Voyaging Tip #19 : Date the Filters

Give yourself a helpful visual cue on the oil and fuel filter exterior using a permanent black marker to mark the date and engine hours of the last change.

Franklin Celestial Navigation Tip

U.S. Navy Master Chief Byron E. Franklin has developed a very effective method for locating the vertical with a sextant. Try it and you will like it.

Voyaging Tip #18 : Blocks for Ascending

A pair of swiveled double blocks with becket and sheave ball bearings using regatta braided line will help the rigger get aloft in a Bos'n chair with less effort by applying a low friction five to one mechanical advantage. The regatta braided line will have to be five times the height of the mast to ascend completely to the top.

Celestial Triangle

Label a plotting triangle with celestial triangle solution formulae and you have a very good companion to a scientific calculator. Formulae includes azimuth, altitude , and prime vertical. For online calculations go to :

http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/calc/calc_options.html#Celestial%20Navigation%20Calculator

Compass Rose Variation

Bring the compass rose variation up to date on older charts using this neat NOAA online calculator:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/struts/calcDeclination;jsessionid=9FF564BE66E2AD6825A25B5E4A3