Davis Mk 25 Sextant

[nigelmercier]

Although I have a FPM Freiberger Drum Sextant, I've never taken it to the boat; I'm concerned it would get ruined.

I've just bought a Davis Mk 25 Sextant to take, mainly for interest, but I guess it could be a useful tool if faced with total GPS failure.

I'd like to contact the manufacturer, but I've had no luck. Two main reasons:

[1] I'd like PDF versions of the documents that came with it
[2] The mirrors and filters etc could do with a clean, not sure what to use

Any thoughts?

 

[john_morris_uk]

I'm confused as to why you would have a proper sextant if you didn't take it to the boat.

Keep it warm and dry and oiled and it will be fine.

 

[Skylark]

Although I have a FPM Freiberger Drum Sextant, I've never taken it to the boat; I'm concerned it would get ruined.

An intriguing comment...............so, if not on the boat, for what and where do you plan to use the Freiberger?

As to your 2 questions. Why not simply scan the instructions, then you'll have a pdf. Secondly, call into a local Opticians and ask for a bottle of over-priced cleaning fluid together with over-priced lint-free cleaning cloth?

The pleasure of having a sextant aboard is many fold; stops boredom, keeps the mind active when reducing the sight and plotting the position line and, most importantly, pays homage to the sheer genius of those who figured it all out to the old salty sea dog mariners who practiced the art for many centuries.

 

[Salty John]

http://www.davisnet.com/product_documents/marine/manuals/00026-710_IM_00025.pdf

 

[nigelmercier]

Thanks for the link John, and good idea about the cleaning fluid David. The instructions are a bit crumpled, so won't scan.

I bought the Freiberger a few years ago, replaced a couple of tarnished parts (shade handles) so it was like new. Then decided it was much too beautiful to risk until I knew what I was doing. I will probably sell it one day.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I recently got some spares for my Davis Mk 25 here http://www.navastro.fr/en/index.html

Incidentally, this sextant has a beam converger, rather than a half-silvered mirror, which makes it far easier to use.

 

[nigelmercier]

Incidentally, this sextant has a beam converger, rather than a half-silvered mirror, which makes it far easier to use.

I'm a bit confused now, as mine appears to have a semi-silvered mirror, like a beam splitter.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I'm a bit confused now, as mine appears to have a semi-silvered mirror, like a beam splitter.

Sorry. I meant beam splitter. :ambivalence:

 

[nigelmercier]

Sorry. I meant beam splitter. :ambivalence:

You were right the first time.

It has a "beam converger", but it was "rather than a half-silvered mirror" that confused me.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

You were right the first time.

It has a "beam converger", but it was "rather than a half-silvered mirror" that confused me.

I think I'll quit drinking, as soon as I finish this glass.