I am the proud owner of a previously enjoyed Davis Mark 25 sextant that did not come with any books. I understand the basics of it’s operations, but have not a clew of what to do with the readings I get. Can anyone recommend a good book on celestial navigation? I’m not so much interested in all of the theories and technology as I am the mechanics. I did a web search and found that there are literally thousands of books on this subject. Thanks all for your help. Bob Noble S/V I Miss Lisa
Pencil and paper, chart and protractor. http://www.celestialnavigation.net/practice.html If you're going to buy stuff, buy these things... 1. Nautical Almanac. There's one online, but it's incomplete, just buy one. 2. A book of sight reduction tables, called "HO 229". There are several volumes, buy the one for the lattitude where you'll be practicing. Or the S-Table booklet (see below). 3. A pad of chart worksheets. You can order them from West Marine. 4. A protractor, or a divider and parallel rules. OR, instead of HO229, you might consider the "S-Table" method, which is much more concise (and mechanical). You can order the S-Table book from the Weems and Plath website, I think. I was just working out a sight of Arcturus with the S Table last night, seems to work great. Good luck, it can be a fun hobby. I think it's hard to teach yourself, but I did it. You would certainly get faster results if you took a course. Paul sv Escape Artist h336