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I have a very limited experience,
the only sextant I ever owned is SNO-T.
I tried many others though
(Cassens-Plath, Astra and Hughes from my balcony,
several other Hughes, Cassens and Plath's and SNO's
from a shop, Cassens-Plath and Freiberger from their
plants, many SNO-M's and plastic sextants).
My conclusion is that SNO-T is by far the best of all I tried
DISREGARDING the cost. Hughes comes second.

The ONLY sextant of those I ever tried, and which
I would probably prefer to my SNO-T was
a WW II C. Plath which I tried from an antuque shop
in Kiel, one owner (since WWII) mint condition,
IC=0 (still!) 4 scopes... but the cost was $2400.

I DO believe that they made better sextants in the old times,
when sextants were not a "substitute" but a primary tool
in navigation.

A



On Mon, 10 Oct 2005, Robert Eno wrote:

> If cost is a factor, consider purchasing a used metal sextant.
>
> In early 1990, I purchased a second-hand C.Plath from Robert E. White 
Instruments of Boston. I freely admit that my motivation was part snob-appeal 
but I really wanted to own a classic C.Plath (knowing that their days were 
numbered). I have never regretted the purchase. It quickly became my number 1 
sextant.
>
> If you can buy a second-hand metal sextant from a reputable dealer, you should jump in with both feet.
>
> Robert
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: j_de_almeida
>   To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
>   Sent: Monday, October 10, 2005 4:49 PM
>   Subject: Re: Suitable Sextants
>
>
>
>   I sail a 32 ft sloop in the South Atlantic, and take my sights with either 
an Astra or a russian SNO-T. Both are in the cost-effective side of the metal 
sextant range, but perform flawlessly and give consistent results. Despite 
having cost me less, the russian is my prefered, with excellent construction 
and optics.
>   Of course if cost is of no concern, you will be very happy with any of the 
Tamayas, Freibergers or C&Ps. But whatever your choice, my advice is to put 
your sights on a metal sextant, either new, or in "as new" condition.
>   All the best,  Jos? Almeida,  S 13 00  W38 45.
>
>   > What is the concensus of opinion on the most suitable sextant for small 
boat work where starsights are needed as well  as sunshots?
>   > Astra/Freiberger/Davis platic/Russian ex-military and what model?
>   >  Your advice would be much appreciated for a novice user.
>   > Laurie Carmalt.

   

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