How many motorboat owners keep a log of each trip?

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Are you saying that if I take boat out, but then return after five minutes that I have to keep a log of that trip or face some sort of fine/prosecution.

If not, what defines a trip that would require a log to be kept?


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No, the whole point of the SOLAS V rules is to help ensure basic things like checking the weather, looking at a chart etc. get done before you go to sea. If you get rescued, and the coastguard question whether or not you were adequately prepared, then a few scribbled lines of an inshore waters forecast would probably be helpful (surely we all check this before even a short trip anyway?).

I certainly don't complete a full log of WPs etc. for a splosh round the bay, and nor is there any need.

As I understand it SOLAS V does not mean we all have to keep a detailed log of every moment spent aboard, just that there's a chance we may be called on to show we've comlied with the regs, and that a simple log entry would probably help show this.

Andy
 
Upriver, when the mood takes me and I remember, usually logging times at locks and anything interesting or boat issues. Downriver I'm a bit more meticulous with times at locations, which tend to be waypoints anyway, so even if it all packs up I should be able to find my way in estuary fog. If I go anywhere new it gets noted as well, especially any problems. Anyone who has a knowledge of the history of navigation, or who has read Shogun, will spot a rutter!

ALWAYS log any Maydays, and was advised to do PanPans and Securites as well.

Must be doing something right, got silverware for it on the sideboard.
 
Usefulness of a log

I agree with the sentiment that repeated drone (which i have seen) of "slipped marina hamble" and "tied up Cowes" serves not much purpose. And even on longish trips with stacks of gps's and so on in reasonable conditions there's not a whole load of vital info produced by slavish noting exactified position to several decimal places. Reasonable idea of where you are but mostly, probs on mobos are mechanical. As one sailing bod put it - if you aren't sure about xyz lighthouse you can always drive oveer and have a look.

However, i suppose if there was ever an "incident" with say another vessel then the existence of a log would be an important thing. It would be your "contemporaneous note" - made at the time of when you saw what vessel and what (if anything) were the circumstances.
 
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Boat wont be fixed for a few more weeks yet, so missed the best of the weather.


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Don't you believe it, we went out all last winter and had some great weather and VERY calm seas. The other bonus is you can get in anywhere you want.
 
Very basic log
Date.
Destination.
Fuel at start
Fuel at finish
Hours Logged.
Empty bit at end for odd ball stuff and comments.Sometimes put down
Engine T & Ps.Volts .What Speeds achieved at what revs etc.Also on log when stuff changed like oil filters,impellors,anodes.
Will give trend info like oil pressure slowly dropping or temps rising over time.
 
Only problem is if you are stopped by the CG particularly France, Belgium or Holland they will asked for your written notes and do not accept the chartplotter as proper nav work! you must be able to show how you got to the position you are and where you intend to travel! or they will fine you.
I read recently on this forum that your notes have to be in ink not pencil or they will also be able to fine you if they so feel!

Barry
 
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Only problem is if you are stopped by the CG particularly France, Belgium or Holland they will asked for your written notes and do not accept the chartplotter as proper nav work! you must be able to show how you got to the position you are and where you intend to travel! or they will fine you.
I read recently on this forum that your notes have to be in ink not pencil or they will also be able to fine you if they so feel!


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Barry

Sorry but I have no idea where you are getting this rubbish from but it is NOT correct and you will make everyone paranoid.

Robin
 
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I read recently on this forum that your notes have to be in ink not pencil or they will also be able to fine you if they so feel!

Barry

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IIRC that was in connection with logging for RYA qualification purposes, not legal requirements.
 
I keep a log/passage plan of every trip, which includes:-
Date, starting point, destination, weather info, tidal info, personnel,
Engine hrs -start & finish, mileage - start & finish, columns for temp/oil press/charging voltage though these not often used on short trips. Plus room for some type of comment/report.
I do it because I like to keep a record of where I've been and when. I need to note tide times, in order to prevent embarrassment, as I'm based on a drying mooring and often visit other drying destinations /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.
 
I used to keep a log book then put info on a spread sheet that way I kept an exact record of mileage thus fuel consumption on each tank full, and service details

Also came in very usefull when I took my Yachtmaster as the examiner likes to see a nicely ket log.
 
Well thanks for that Robin, I have to say that I would not rubbish anything you say! however it takes all sorts.
I have spoken to several people from my own marina who have actually been pulled, inspected and fined or told in no uncertain terms that if caught again only using a plotter they will be fined! I do hope that if this is all you use that one day you will have to tell the authorities who board your vessel that they are talking "rubbish"

Barry
 
I have formated a passage plan on a spreadsheet for the students to use, dead easy Start from destination, date, weather, waypoints brgs, log at waypoint column, fuel etc plus note section, just do one of these for each trip.

even got a column for lights at waypoints for night nav
 
Thanks for the encouragement. Have been working on the boat since your helpful advice when it was broken down at Gosport.

should be operational in the next few weeks. Will be leaving her in the water during winter. My smallest will be 6 in December, want's to go out, what a good boy !!!
 
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