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Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon Review: Can You Practice Sextant Sights Inland?

Davis Instruments Davis Artificial Horizon
4.6
[Horizon-Free Navigation]  Use the sextant reliably without a natural sea horizon.
[Backyard Practice Ready]  Perfect for backyard practice and hands-on training sessions.
[Precise Foggy Shots]  Make accurate sextant observations even on foggy mornings.
[Complete Accessory Kit]  Includes two sun shades, a protective lid, and full directions.
[Exact Inland Positioning]  Find precise positions when navigating inland away from the coast.
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Navigation training aid that simulates a sea horizon, enabling accurate sextant sights away from the coast. Build confidence and maintain celestial navigation skills with straightforward, shore-based practice using Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon. Is it a must-have for navigators who need reliable practice and inland fixes?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Horizon Accuracy: Simulates a steady sea horizon so sextant sights can be taken inland or in low visibility
  • Best for: Sextant users and navigation students wanting hands-on practice away from open water
  • Not ideal for: Those seeking electronic or automated navigation aids rather than manual celestial practise

Provides a visual horizon reference for accurate sextant shots inland. Supplied accessories support setup and sun sights.


Accurate Position Fixes – Thanks to a stable artificial horizon

Creates a consistent visual reference that replicates a natural sea horizon, allowing sextant angles to be measured where no true horizon exists. Useable in calm backyard conditions or ashore when the natural horizon is obscured.

Enables exact sextant shots inland and during foggy mornings, turning shore-based practice into usable navigation training.

Easy Shore-Based Practice – With included lid and full directions

Supplied full directions explain setup and use, while a lid protects components during transport and storage. The kit supports repeated, controlled practice sessions without specialist assistance.

Makes regular training accessible at home, so skills can be maintained without needing to sail for every practice session.

Cleaner Sun Sights – With two sun shades included

Two sun shades reduce direct glare during sun sightings and aid in aligning the sextant for precise readings. Shades are part of the supplied accessories rather than separate purchases.

Improves comfort and sighting accuracy in bright conditions, helping to secure reliable sun-shot measurements.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon
  1. Two sun shades – Reduce glare for clearer sun sights and improved accuracy
  2. Lid and full directions – Store safely and set up correctly without expert guidance
  3. Shore-based training kit – Practice realistic sextant techniques away from the coast
  4. Supports skill retention – Regular use keeps celestial navigation skills sharp and ready
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Home navigation training aid
  • Brand: Davis Instruments
  • Product Name: Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon
  • Product ID: B002MJGSVM
  • Intended use: Sextant practice and training
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this be used to find position inland?

A: Yes, the product description states it can be used to find exact position when inland, making it suitable for shore-based fixes.

Q: Are sun shades included for sun sights?

A: Yes, two sun shades are supplied with the kit to help manage glare during sun observations.

Q: Is it suitable for practising at home?

A: Yes, the item is explicitly recommended for backyard practice and for making exact sextant shots in foggy mornings.

🏆 Our Verdict

The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon suits sextant users, navigation students and clubs who need reliable shore-based practice. The key selling point is a ready-to-use kit that simulates a sea horizon and includes sun shades, a lid and full directions. The kit represents good long-term value for those serious about maintaining celestial navigation skills.