On 20 Jun 2005 10:57:43 -0700, "Frank" wrote:

Mark me as another vote for the "classic" Silva with mirror (and NOt
batteries to wear out). I just replaced my old one in preparation for
our upcoming cruise; it was getting a little murky. Bearings are one of
the more useful navigation "tricks" in waters densely populated by
landmasses.

When in cruising mode on the Great Lakes, it's more pilotage than
straight navigation, and I use the "60 D St." method frequently when
taking bearings to get an even faster idea of how far off I am than
using the GPS and getting a chart fix. As I use a tiller and barely
move when steering, I have little tape "angles" on the deck to show me
a relative 45, 90 and reverse 45 degree angle. I use a handheld Davis
and a stock Plastimo bulkhead mount compasses. I also use the Davis to
take bearings on distant nav aids or ranges to figure out set and
drift as the currents in the Lakes are quite variable and follow no
tide table.

It's often quicker than punching up "XTE" on the GPS. I find with the
GPS, I use it to determine SOG and ETE more than actual positions, but
they are obviously a real boon in the fog.

R.