Customer Reviews

The Sextant Handbook

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Sextants are bautiful instruments that let us determine our position by observing stars and planets. They are very precise optical instruments, and today, the least expensive new metal sextant costing around $... Such a precious and expensive instrument needs to be cared for properly.

This book contains very helpful information on how to adjust (or how not to adjust, to avoid damage) your sextant to ensure accurate sightings. The book also covers what can be done to continue to use a sextant after damage, including what repairs can be done by its user. It covers the use and storage of the sextant at sea, gives good tips on how to get good sights and times, and describes a number of sextant types, apparels, and accessories, along with their pros and cons. It also contains interesting information about the history of celestial navigation. I bought my sextant new, but there is a really good section on buying a used sextant. Cmd. Bauer also gives numerous contact information for sextant manufacturers, importers, and retailers, though I haven't checked if they are still up to date. At the very least they will be a good guide for the prospective buyer of a new or used sextant.

The pricing information on the book is outdated, and so are some of the things that are described, like Davis' prism to ensure verticality of the sextant, which is not manufactured or distributed anymore. But it is really well written, full of good information, and a very nice companion to your sextant, or a good guide before you buy one, used or new. Obviously, Cmd. Bauer knows what he writes about, and how to present his knowledge in a compelling manner.

Bauer -- no, not Jack Bauer, and Bruce isn't his brother -- is an ex-Navy man and often it comes through his writing, which sets the books mood and tone. If you've battled with self-learning celestial navigation (as I am) you'll appreciate the beginnings of the book, and it IS more readable and understandable than much of what I've been through before. The second edition is dated 1992; the pricing he gets into on used sextants is worthless; his seemingly complete disdain for plastic sextants (I have a Davis Mk. 25) is pretty clear as well. Nonetheless, this is pretty clearly written, and in many cases explained theory/math that I was unable to grasp in other instructional books. I've still yet to make a correct sight, but I'm getting closer all the time!

This book is a necisity for anyone that wants to sail beyond the coast. It has excelent advice on the use adjustment and purchasing of your primary navagational aid. Yes I know you have a gps (genuine piece of ) you must be able to find your way without it.

Please do not be mislead by negative reviews that criticize this book for not being able to teach you CelNav. The reason it doesn't do a good job of teaching you CelNav is simple......it's not about teaching you CelNav. It is; however, about the sextant, as an instrument. In that capacity, this book is a must have for those that study the subject of CelNav. A well written and thorough owners manual for an automobile will educate you on features, functions, and care, it will NOT teach you how to drive. Anyone who owns a sextant must own this as well.

Excellent reference and maintenance manual. Has a permanent place in my navigation kit. Wish I had read this before buying my sextant, although, I most likely would not have understood it all without a sextant in my hand. Everything from alignments, checks, adjustments, cleaning, maintenance... even tips and tricks on taking sights- priceless! This, with Buckley's video, and you'll be plotting your position in no time.

The author possesses long experience with celestial navigation and a positive attitude towards sextants, which, he says, are instruments to be used with respect, but not worshiped. The book contains excellent tips on the selection, purchase, adjustment, and maintenance of sextants. The annexes seem somewhat dated with regard to sextant stores and repair shops.

This book tells everything you want to know about sextants EXCEPT how to use it! Not one word on HOW to take a sight, not even a single word on how to take the simplest "noon" sight.

My husband received a sextant for his birthday. No manual tho' and so this book really came at an appropriate time....The book has detailed descriptions plus some drawings.....Great compliment to the sextant.

This is without a doubt the best sextant book on the market and it helped me restore an old sextant. Beautifully written by an absolute expert

A good book that helped me tweak my sextant a bit, as well as a good reminder of all the other things I should be checking to ensure accurate operation.