Computerized Maintenance Log??

billyruffn · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

My hand written, notebook-based maintenance log is getting to a size where it's hard to find things. I was thinking about creating an Excel spreadsheet and putting it all in so it would be neater, more compact and easier to search. I know there's commercial software available for this purpose, but it seems like most of it is for larger yachts (it's certainly priced that way). Before I go the DIY route, does anyone know of reasonably priced software for keeping track of maintenance and other boat related projects? Has anyone tried using Excel for this purpose?

hutch5151 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

The original SailNet had a great maintenance log on-line. They promised to bring it back when they changed owernership. I have written them numerous times, as all my boats maintenance history was on the program. alas, to no avail.

I think if enough of their users brought this up, they might bring it back. they obvisouly didn't own the rights to the previous program.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Hutch-

I don't believe the problem is that they don't own the software, since it was on the site after the new owners took over IIRC. I believe the problem is more that they've migrated from one type of server to newer ones, and getting the software migrated over to the new servers is probably the difficulty, rather than rights.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

Billy-

It might be worthwhile to see if you can find a program, like a contact management database, that you might be able to adapt to the purpose of a boat maintenance log program. A good relational database should be able to handle everything you'd need for a boat maintenance log program.

chucklesR · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008

One of the Gemini owners (Maryanne Webb) made an excel spreadsheet for the 105mc that has literally everything you (well, we) need.
It is an excellent example - if you would like to see it you can go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gemini_Cats/
and join the group (free and automatic - quick response).
Then look in the files section for Gemini105McMaintSchedule.xls
While it's not a log per se, it does automatically tell you when to do something, what you will need to do that, and when the last time it was done etc..
It's a damn fine template for your's in any case and well worth the effort.
PM me an email address and I will email you a copy if you would like.