Maintenance log book

[Sneaky Pete]

What do you use as a maintenance log book. Is there a pre printed type to purchase or make one of my own and run with it.

 

[dunedin]

I use a simple Excel spreadsheet, kept on something like Dropbox or now OneDrive.
Easily updated on board using phone or iPad, also accessible ashore, easily searchable and can be kept / archived as needed.

 

[neil_s]

I also use a spreadbook - has a sheet for each year and one totting up annual expenditure. Now has 26 sheets! I favour Apache Openoffice.

 

[Neeves]

Just make sure it is password protected

or your other half will find out how much it really costs to own a yacht

Jonathan

 

[Refueler]

I use a simple school exercise book ....

I used to keep a spreadsheet - but it never did the job it really needed. The book stays on the boat .. its there to thumb through and reference .. I can draw sketches / ideas in ... Its basic lined pages without any formal setup.

I would write date and then underneath the text comment / drawing / whatever relevant. This is working from first page ...

From last page and reversed - I make notes on how to operate items ... so the book becomes not only a maintenance record when read from page 1 fwd ... but a reference when read from last page back.

If I ever sell the boat - the book can stay with the boat for next owners ...

 

[Parabordi]

I use this := Amazon.co.uk

 

[Plum]

What do you use as a maintenance log book. Is there a pre printed type to purchase or make one of my own and run with it.

I use a Word document stored on a cloud so I can update or refer to it from anywhere.

 

[dansaskip]

like Refueller I also use a simple exercise book easy to add notes, to do lists and "things needed to buy" and also sketches and dimensions. I also take it home with me - useful to refer to when the boat is laid up. I also use a spreadsheet to keep track of spending on parts, and dates of renewals but the pending bit is scary!

 

[Poignard]

I used a pocket notebook, like those used by policemen/women.

Silverline Silvine makes them.

In fact I used a lot of them. I'd just started number 17 when I sold my boat!

 

[Seashoreman]

I used a pocket notebook, like those used by policemen/women.

Silverline makes them.

In fact I used a lot of them. I'd just started number 17 when I sold my boat!

Silvine?

 

[Dockhead]

Thanks to the OP for this thread, reminding me to reform my execrable practice in this regard.

My maintenance log is a log string of emails to myself. I reply to the last entry every time I do something.

It's durable, but a stupid method. I think an Excel sheet with various backups is probably the best way to do it.

One could also use the Konni Logbook function in OpenCPN -- there is a maintenance section.

 

[jamie N]

 

[RunAgroundHard]

I used a pocket notebook, like those used by policemen/women.

Silverline Silvine makes them.

In fact I used a lot of them. I'd just started number 17 when I sold my boat!

That's what I use. I bought a box of them, very useful for lots of things where a quick note or sketch is required to be jotted down.

Small Note Book - Police Style

 

[KevO]

I used to keep a very detailed written log annually and place all the receipts in a Tupperware box… now the box is the size of a cool box and we’re about to add a new Vectron Genoa. The ticked off list of jobs done on various scraps of paper is a sufficient log.

The log is deceptive when one entry just says new Beta 30 and another says new standing rigging…

 

[dunedin]

I used to keep a very detailed written log annually and place all the receipts in a Tupperware box… now the box is the size of a cool box and we’re about to add a new Vectron Genoa. The ticked off list of jobs done on various scraps of paper is a sufficient log.

The log is deceptive when one entry just says new Beta 30 and another says new standing rigging…

The main use for our Excel spreadsheet maintenance log is for preventative maintenance- when things were last done, how frequently needs done, and hence when next due.
Difficult to remember accurately when things were last done without it - especially for those of us who keep boat in commission all year round.
Using Excel Filters and search means everything easily found instantly.

Separate spreadsheet of spares and locations.

Doesn't include financial records. These are on money system.

 

[rotrax]

Just make sure it is password protected

or your other half will find out how much it really costs to own a yacht

Jonathan

First Mate was an active partner, she ALWAYS handles the money.

She is well aware of yacht ownership costs.

She is, no doubt, hoping our Narrowboat will be less costly!

Getting back to the OP, she, being a very able administrator, printed off some simple sheets for maintenance, fuel, and spares/improvements.

These were loose leaf in a ring binder and were kept in the back of the Ships Log which was religeously entered upon leaving port, every hour and entering port.

Worked for us

 

[nevis768]

I wouldn't use a police notebook, they never contain any facts

 

[stu9000]

I use a Google doc shared with my co owners so they can see all the work that has gone into getting ready for the splash. Ha ha.

It is a handy reference for me if I need to remind myself what I've done or how to fix something again. It is v handy to keep it updated on my phone, taking pics of various hardware so i can google the serial numbers. Once off the boat at home i can add links and notes from the PC.

The log entries are dated. Most recent at the top of the page.

I tried paper, but when it was in board I needed it at home and when it was at home I needed it on board.

It all works so well I now have logs for my car, motorbike and the house.

We also have a separate spreadsheet to log costs. The co owners pay half of everything so this is a great way to see who who has paid for what, and to be able to reference back to see what has gone up, or where the stuff I bought last year came from.