T&T: Logbooks

[Ron Trossbach]

Question. "Is there a 'Best Practices' of what should be kept in a log book?"

Reply.  I just happen to have my logs books out to prepare a presentation on
boating for our community.
Here is what is written on the first page of each ledger which is 300 pages
long with numbered pages, as discussed.

"This is logbook III for MOONESHINE under the ownership of Kathy and Ron
Trossbach.  Entries can be made by anyone on board and follow no format.
Write down any and all items you like, including lists, notes, etc. that
pertain to the boat. We use the log instead of small bits of paper.  When we
go offshore we rule off two pages for the operating log.  Try to put
significant events and times in the log because it is the only record we keep.
The only thing we ask is that you do not remove any pages. Black ink entries
are preferred. The log is kept in a specially built rack under the Nav table.
Thanks"

These logs contain every underway and mooring time along with position
description, miles steamed, hours on engines, gallon of fuel put into tanks,
major maintenance etc.  They also have every guest that has ever been aboard
and the names and contact information of every boat we ever have visited since
1982.

You can see why they are such a treasure to us.

Ron Trossbach