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By George, I've think I've got it.  And by Brad, too!

The explanation that I am not keeping the sextant vertical sounds like exactly 
the problem.  Now that it is suggested, I realize I am not taking particular 
care about the instrument being vertical, and the motion that seemed 
maddeningly random to me is quite possibly the direct reaction to small tilts 
and wobbles, as I pay too much attention to everything except keeping plumb.

I can't wait to get out again tonight and try again.

Through this thread of conversation I've also picked up several other hints 
and tips about artificial horizons that should lead to better results.  

I know there have been past discussions about the best purpose of this list; 
for my part being able to bring my puzzlement to you all has proven the 
greatest help I could imagine.  I don't think there are many people around 
Eugene Oregon I could get this type of advice from, or at least none whom I 
could find this conveniently.

Now that I have joined the list, I'd like to offer more by way of 
introduction.  I'm a 54-year old civil engineer and (non-practicing) 
surveyor, living inland.  I have a 22-foot sloop on a nearby lake that is 
barely large enough to furnish a natural horizon in certain directions (the 
lake, not the sloop).  I did some extended offshore sailing as a youth, and 
though I diligently read the boat's copy of Dutton's, navigating was not 
among my duties.  (I also couldn't get past the logarithms, but college 
cleared that up years later.)  Now I am attempting to learn CN simply because 
it has been a life-long goal (thanks to C. S. Forester), and I finally 
decided to get serious about it.  I hope to get the chance to at least 
practice on the open sea, and ideally to undertake a voyage and put it to 
real use.

Again, thank you all for your advice.  I expect I'll be coming back for more on a regular basis.

-John Parsons



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