NavList:

Dear Frank,

>>I note that you mention the "St. Hilaire method" yet again, despite the fact that I had already pointed out to you that this is not relevant. It's not relevant. Do you understand that celestial navigation and the "St. Hilaire method" are not the same thing??<<

Well, yes Frank.  You and I are 100% in agreement here.  But this was not the question you asked.

...what finally allowed the St. Hilaire intercept-method to come into its own among small boat sailors."

This is an interesting hypothesis. Bob, could you elaborate on your thinking here? Can you think of any evidence that would support this model? 

What I did was to present some suppositions in support of this hypothesis.  For you to reply that St. Hilaire is not the sum total of celestial navigation is true, but not germaine.  The topic you inquired about was small-boats-and-St.-Hilaire.

Go ahead and disagree with me, Frank.  That is a fine thing.  But try not to set up some straw man to knock down.  Engage with the actual content of the post.

And if you think that my idea that carrying a bunch of replacement tubes to sea was probably impractical in a Pearson Triton 28, don't just say, "That's a dumb idea, Bob" or words to that effect. 

Say something constructive with documentary evidence. 

If you have none of that, come back with some first hand experiences of your own from the tube-era. 

If you have none of that, then come back with first hand experiences you have had of sailing in small boats, even if it is only over the last 5 years. 

If you have none of that either, then I'm not sure any response from you is appropriate.

Have you actually cruised in 28 foot sailboats very much?  I have.  There is barely room for the food, which is stuffed in every possible nook and cranny - and not enough room at all for extra bottles of water, in case the tank runs drdy.  I honestly think a Pearson Triton sailor in 1961 would be compelled to navigate without radio much of the time if a tube-radio was what he had in his boat.  But if you have reason to think otherwise, Frank - other than simply "you say this and you are wrong" - then by all means share it.  I am happy to learn.  

Bob