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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Logbook Template

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/18/2005 : 07:31:59

after reading the many tales of sailing trips on this forum, I wanted to keep track of ours (ok, so the first trip is next weekend :)
Went to WM to review the many boats log books. Each book had different features, but I could not find one that had all of them.

Anyone got a good log book template (MS Word?)?

I thought that a multi-ring binder would allow maximum flexiblity.

Things I would include:
<ul>
<li>Boats Info (Name, Numbers, Date of Birth, etc. </li>
<li>Equipment List & Ser Nos, Date of Install</li>
<li>Guest Log (Date, name, contact, etc.)</li>

<li>Sailing Log (Dates, Times, Location, Notes, Weather, Motoring info</li>
<li>Trailing Log (we will most likely trail to each sail, rarely leaving boat in water)</li>
<li>Maintainence Log (Dates, Times, Equipment, Work Done)</li>
<li>To Do List (Fix severe leak in hull before next launch

)</li>
<li>Shopping List</li>
<li>Stories (Journal of events)</li>
</ul>

Any ideas on this?

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2005 : 08:01:21

This probably isn't what you're looking for but I keep my log on the computer. It's a multi-sheet Excel file with tabs for Upgrade/Wishlist, To Do List/Projects, Trip Log and Expenses. I make pertinent notes on my Palm Pilot when on the boat and then update the log on the computer when I get home.

If I brought my laptop on the boat, I could do it all at once but I don't like to drag the laptop along when I go out. It's a pain to boot up, shut down, boot up, shut down, etc., while the Palm Pilot is instant on, instant off. (Sure wish computers worked like that.)

Steve

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2005 : 13:59:01

I have tried various logbooks over the years. Here is my heretical position: (1) during the day, record buoys, waypoints passed, places visited, wind/weather/sail conditions in a little pocket-sized spiral notebook (aka "decklog"). Try to include comments on sandwiches, beverages, impressions, etc. If you anchor out, or go to a dock, include comments on tidal rise, holding ground, marina/yachtclub approaches, etc. Its a lot easier to scribble these down whilst you are working/sailing in a wee pocket notebook, than trying to wrestle with a large log in the cockpit and the wind. Then at nite, or at first opportunity, write your main log up as the official record of your trip, adding as much "color" and reflective opinion. I use an old ledger book, used to use a school writing book. his makes swell readng in the off season, and you can go back and evaluate time/distance, etc. The commercial logbooks sold in stores seem to me to be appropriate for large power vessels, with permanent chart tables, plotting boards, etc. I never use their column entry schemes (tried to at first) and only begin each line entry with 24-hr time. This works for me, maybe for you (maybe not) Fair winds, ron srsk Orion SW FL 32343

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britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2005 : 16:26:50

Thanks Ron & Stevbe,
I never cease to be amazed at the uses folks find for Excel.

I like your ideas of keeping notes on either pads or pkt pc. Could even record them as audio on the pocket pc.

It'll save a few trees too!

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2005 : 09:57:30

I use a small spiral notebook, it's about 5 x 7 inches I guess. Keep my times in there mostly - last line, leave marina channel entrance, and then buoys and stuff I pass. That gives you your basic navigation info. Then of course any comments on wind strength, sails used or trip comments. I keep it in the combing cubby hole. On the hard cover I have my major landmark info that I've inputted to the GPS for quick reference with the coordinates. On race day I generally just get in 'race day' and then try to write up the race and strategy later and stick it in there.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2005 : 11:11:36

After going through many different expensive logbooks, I now use a spiral bound steno pad.

When day sailing, I make an entry for date and time and note anything of interest - winds, seas, weather, how many fish caught, whales or dolphins sighted. Also list guests on board.

When cruising I jot down all my waypoints for the day, the distances and magnetic courses to steer. As I sail, I make an entry of lat/long, speed, course, wind/sea state every hour (more or less).

I list in the notebook anytime I do any maintenance: replace halyards, changed oil, etc.

When we cruised the ICW I always used a highlighter to mark our course on the chart as we sailed it, advancing the highlight to each bouy passed. Saved our butts a couple of times.

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2005 : 11:48:36

I also keep my chart in a plastic folder I made and clip it to the table below. When cruising I use an erasable marker to plot the course. That keeps the chart free of chicken tracks.

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ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2005 : 12:17:50

This is great idea, the big logbook usually gets neglected underway and then who remembers what? In the past I have used [url="http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=2591&parent_category_rn=7353135&vcat=REI_SEARCH"]waterproof notepads[/url] when hiking (after 5 days' worth of hiking notes from Yosemite smeared). They work pretty good with a pencil.
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ronrryan
 I have tried various logbooks over the years. Here is my heretical position: (1) during the day, record buoys, waypoints passed, places visited, wind/weather/sail conditions in a little pocket-sized spiral notebook (aka "decklog"). Then at nite, or at first opportunity, write your main log up as the official record of your trip, adding as much "color" and reflective opinion.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2005 : 12:44:27

The log books at most marine stores I find a little expensive with a lot of stuff I don't need. I found a template on Mark M's website http://www.texassailor.com/log.pdf that I use in a regular notebook. We sail on an inland lake so I mostly record who, what, when and weather. Where does not change much

The log is great reading that many visitors leaf through.

I love to be able to produce exact dates when a friend complains about not being invited enough and says "I haven't been out sailing with you but once this year"

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