T&T: Logbooks

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There is no legal requirement to keep a log for pleasure craft, at least in  
Canada. However this is what we instruct students/members that take the CPS  
courses to enter in the log book. It is much simpler than those already  
described.
Time and position of departure.
Course and speed (rpm)
Course and speed change
Bearings taken on ?
Fix position
State of weather (wind direction/speed)
State of sea (Beaufort)
Fuel/water (Start/end)
Observations (if deemed important)
Time and position of arrival.
Crew on board at start
Crew on board at end (if different than start)
 
These simple log books are available at West Marine and other pleasure  craft 
chandleries but get the bound version. They do not have numbered pages but  
being bound is important.
 
The above is based on the KISS principle but even that needs some  discipline 
to want and keep a log.
My wife and I take the log book home with us for the winter. We peruse it  on 
cold winter nights by the fireplace to relive our cruising experience of the  
last summer and time before that. Makes us look forward to the next  season.
Regards. Leonard Stern, INDIFFERENCE.