Paper Charts Appropriate Scale ?

[SV Demeter]

Im in the process of accumulating paper charts for our cruise this fall to the eastern caribbean. I have multiple electronic charts/electronic charting systems and am only getting the paper charts as a back up. Im trying to decide just how much detail I should be going for? I like the broad scales for passages but am not sure if I can afford to accumulate anchorage/harbor scale charts for all of my intended cruising grounds. Looking for suggestions on how small of a scale to go to get resonable back up paper chart?

1:75,000
1:50,000
1:25,000

Thanks,

[Stu Jackson]

Have you considered buying less expensive and ubiquitous "Guide" to the areas you are visiting? These almost always have much better harbor charts and information than you could find on standard nav charts. Then just keep the large scale charts for your passages.

[SV Demeter]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Have you considered buying less expensive and ubiquitous "Guide" to the areas you are visiting? These almost always have much better harbor charts and information than you could find on standard nav charts. Then just keep the large scale charts for your passages.

Havent really seen any chart books for the eastern caribbean, virigins, DR, PR etc. Have the explorer chart books for the bahamas .

[belizesailor]

For back up purposes, you might consider photocopied charts. Way cheaper and quality of copies I have bought are quite good. I purchased some last year from Bluewater Books & Charts in Ft. Lauderdale.

Given that you have electronic charts, another option is to print some of your own harbor approach charts. I also do this as a paper back up and it has the bonus of already having your routes and way points on it.