Log Books.... (For those who actually use them)

[capt-couillon]

Stocking up for departure and need to get some new log books. As an ex-GI, have always liked the old GI "green book" for ships logs, stores lists, etc. If you were ever in the US military, you know the ones I mean.



Cloth covered, 192 lined pages

I like the small (5.5" x 8") ones as you can slip 'em in a gallon zip-lock, but you can get larger sizes (8" x 10.5"). I mark the covers with ships name and date in magic marker.

What do you use?

Best source I have found is straight from the Industries for the Blind, who supply the DOD with the mil-spec issue. $3.33 for the small ones, $4.41 for the larger ones, free shipping.

https://www.ibexp.com/product/7530002223521
https://www.ibexp.com/product/7530002223525

[simonpickard]

I use an A4 moleskin. I keep it simple, easy to fill in, etc. Just the core info we need in their. The comments section I guess is saved for the blog these days (well for us anyhow).

[monte]

I use

We print as needed and glue and bind into a 50 page or so book so pages can't be removed.
The tacks before each date are pre departure checks, followed by the date and hourly or so logs.
So far it has all we need. It may be better with 2 columns for wind, one for TWD and the other for TWS.
Maintainance and radio log is also recorded on the same pages.

[Hydra]

I too created a template for my needs, with 2 pages per day. Then, I print it on a laser printer in 60-page book form, with the pages numbered, to give a more official appearance. In France, it's mandatory to have a logbook when sailing farther than 6 NM from shelter.

Having 2 pages per day is handy for knowing how many days I have been sailing in a year.

Alain

[mtarcher]

I've used the "Evergreen Pacific Log Book" (aka "Walker Common Sense Log Book" by Milo and Terry Walker) for years. Have not used other ones, so don't have an opinion on good/better.

[Mirar]

I sailed on many commercial vessels (freighters) that almost always had custom bound company logbooks, classy. On our personal boat, we used the Lee Valley Tools book, a very good quality bound version with a lined format. I never liked the issue of being channeled into a columnar style, preferred adding info as I felt necessary.
One of my favourite logbooks we have, has an entry from my daughter from 35 years ago. She was 4 at the time and had cut herself a bit. To alleviate the simpering, we got out the old quill pen and wrote in the log,,,
Written in my blood , this year on our lord, 1979. Stopped the pain on the spot.
I keep all my old log books by the way.
Greg Janes

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by monte

I use
Attachment 87543
We print as needed and glue and bind into a 50 page or so book so pages can't be removed.
The tacks before each date are pre departure checks, followed by the date and hourly or so logs.
So far it has all we need. It may be better with 2 columns for wind, one for TWD and the other for TWS.
Maintainance and radio log is also recorded on the same pages.

Originally Posted by Hydra

I too created a template for my needs, with 2 pages per day. Then, I print it on a laser printer in 60-page book form, with the pages numbered, to give a more official appearance. In France, it's mandatory to have a logbook when sailing farther than 6 NM from shelter.

Having 2 pages per day is handy for knowing how many days I have been sailing in a year.

Alain

This could be another great CF topic...Cruisers formats and offer to email them. I've been buying the expensive Marine Store log books and they kinda suck.

[jongleur]

Monte:

Thanks for that. Just created my own based on yours.

[J Clark H356]

I use an Excel spreadsheet and made my own format. I log date, times, engine time, generator time and let it calculate my fuel used. I also log day, night time, location, maintenance items, water fill, nautical and statue miles.


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