Digital Log Books

[Andy Sailor]

I never have been able to be consistent with a paper logbook. Going through the App store, there are lots of digital apps available. Any suggestions? Some start once you are on the water. I use the Navionics app and would be nice to tie it into that.

[stulk75]

What are you trying to log? I have found that most apps are either way to specific or way to broad and inclusive that they become overbearing to do simple data entry.

I settled on Boating Suite for iOS for my powerboat.

There is core boat data, trip logs, engine hours, fuel tracking, a to do list, maintenance log and expense tracking. There are also some reports. So for example you can see total cost of ownership (assuming you have all the data entered).

A drawback is it is phone only. I can’t add or review entries through a web interface for example.

One feature I wish it had was the ability to share the logbook with more than one user. I have a captain that maintains the boat and charters it out. . So it would be nice if I could put a repair issue in the log and then he could see it, and when fixed I see it was done. Or he could record trips and I can see the utilization.

[GoneDiving]

Perhaps just make your own from Excel or Google Sheets. Very easy to customise to your needs and do auto calculations.

I find typing into a phone cumbersome but Bluetooth key boards are available or do the data entry on a tablet/laptop. Most program can share across different formats and devices.

[Andy Sailor]

I do all the costs with excel including maintenance and fuel. Yes to share would be important as my brother and I are partners. I am doing my ICC course for bareboat charter and one of the pre-requisites is logging in 200kts. This is not much, however, got me thinking about logging my trips. To incorporate everything would be nice.

[Mike OReilly]

I've tried a few, but always came back to paper. It's just easier.

[BillKny]

I do use an app (ShipShape) for maintenance logging, but for navigation log I much prefer paper.

One of the reasons for keeping a formal navigation log in these days of electronic everything is to have a record of a the most recent fix and course in the event of a lightning strike or other general electrical failure. Hard to figure out how to get home if you have no idea where you are! If you suffer a direct hit by lightning, the odds are very high that nothing other than your paper and pencil will be working.

But then I still plot my position every 6 hours on a paper chart, so a lot of you will consider me just an old relic.

There is also the significant emotional satisfaction of flipping back through a bound record of past voyages where sometimes even the briefest note can pull delighful memories to the forefront.

[duncan_m]

Originally Posted by GoneDiving

Perhaps just make your own from Excel or Google Sheets. Very easy to customise to your needs and do auto calculations.

I find typing into a phone cumbersome but Bluetooth key boards are available or do the data entry on a tablet/laptop. Most program can share across different formats and devices.

I'm a google sheets user for the logbook. I've tried all the apps but not found one that's stuck and does everything I want it to.

My partner and I are actually coding a logbook app in our spare time atm.
Would be great to get some feedback if anyone's interested...

[spadgettcruiser]

Did you end up finding a good solution? I'm at this same point now for my new boat being delivered soon...
Thanks

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by BillKny

I do use an app (ShipShape) for maintenance logging, but for navigation log I much prefer paper.

One of the reasons for keeping a formal navigation log in these days of electronic everything is to have a record of a the most recent fix and course in the event of a lightning strike or other general electrical failure. Hard to figure out how to get home if you have no idea where you are! If you suffer a direct hit by lightning, the odds are very high that nothing other than your paper and pencil will be working.

But then I still plot my position every 6 hours on a paper chart, so a lot of you will consider me just an old relic.

There is also the significant emotional satisfaction of flipping back through a bound record of past voyages where sometimes even the briefest note can pull delighful memories to the forefront.

Exactly

[Andy Sailor]

No I have not. I did load a few onto the iPad and will see which one I like

Originally Posted by spadgettcruiser

Did you end up finding a good solution? I'm at this same point now for my new boat being delivered soon...
Thanks

[Peel]

Originally Posted by duncan_m

My partner and I are actually coding a logbook app in our spare time atm.
Would be great to get some feedback if anyone's interested...

Duncan, I was working on a similar plan, but simply don't have the time to put into it that such a project deserves/requires. I would be happy to test and give feedback to your project though.

[ChrisJHC]

Originally Posted by Andy Sailor

I am doing my ICC course for bareboat charter and one of the pre-requisites is logging in 200kts. This is not much...

Yikes! I thought doing 15 knots surfing in a gale was scary!

[Yes, I know you meant 200 nm ]

[duncan_m]

Originally Posted by Peel

Duncan, I was working on a similar plan, but simply don't have the time to put into it that such a project deserves/requires. I would be happy to test and give feedback to your project though.

Thanks, Peel appreciate it, we're just about ready to ship out the first version. I'll DM you...

[bensolomon]

I use this one:

https://apps.apple.com/vg/app/ships-...ns/id533244045

It is great! Keeps all the information automatically plus barometric pressure. You can also take photos within the app, and export the whole thing as a pdf. Great stats, and summaries. The exported log book makes for great trip memories. And.. the author is very accessible.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by Andy Sailor

I never have been able to be consistent with a paper logbook. Going through the App store, there are lots of digital apps available. Any suggestions? Some start once you are on the water. I use the Navionics app and would be nice to tie it into that.

I doubt that going digital will help with consistency. I find it helps to share the duties such that the person coming off watch is responsible for a log entry. The person coming on watch can then remind them/ask them of it, and it is part of the changing of the watch communication. It keeps you accountable.