Ship's log

[Scott T-Bird]

Doc, you're a good honest man! I know exactly how you feel. I didn't start keeping a log until I installed a new engine. Basically, I'm trying to keep a maintenance history, but I set up a spreadsheet that enables me to document whatever I might find interesting for the day. I'm also just trying to make it a habit so that I am prepared for the future, whatever that may bring.

Our sailing is daysailing on a lake, so the information really isn't all that important. The oil changes, etc. are really just done for every winter lay-up. The timing for engine maintenance is pretty simple when the hours for a whole season is going to be under 50 and I put 10 gallons (at most) in the tank.

 

[jwing]

I've kept logs on and off for different things, but before I bought a boat, I realized that even when I was disciplined enough to keep good logs, I never referred back to them. Since I bought a boat, I keep a log of things that I bought for her, so I can decide if the expenses are worth the benefit and so I can keep track of sizes, model numbers, brands, etc. for future reference when replacing or upgrading.

I do keep a to-do list on my phone that I add to while sailing. It's easier to dictate to my phone than it is to write in a logbook. When I'm not on the boat I re-prioritize the list and work to get the top item taken care of.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Nope

 

[topcat0399]

I've kept logs on and off for different things, but before I bought a boat, I realized that even when I was disciplined enough to keep good logs, I never referred back to them. Since I bought a boat, I keep a log of things that I bought for her, so I can decide if the expenses are worth the benefit and so I can keep track of sizes, model numbers, brands, etc. for future reference when replacing or upgrading.

I do keep a to-do list on my phone that I add to while sailing. It's easier to dictate to my phone than it is to write in a logbook. When I'm not on the boat I re-prioritize the list and work to get the top item taken care of.

Something that I have forced myself to STOP logging - what is spent on the boat. I just don't want to know anymore...

 

[Doc_holiday]

Yeah, it's doubtful anything good can come from that. Someone here once said if you want a $10,000 boat, spend $20,000 and you'll have it.

 

[jwing]

I forgot to mention another category I keep logged: Tool sizes for everything that I have put a tool to. I keep that log in the tool box.

 

[jwing]

Yeah, it's doubtful anything good can come from that. Someone here once said if you want a $10,000 boat, spend $20,000 and you'll have it.

That's a good quote and probably close to the truth, but so far my expense log has done three good things for me:

1) Kept me from overspending my "fuzzy" budget. Or from a different perspective, has allowed me to make some guilt-free purchases since I'm spending less than I thought I might.

2) Proof to myself that I can consider buying boat that will take me on multi-week cruises. In other words, proof to my wife that I can afford a larger boat someday in the distant future, maybe.

3) Has driven home the lesson that it is probably costs less to buy a pricier boat that needs minimal work than to buy a project and upgrade it. Also: Simpler is better, smaller makes simpler possible. My next boat will be the smallest/simplest that has the features that I require, with a previous owner who took good care of her. I will be glad to pay a premium for that care.

 

[Ron20324]

I forgot to mention another category I keep logged: Tool sizes for everything that I have put a tool to. I keep that log in the tool box.

I use a Sharpie to write the wrench size right next to the bolt.

 

[rgranger]

I use a Sharpie to write the wrench size right next to the bolt.

Yes!

A sharpie is the first "tool" you should have on your boat. I find uses for a sharpie ALL the time.

A sharpie and a set of Solo cups....

 

[Doc_holiday]

Note to self: get a sharpie along with some discipline.

 

[rgranger]

Note to self: get a sharpie along with some discipline.

 

[Allan12210]

Cool reference. I looked it up.

 

[bffatcat]

ships log

I keep a maintainece record. when, parts were replaced, when I serviced my winches and blocks ect: I probably should keep a record of trips & weather conditions but I dont

 

[Sailor Sue]

Our system...

When we did a year long trip a few years ago I bought a big desk calendar. I would note miles and engine hours every day. I would also note where we ended up every day. Other things like fuel fill ups, pumpouts, filling the water tanks and showers were noted, along with any other things of interest. Later all this information would be entered into our actual log with more of a description of the day's events. The calendar made it much easier to track engine hours, fuel and water usage and other events without going back through several days of log entries.
The system worked well enough that we still use it for shorter cruises. I also used double stick tape to mount a small white board down below. We use that to note weather forecasts, distances to objects when we anchor, shopping lists and things I want/need to remember to do.