WTB: Sextant

[captainstubbie]

looking for an inexpensive used sextant (not plastic) with artificial horizon. new to sextants, adding to my boat for my lake superior to atlantic to ??? sail!

[CAELESTIS]

I found mine on Ebay. Try there for one source.

[onestepcsy37]

i've got a freiberger in very good condition in it's original box. email me at ibonds@hotmail.com if you're interested.

[captainstubbie]

Got a bit overwhelmed on eBay...don't want a paperweight nor a $400 unit. Any advice on brands? What 2 look 4?

[svHyLyte]

It's unlikely that you will find a usable metal sextant for less than $400 unless you happen to find one in a Pawn Shop or the like. One of the best inexpensive metal sextant's is an Astra IIIB. They are sold new by Celestaire Celestaire, Inc. - Navigation Equipment but you may be able to find one used although if so, likely not for less than $400. Sextant's don't wear out but can suffer damage to the arc which renders them worthless. Accordingly, you might be wise to stick with dealers such as USED SEXTANTS QUALITY BRANDS

FWIW...

[Randy]

If you want to risk flaky Ebay sellers there can be good deals had. I agree with Hylyte that expecting to get not plastic quality sextant for less than $400 is doubtful. I did get a Cassens Plath from Ebay for $450 in very fine condition and if protected from saltwater baths will last for decades.
As for what to watch out for - corrosion on the painted structure, corrosion on the mirrors to start. Expect all parts to be intact & functional. Nearly all alignment issues can be adjusted.

[captainstubbie]

Tyvm 4 the advice! Will check it out! :-)

[SkiprJohn]

What's wrong with plastic? You can't get any better sights with metal unless you are a pro and since celestial navigation is a thing of the past there aren't many practicing pros left.
I'd opt for a Davis Mark 25 versus a cheap metal sextant any day.
If you just have to have a metal one then the Astra IIIB, as hylite, said is very good.
Just my opinion and I've taught celestial back in the old days.
regards

[madman960]

CaptainStubbie,

Here is a sextant on CL.

Stanley-London Sextant

Bill USMC

[captainstubbie]

just got a davis mark 25 - almost new - very reasonable - with some good books on how to use one with it. thanks so much for all the input!!!!!

[Randy]

That'll work well, enjoy it.

madman, were you serious? That thing wouldn't make a good paper weight!

[SkiprJohn]

Congratulations,
A Mark 25 got me across the Pacific when there wasn't anything like GPS available. Once you read a bit and get used to tuning it up your sights will be every bit as good as all those very expensive metal sextants. You can tune out any errors with the 25 and many metal sextants have built in errors you have to calculate.
Well done!