Logkeeping- Do you?

[smackdaddy]

I hired a logkeeper this year. Makes it WAY easier. And she can also mix up a mean Manhattan.

[Architeuthis]

When traveling we keep a basic log so we can prove where we were when. There is a general mtce log but not real fussy about it. This is an old boat and didn't have a good log book.

[Tea-Rex]

when it comes to logs, there is no such thing as "too much information"

just a few examples:


when GPS fails for whatever reason, you want to be able to go ahead with other means, so log anything that is neccessary to do so. if you go celestial, log every single sight you do, when something looks wrong later on, you can find out where you reduced a sight falsely.

weather? if need be, look it up at the weather services. but it would look better if you could tell from your log if, for example you were out in a certain storm or just on the fringes.

if something breaks, you want to be able to prove to your insurance and maybe the authorities, that the failure is not your fault for lack of maintainance. so write down when and what, also any problems you encountered.

keep a copy where it is save, the original might be on the bottom of the sea when you need it.


and hopefully, you never have to use it to prove your side.

[Boasun]

Well from my experience: You have the Boat log, for recording pertinent data. The Maintenance Log for all the Maintainance done on the boat and the Navigator's work book for Navigation with a position to be posted in the Boat log. Plus a Radio log.
Boat Log will have the Names of crew & guests on board, Presailing tests, Time underway, when certain Navigation points are abeam. crossing the Line of Demarcation, weax, destination if going to a perticular place or just out for a bay/gulf cruise and return. May also list any pods of dolphins/whales seen, strange birds. Any unusual events.
So the Boat Log is the History of the boat, maybe with some story telling and the other maintained books support that history with dull cold facts.

[MtHopeBay]

I started logging my onboard time at a friend's recommendation so I can show my experience to skippers I might crew with or to charter a boat in the future. It's more of a narrative of where I went, how I got there, conditions, mishaps, who was with me, etc. I make note of what I've learned and what I need to learn because I'm still very new at this. I keep lists of things that need maintenance or upgrade on the boat.

I look forward to reading it again when I get time.
Mike