FAQ
What is the difference between the Cruising Logbook and the All-Weather Logbook?
The Cruising Logbook is printed on regular paper, while the All-Weather Logbook uses Rite in the Rain waterproof paper. Both contain the same content.
What is the difference between the All-Weather Logbook and the Offshore Logbook?
The All-Weather Logbook is ideal for coastal cruising, featuring a 16-hour format with key fields like time, GPS, course, speed, engine hours, notes, crew, and weather. It also includes reusable checklists and a reference guide to support coastal trips.
The Offshore Logbook, designed for long-distance sailing, uses a 24-hour format and tracks information like heading, speed, log, true wind speed, wind direction, barometer, latitude, longitude, sky coverage, and notes.
Are Backstay logbooks waterproof?
Yes, both the All-Weather and Offshore Logbooks are waterproof, with durable covers and Rite in the Rain paper to withstand harsh conditions.
The Cruising Logbook is printed on thick, regular paper that’s been tested for resilience in wet conditions, though it’s not waterproof.
What pens work best with Rite in the Rain paper?
For dry pages: a standard ballpoint, felt-tip pen, or pencil work well; their ink stays put even if the pages get wet later.
For wet pages: use a Rite in the Rain pen or a regular pencil. Avoid water-based pens like gel pens and highlighters as their ink can wash away.
What should I do if my All-weather and Offshore Logbooks get wet?
No need to worry—simply hang the logbook to dry, and your records will remain safe.
Which logbook is better suited for offshore sailing?
The Backstay Offshore Logbook is the ultimate choice for offshore sailing and extended cruising days. Designed and tested by seasoned marine experts Julie & Gio Cappelli of Pelagic Blue Cruising, along with their students, the Offshore Logbook is tailored specifically for 24-hour sailing. Each log page includes the following key information:
- Heading
- Speed
- Log
- True wind speed
- True wind direction
- Barometer
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Sky coverage
- Notes
What can I use with reusable checklists?
A dry-erase marker is ideal. Avoid using permanent markers.
What is in the reference guide of the All-weather and the Cruising Logbook?
The reference guide covers:
- Rules of the road
- Navigation sounds
- Navigation lights
- International flags and pennants
- Be whale wise
- Distress calls scripts
- Knots
What else is in the All-weather and the Cruising Logbook?
These logbooks include a trip planner, project planner, maintenance log, refuel log, pump-out log, safety equipment log, and reusable pre-departure and arrival checklists.
What is the size of the logbooks?
- The Cruising Logbook: 8.5” x 11”. 96 pages.
- The All-weather Logbook: 8.5” x 11”. 96 pages.
- The Offshore Logbook: 11” x 8.5”. 80 pages.