Review
In an age when Global Positioning Systems, fluxgate compasses, radar and sonar depth sounders can interface with laptop computers, Tony Crowley's The Lo-Tech Navigator is a refreshing return to basics. Without oversimplifying, this book explains the principles behind how navigational instruments work.
Readers learn how to construct equipment as simple as a compass using a dish of water and a tin can lid, or as complex as a working octant. The book explains sun navigation and the tools used to practice it. Would you believe an empty audiocassette case can function as your sextant or that you can use your finders to determine the exact points of a compass?
Also included are interesting stories and quizzes that test your knowledge of boating, sailing and navigation.
Filled with practical knowledge and ingenuity, The Lo-Tech Navigator is a great book to have in your ship's library. --The Ensign, October 2004
The Lo-Tech Navigator is a straightforward and practical guide to navigating at sea without the use of modern computers and advanced navigational devices. Such devices are useful, but sometimes they fail; and sometimes sailors can't afford such roots to begin with. The Lo-Tech Navigator discusses how to build and use simple compasses, sextants, and other simple tools that can cultivate navigational skills while saving hundreds of dollars. The basic mathematical formulas for calculating such things as longitude are described with examples. Color photographs and poetry related to seafaring sprinkle amid this superb resource, recommended for all sea voyagers - it's always good to back up one's aids and gadgets with good old-fashioned knowledge. --Library Bookwatch, February 2005
'The Lo-Tech Navigator is a straightforward and practical guide to navigating at sea without the use of modern computers and advanced navigational devices. Such devices are useful, but sometimes they fail; and sometimes sailors can't afford such roots to begin with. The Lo-Tech Navigator discusses how to build and use simple compasses, sextants, and other simple tools that can cultivate navigational skills while saving hundreds of dollars. The basic mathematical formulas for calculating such things as longitude are described with examples. Color photographs and poetry related to seafaring sprinkle amid this superb resource, recommended for all sea voyagers - it's always good to back up one's aids and gadgets with good old-fashioned knowledge.' --Library Bookwatch, February 2005
About the Author
Tony Crowley, a former merchant navy officer, learned to sail as a boy in Egypt using an abandoned seaplane float. He is the author of The Sailing Quiz Book and various magazine and journal articles in both the U.S. and U.K on the subject of emergency and traditional navigation. He lives in England.
