How to Buy a Sextant

Celestial navigators can pinpoint their location anywhere on earth using the sun, moon and stars - if they have a sextant.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sextants

1. Choose between plastic or metal. Serious navigators will want brass, aluminum or alloy sextants. High-quality plastic models may sacrifice precision but they generally cost less.
2. Look for used sextants in your area. Sextants don't experience lots of wear and tear, so age doesn't make a big difference.
3. Make sure you aren't buying a replica that isn't designed for navigation.
4. Research manufacturer's claims of accuracy. High-quality sextants are virtually error-free. Plastic models can't make the same claim.
5. Favor sextants with larger mirrors. Developing navigators find it easier to work with these instruments.
6. Compare magnification options. A 3.5X or 4X will do nicely for most beginning navigators.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have a choice between a split- or a whole-horizon mirror. This becomes a matter of preference among experienced navigators. Arguments can be made for one or the other so don't get bogged down in this aspect of selection.
• Onboard illumination is a nice feature but it shouldn't make or break your decision to buy a sextant. Nighttime navigation requires light regardless of whether the sextant is illuminated or not.