Why Keep A Log?

The practice of keeping a log book goes back hundreds of years to early explorers that kept logs and charts of new lands and waters. They probably started keeping notes about where they had been so they could find their way home. Whatever the origin, keeping a log proved to be such a great idea that the practice has since been mandated by law, at least on commercial vessels, and is considered good seamanship. Some captains rely on several logs: and engine log, deck logs, and the official logbook. The latter includes records of ship's events, weather, and positions (recorded on each watch), sailing drafts, vessel stability, required drills, and crew information.

On recreational boats, a logbook is not required by the Coast Guard or anyone else, so its contents, if one is kept, are subjective. Over the years, various authors have published logbooks with pages for everything from favorite recipes to the condition of the batteries.  Probably the best logs contain many text areas, so that the skipper can scratch in notes on whatever needs to be recorded or remembered.

First, a log is an excellent place to keep information about the boat itself: its length, beam, draft, year built, vertical clearance, etc., as well as capacities for all of the onboard tanks - fuel, water, hot water and waste.  On powerboats, keep a record of the size and pitch of the prop, just in case you lose it. Wiring and plumbing schematics are another possibility.

A log is also the best place to store boat related phone numbers, such as the dealer who sold you the boat, TowBoat U.S., National Pollution Response Center, local Coast Guard stations, engine mechanic, rigger, boatyard, and - let's hope you don't need this one - your insurance agent and company contact information.  And, should your boat ever be broken into or become a total loss, a log can also contain serial numbers for all of the ship's electronics.

Your log should include a checklist of scheduled and ad-hoc maintenance chores.  Tasks such as replacing zincs, changing the oil, changing filters, checking the water pump impeller, tightening the stuffing box, etc. are far too important to be trusted to memory.

Another valuable logbook checklist is one for getting underway. Depending on what type of boat you own, you'll have to install the drain plug, stow gear, check the VHF weather forecast, open sea cocks, disconnect the shore power cord, open hatches, run the bilge blower, sniff the bilge, check gauges for proper readings, check current and wind direction, cooling water flow, and - just to look ship shape - reminder to bring in the fenders.

Once you're underway, your log can be as thorough or as simple as you feel is necessary. Recording times, distances, average speeds, and sea conditions can be a good way to monitor fuel consumption and your engine.  You should also use the log to record gauge readings: engine hours, distances covered, etc.

For navigation purposes, you can use your log to record waypoints and route numbers or times at certain markers for a future good reference. Notations on anything unusual - uncharted shoals, bottom anchoring conditions, even marinas or restaurants you liked or didn't like - can be useful when you revisit a location.

Another logbook check list can make sure the boat is put away properly.  In the rush to pack up and go home you're likely to forget to shut a seacock or leave the battery switch on.

BoatExec serves all these needs and more.