Sailing is full of little routines. Checking the weather, stowing gear, and running through safety checks. However, one habit that often slips under the radar is keeping a logbook. And no, it’s not just for long offshore voyages or when you’re crossing international waters. Even the quick hop around the bay or the afternoon cruise to your favourite anchorage is worth writing down.
It might feel like overkill at first, especially if you’re only out for an hour or two, but there’s real value in keeping a consistent record of every trip. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference.
What You Should Record
You don’t need to write an essay each time. Just a few key bits of information will do. Things like:
- Date and time of departure and return
- Weather and sea conditions
- Who was on board
- Any mechanical issues or unusual noises
- Fuel and water levels before and after
- Changes to sails or rigging
- GPS waypoints or general route taken
- Any notable events – grounding, near misses, engine hiccups, etc.
It’s up to you how detailed you want to be, but even a few bullet points after each outing can build up a useful log over time.
Helps Spot Maintenance Issues Early
When you start recording what’s normal for your boat, it becomes much easier to spot when something’s off. Maybe the engine took a little longer to start than usual. Or there was a slight vibration at higher revs. If you’ve made a note of it, and it happens again, that’s a pattern and patterns are much easier to fix than random surprises.
Even something as simple as a drop in cruising speed can be the first sign of a fouled prop or growth on the hull. Your log can give you an early heads-up before a small issue becomes a big headache.
Useful For Insurance And Paperwork
Hopefully, you’ll never need to make an insurance claim, but your logbook can be a real asset if you do. Say your boat was damaged after a sudden squall. If your log shows that you checked the forecast, noted changing conditions, and responded appropriately, it helps back up your case. It shows that you weren’t being careless – you were being a responsible skipper.
The same goes for any dispute at sea. Your log is your best reference if there’s ever a question about where you were or what happened.
Troubleshooting Made Easier
Have you ever had an engine problem that only shows up occasionally? Or a battery that drains faster on certain trips? These things can be hard to pin down without a history to look at. Your log can help connect the dots.
You might notice that issues only crop up after sailing in heavy rain or running the fridge all day. These patterns often get missed if you’re relying on memory alone. But when it’s all there on paper, the clues stand out.
Builds Your Experience
A logbook doesn’t just help with the boat – it helps with you too. Looking back over your entries is a great way to see how far you’ve come. You’ll spot your own learning curve, see the kind of conditions you’re now comfortable with, and remember trips you’d forgotten about.
It can even be helpful if you’re aiming for qualifications. Some courses or certifications require a record of your time on the water. Your log becomes a personal CV of your sailing life.
A Small Habit That Pays Off
Keeping a log doesn’t need to be complicated. Just keep a notebook handy, or use an app if you prefer digital. Make a quick note at the end of each trip while it’s fresh in your mind.
Over time, you’ll build a history that helps with everything from maintenance and insurance to your own confidence at sea. And once it’s part of your routine, you’ll wonder how you ever sailed without it.