Is GPS Obsoleting the Sextant? - Page 2

Giulietta · #11 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Off course the GPS made it obsolete.

But smart application of redundancy shows how good a skipper is....I also use the GPS, but the Sex is there if I one day need it...

Boasun · #12 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Use both. Why? Because I want too... So there....

But am thinking of getting an astrolabe for doing the celestial stuff.

AjariBonten · #13 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Anyone want to buy a slightly used lode-stone?

NO, just being a smart-a$$.

There are different levels of "obsolete". For example, Loran has passed the stage of "usefullness obsolete" ie: the GPS far outstrips it's functionality, etc.; and is approaching "functionally obsolete" ie: they will eventually discontinue the radio towers, making it non-functional.

The sextant has reached a point of usefullness obsolete, in that there are significantly easier ways to obtain the same (and better) data.

However, as long as the sun shines, it will never be functionally obsolete. That is a good thing, as Mah-thuh would say.

The "old ways" DO need to be preserved; but there's no need to everyone to practice them.

I agree, anyone who ventures more than a day from the sight of land really should have and understand how to use a sextant.

rtbates · #14 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

We'll not completely. The only thing I currently use my sextant for is to find horizontal or vertical angles of known objects. And even then it's only been to keep my coastal piloting skills. One day when I need it the most my GPS will die. It'll be blowing like stink and I'll be closing on land no doubt! As for taking position sights, I don't have the current reduction tables anymore.

hellosailor · #15 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Bite your tongue! I can get you a real hot insider stock deal on a new company that's going to clobber the market in sextants. There's a fortune to be made in them, but if you've got cash, I can hook you up with a broker for the IPO at an insider price! [weg]

teshannon · #16 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

I just bought a sextant, not because I need it but because I've always wanted to learn how to use one. Probably a good way to pass the time on trips also.

gershel · #17 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

TESHANNON
How are you learning? Many years ago I tried teaching myself, but was unsuccessful. Back then, there was a retired delivery skipper teaching it at night at a local school, just outside of Phila. That was wonderful. I've searched for something similar recently, to refresh myself, but no luck. Just wondering what you're doing.
Marc