Description
Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant | Boat Supply Store
This full-sized, entry-level sextant is engineered for aspiring celestial navigators and serves as a reliable backup for offshore voyages. Its design prioritizes essential functionality for learning sight reduction, though it omits optical magnification to maintain its accessible price point. The included sunshades facilitate safe observation of the sun for daytime fixes, making it a practical tool for trainees and budget-conscious mariners.
Key Features
- Inexpensive training sextant for budget-conscious navigators
- Full-sized instrument for comfortable handling and accurate readings
- Includes sunshades for safe solar observations
- No optical magnification to maintain affordability and simplicity
- Suitable for celestial navigation training focusing on fundamental techniques
- Reliable backup for offshore voyages when primary electronics fail
- Compact and portable for easy storage and deployment
- Includes instruction booklet to guide users through basic operation
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Davis Instruments |
| Model | Mark 3 |
| SKU | CWR58139 |
| MPN | 011 |
| Type | Marine Sextant |
| Size | Full-sized |
| Magnification | None |
| Sunshades | Included |
| Instruction Booklet | Included |
Who This Is For
This sextant is ideal for individuals beginning their journey into celestial navigation or for sailors seeking a dependable, low-cost backup navigation system. It provides the core functionality needed to learn and practice essential sight reduction techniques.
How It Compares
| Feature | Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | None | 3x, 3.5x |
| Micrometer Drum | No | Yes, Yes |
| Sunshades | Yes | Yes, Yes |
Common Concerns Answered
How does the lack of optical magnification affect its usability?
The absence of optical magnification can make sighting fainter stars or celestial bodies more challenging. However, for learning fundamental celestial navigation techniques and for daytime sun sights, it is fully functional.
Are readings less precise than higher-end models?
Readings may require more practice to achieve the same level of precision as more advanced sextants with micrometer drums. However, with dedicated practice, reliable fixes can be obtained for offshore navigation.
Is this sextant suitable for actual offshore navigation, or just training?
While primarily an excellent training tool, its full-size and included sunshades make it suitable for basic offshore use, particularly as a reliable backup to electronic navigation systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant used for?
The Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant is used for learning and practicing celestial navigation techniques, and as a backup navigation tool for offshore voyages.
Is the Davis Mark 3 suitable for offshore navigation?
Yes, it is suitable for offshore navigation, especially as a reliable backup instrument. Its full-size design and included sunshades support its offshore utility.
Does the Davis Mark 3 have optical magnification?
No, the Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant does not have optical magnification.
What is the difference between the Mark 3 and other Davis sextants?
The Mark 3 is a basic, full-sized training sextant without optical magnification and a micrometer drum, differentiating it from higher-end models like the Mark 15 which feature magnification and a micrometer drum.
What is included with the Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant?
The Davis Mark 3 Marine Sextant includes built-in sunshades and an instruction booklet to guide users through its operation.
