Optional Equipment
The sextant has LED lighting of the arc and drum powered by two standard size AA batteries (not included) which install in the handle. It comes in a varnished wooden case, with instruction book, certificate of accuracy, and adjusting wrench, vial of oil, spare mirror springs, spare bulb screwdriver and brush. The external dimensions of the case are 6.5 x 13 x 11 inches.

Specifications

Arc: -5° + 130°, radius 153mm
Accuracy: Within 20”
Telescope: 3-1/2 x 40
Mirrors: 51mm diameter
Filters: 4-Index, 3-Horizon
Illumination: 3V, 2AA Batteries
Weight: 2 lbs., 10 oz. (Sextant only)

Price $395 plus shipping. Payment: PayPal preferred.

[SkiprJohn]

I've got one and like it a lot. I could adjust it to zero out all errors and it is really a nice handling sextant. I'm not certain what new prices are now but yours seems fairly reasonable.

[acdunni]

John,

New Astra IIIB's are listed at $629.00 on Defender's Website, list was $659.00.

Al

[SkiprJohn]

One thing that happened to mine before I bought it was the PO left the battery in the compartment in the handle after using it last and the battery leaked and corroded the copper contacts. Made the light FUBAR. Just something else to check.

[Nicholson58]

Definitely interested but the Admiral & check book are cruising with the ladies in the Carib for a couple weeks.

[nyruss]

Still for sale?
russmichel@gmail.com