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On my opinion,
there are different "perfect sextants" for different
tasks:-)
It is possible that "C. Plath--Cassens-Plath chimera"
described in Robert's message is perfect...
for taking very precise sights from an aircraft carrier's
bridge:-)

It is my impression that the general opinion of
practitioners in this
list is that one cannot take the altitudes from a small boat
with accuracy more than 1' or so. Currently I am experimenting
with a "boat sextant", (the round one) made in XIX century
by Troughton and Simms, scale reading to 1' (recently bought on e-bay
for approx. the price of a good plastic sext).
It fits to my pocket. If I will be able to measure altitudes
to 1' or 2' accuracy, I will conclude that this is the
"best sextant" for a small boat.
(My limited experience shows that an ideal sextant for a small boat
should be SMALL and light:-)

Speaking of the "Best sextant" (say, for land observations
of maximal precision) I am still in doubt what is better:
a) C. Plath frame, Cassens-Plath gimmicks etc., as described
in the original message, or...
b) a good late XIX- early XX century vernier, silver scale,
10" reading, 3 telescopes, ivory handle etc. sextant,
I am shopping for now:-)

Speaking of combining the best features of all sextants known to me,
I would include:
a) Soviet illumination device, SNO (no battery!)
b) Inverting scope with cross-wires
c) Eyepiece filter (a very useful thing).

And NO enclosed "Trommel", of course.

Alex

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006, Greg R. wrote:

> As far as I'm concerned, the "perfect sextant" is the one that gets the job 
done at the time (i.e. lets me fix my position with reasonable, consistent, 
and repeatable accuracy).
>
> Having said that, I'd just about kill for a chance to take some sights with 
your dream sextant - I might just have to eat the words I just wrote....  :-)
>
> --
> GregR
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Robert Eno
>   To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
>   Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 10:20 AM
>   Subject: The Perfect Sextant
>
>
>   C.Plath frame; Cassens and Plath handle (because it can be completely 
taken apart); Cassens and Plath horizon shades (larger than C.Plath); C.Plath 
Bubble attachment (earlier version with the adjustable bubble - a superb 
piece of engineering and craftsmanship); Cassens and Plath or C.Plath 4 x 40 
scope and a 6 x 30 for optional use.
>
>   Ok, that's a start. Anyone else care to wade in?
>
>   Robert

   

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