How Many Of You Keep A Ships Log?

[GaryMayo]

Seems like it would be interesting. Maybe there is an app for that?

I will start one (and have my wife keep it up to date, as she likes tasks like that). Places gone, people seen, foods eaten, expenses encountered.

First entry: 9-30-11 Purchased Boats.

Second entry: 10-2-11 Snapped mast off of 13 foot Chrysler. lol

Do you have a ships log? If it worked for Captain Kirk, seems like a natural thing to do.

[GaryMayo]

Update!

There is an app for a ships log. Called oddly enough, ShipsLog At the app store.

It captures your GPS data, time, temp, humidity, boat speed in knots, compass heading, wind speed in MPH, wind direction, sky conditions.

It has an instant map to show you where you are. You can also use it to set your course and tell you how far you are from your destination.

It will take photographs for your log, or let you pick photos from your photo albums. Lots of room to leave detailed notes about your trip, and you can send all this information to any email address to keep friends or family updated.

App costs .99 cents.

I love it!

[mastreb]

My kids fill out a paper logbook every time we sail. They love it!

[Berber Boy]

GaryMayo is it international or only for North America?

BB

[Chinook]

I keep a log for our extended cruises. I customized log sheets for the items I'm interested in keeping track of, and I make daily entries. I log things like time of departure/arrival, lat/long at day's end, number of hours powering/sailing, average cruising speed, wind direction/strength, sea condition, air & water temp, quantity and price of fuel purchased, quantity and price (if any) of fresh water obtained, moorage costs, house battery voltage first thing in the morning, as well as notes on any noteable occurances. I keep a running list of items which are in need of repair (it's amazing how they accumulate, and how hard it is to recall all the little items in need of fixing or replacing, after the end of a cruise). The log allows me to calculate fuel consumption rates, stove fuel use rates, and water consumption. I keep the sheets in a small 3 ring binder, and then refer to them when creating my daily journal entries on the laptop. This system works well for me.

[GaryMayo]

GaryMayo is it international or only for North America?

BB

The iPhone App?

I believe it works anywhere an Apple iPhone works. The app should be available to any iPhone user. Works on 3 & 4

[Catigale]

Check out Duane duns cruising log on puget sound.....and be prepared to go green with envy...

Sumners write ups are great too....and Admiral Ruth does canvas!!

[Laika 26X]

I had kept both a written (paper) and electronic log.
Just recently in August, I switched to just the electronic log along with a format change.
I record events aboard using a plastic clipboard and grease pencil, snap a picture of it with my cell and email to myself. That way I can quickly jot down events without worrying about handwriting legibility, paper getting wet, or losing what I wrote.
I then take home the data from the Garmin and transfer that to to My Google Earth File, and the handwritten data to an EXCEL Spread sheet where I can track hours underway, miles traveled (since ownership) and Engine Hours as well as major events. The Google Earth file acts like a "Black Box" allowing me to review the trip.
I also take a screen shot of the trip and add it to the EXCEL file.
Then I post online for family and friends.
LAIKA's 2011 DECK LOG
I found out I'm probably the only one who reads it, hence the change in format from a "Traditional Log" entry in Jul to a more "simplified" form that just contains data I find useful.
It goes a long way in not only keeping records like engine time, but I learn to sail better when I review the courses taken during a particular weather situation.
"Sub" Ed

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I keep a log for our extended cruises. I customized log sheets for the items I'm interested in keeping track of, and I make daily entries. I log things like time of departure/arrival, lat/long at day's end, number of hours powering/sailing, average cruising speed, wind direction/strength, sea condition, air & water temp, quantity and price of fuel purchased, quantity and price (if any) of fresh water obtained, moorage costs, house battery voltage first thing in the morning, as well as notes on any noteable occurances. I keep a running list of items which are in need of repair (it's amazing how they accumulate, and how hard it is to recall all the little items in need of fixing or replacing, after the end of a cruise). The log allows me to calculate fuel consumption rates, stove fuel use rates, and water consumption. I keep the sheets in a small 3 ring binder, and then refer to them when creating my daily journal entries on the laptop. This system works well for me.

I've read these (Chinook's) extended cruise logs, and these logs are worthwhile for Mac owners for "good ideas" (especially on extended trips). Even of you guys dont keep these records, you should take the time and read Chinook's trips. You'll be amazed -- good details, great pictures, and solutions to alerts and emergencies. In addition, preparations and boat necessities for extended trips are also covered well. Pictures speak louder than words.
If you plan to cross the Gulf, or even Sail Alaska waters, Chinook's logs will take you there first. Take a look.

[Mike C.]

I have always kept a log. Lots of reasons:
Where I went, who was on the boat, conditions, and if on an offshore trip, position. If electronics fail, your last logged position is a good starting point for dead reckoning back to home.
I also note any problems or repairs needed.

I use a small waterproof paper notebook and a waterproof ink pen.

Also, keeping hours logged also helps if you ever choose to get a Captains' License.

and if nothing else, its fun to go back through 15 year old log books and read about what you did.

[tomchitecture]

I hit a ships log with my keel once.

[Freedom77]

I have been keeping a log since 1969. First on our V-21, Then our V-222 and now Freedom. I bought Freedom pretty much bare and built out. I have four pages of nothing but notes on pre launch work, i.e. hardware, knotmeter, compass, interior cabinets, lighting, etc. Whenever we would go out I would have crew and visitiors sign log for that date and make notes on destination, weather, wind, unusual events, other boats in group, etc. Now I can look back on some wonderful and sometimes terrifying cruises and races. Fair winds and full sails....

[Catigale]

hit a ships log with my keel once.

Did it make an entry into the hull??