The Lo-Tech Navigator - Softcover

Crowley, Tony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1574091913 ISBN 13: 9781574091915

Publisher: Sheridan House, 2004

Synopsis

Modern sailor have become increasingly dependent on their expensive electronics. But what happens when that equipment fails? What about those sailors who can't afford such gadgets in the first place? In The Lo-Tech Navigator, author Tony Crawley demonstrates that there is little need to purchase expensive fittings when one might just as well build simple but effective devices from materials readily available. He outlines dozens of ingenious projects in meticulous detail. Combining a little ingenuity with a wealth of common sense, Crawley's practical suggestions will save sailors hundreds of dollars. They might even come up with a few clever alternatives of their own. Scattered among the projects is a collection of seafaring tales, puzzles, poetry, and nautical oddities, all of which enhance the text with adventure and whimsy.

About this title

Review:

In an age when Global Positioning Systems, fluxgate compasses, radar and sonar depth sounders can interface with laptop computers, Tony Crowley's The Lo-Tech Navigator is a refreshing return to basics. Without oversimplifying, this book explains the principles behind how navigational instruments work. Readers learn how to construct equipment as simple as a compass using a dish of water and a tin can lid, or as complex as a working octant. The book explains sun navigation and the tools used to practice it. Would you believe an empty audiocassette case can function as your sextant or that you can use your finders to determine the exact points of a compass? Also included are interesting stories and quizzes that test your knowledge of boating, sailing and navigation. Filled with practical knowledge and ingenuity, The Lo-Tech Navigator is a great book to have in your ship's library.--The Ensign

The Lo-Tech Navigator is a straightforward and practical guide to navigating at sea without the use of modern computers and advanced navigational devices. Such devices are useful, but sometimes they fail; and sometimes sailors can't afford such roots to begin with. The Lo-Tech Navigator discusses how to build and use simple compasses, sextants, and other simple tools that can cultivate navigational skills while saving hundreds of dollars. The basic mathematical formulas for calculating such things as longitude are described with examples. Color photographs and poetry related to seafaring sprinkle amid this superb resource, recommended for all sea voyagers - it's always good to back up one's aids and gadgets with good old-fashioned knowledge.--Library Bookwatch

About the Author:

Tony Crowley, a former merchant navy officer, learned to sail as a boy in Egypt using an abandoned seaplane float. He is the author of The Sailing Quiz Book and various magazine and journal articles, in Britain and the USA, on emergency and traditional navigation.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sheridan House
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1574091913
• ISBN 13: 9781574091915
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 148