Captains Log

[bshillam]

Question,
How many keep a Captains log? Right now I keep a log anytime I complete an upgrade, maintenance item, pay for sometime for the boat, etc. Pretty much anything, including checking zincs every three months. But then again I have four motors to stay up on. It's funny, now that I think about it I have seen a C-Dory with four motors too. Two mains, a kicker and a separate for the tender.

 

[1TUBERIDER]

Since purchased new my log reflects
date used or serviced
motor hours port and stbd
who went
fish count
area fished
gas purchased
motor maintenance & cost
trailer maintenance & cost
any thing else worth noting

I can tell you that 2013 and 2012 were the best salmon seasons in many years but I don't need my log to figure that out.
I can also say I rarely spend more than $200 year on fuel. I just use the boat to day fish.
Sometimes I look over log for many fine memories.

 

[colobear]

Ours has become mainly a maintenance log. We try to log all maintenance activity whether I do it or EQ does.

 

[BrentB]

That would be a great app...recording trips and service


Anyone develop apps? or does one already exist?

I use aCar for vehicles and it is loaded with features.

If we make a feature list, we could contact aCar developer to create a new app


I record most data in Google Keep (switched from Evernote) and move to Google Drive.

I thought about developing a form for data entry in Gdocs before didnt finish it bc an app would be better

 

[Sunbeam]

I keep a ship's log, but not any sort of captain's log (I didn't even know they existed).

The ship's log basically has anything that happens underway or while getting underway, plus lists that are generated while aboard (projects I'd like to do, maintenance reminders, etc.).

For everything else I tend to use photos (which also have dates on them of course) and files on my computer.

 

[thataway]

A ships log is a legal document--and can be of use in many cases. I saved over $10,000, by supplying a government entity with a full copy of the ships log to prove that taxes were not due. There are many reasons to keep a long, from resale value, to maintenance. Finding out exactly where you caught that fish, or that perfect anchorage.

 

[Aurelia]

We use the boatlogger app mentioned on PANBO. Working well so far for us. Cindie is in charge of entries. 16 nights on board since we starting operating Ari in late March.

Greg

 

[jkidd]

I use BoatingSuite on my Ipad. It keeps track of all my trips and the maintenance and anything else I care to store.

 

[ghone]

As Bob says, a log is a legal document and one of some sort should be aboard. It can be a logbook out of a marine store which is likely overkill for us with it's many headings, or could be a simple notebook of headings of interest to you. Ie. places you've been, maintenance performed or when due. Notes of boats seen, nice anchorages, favourite musings, gatherings attended etc
thereby in case of a legal challenge, taxes, collision, customs etc you can show that you have documentation of use, and whereabouts. Under sail we kept the log going almost hourly. Now it is brought up to date weekly. But we do have one.

 

[Sunbeam]

As Bob says, a log is a legal document and one of some sort should be aboard.

Agreed, but that's typically the ship's log. I thought bshillam was asking about something a bit different, i.e. a "captain's log," that had slightly different info. It seemed more focused on the maintenance and things that the "captain" does at home, vs. things underway. At least that's how I read it (?)

 

[BrentB]

Thanks for the apps!

 

[RobLL]

I log a medical condition, and have found that a plain notebook works better than a specialty one. Specialty notebooks invariably try to lock me into too many categories, some of which I don't use, and provide too little space for the ones I do use, as well as no room for more extended discussion I use when things have gone awry.

Would it be helpful for these logs to be water resistant, I should think so??

 

[Will-C]

I just save all of our boating receipts. Oil changes, parts, oil and filters purchases and service that I do myself. I write my engines manual. Any professional help we save the receipt. We use Coastal Explorer software they have a ships log both public and private. I just use the public one so if friends want to follow us along or see what we are up to. I post about our trips there, add some pic's. I use the C-brat site as a cloud for my boat and trip pictures. For me I see no reason to complicate my life with logging down lots of useless information. The receipt thing is better legal proof than some yarn spinners written word. Providing receipts for fuel and motels etc. was required by the state of Florida to prove we removed the boat from the state after purchasing from Wefings to avoid paying Florida tax.Our GPS logs miles traveled we have a fuel flow meter to keep track of fuel usage. I know where I was last night. I do actively support Active Captain with adding information and reviews to the Active Captain site. Now we will update fuel prices at places where fuel is purchased on the water through Active Captain. JMHO
D.D.

 

[hardee]

I do a log of some type. I started with a lot of detail. Not that much now, but I do keep launch times and dock time, engine hours, (Just turned 800), and Battery levels on B, 1 and 2. CPAP time start and Battery level and CPAP off time and battery level. I keep where I am, state park or moorage, and some notes of interest. Fuel is logged, for each tank, gallons and price. Additives are not logged because there are included on every fill. Guests are logged. Incidents, (like the guy that ran into me on his jet ski) and customs numbers from crossing into Canada go into the log.

I guess I keep more than I thought.

Maintenance is done professionally, and I have receipts and they have the maintenance log if needed.

What I am not sure about is that mine is not bound, but loose leaf, to go into a 3 ring binder. I don't know if that could change anything as far as the legality if that was ever questioned.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon