For years I tediously ruled out a ledger when keeping a log for cruising in the strong tidal waters that are my home plate. I also tried several  commercially published logbooks and found them all inadequate for the job and quite frankly frustrating. Most commercial log books would be more suited to the bridge of a bulk carrier than on a small passage making craft.

Many sailors simply dont bother keeping a log on a regular basis. This is unfortunate since at the very least maintaining a logbook can be a rewarding exercise that can provide a valuable record of events and if nothing else, is good for reminiscing.
A good cruising logbook though should be more than just list of times and positions. It should be an easy to use and read, aid to passage planning, passage making, weather pridiction and a reservoir of useful information about your vessel. You should be able to consider it a companion on any voyage rather than a chore.

Since I started working profesionally as skipper, keeping an accurate log is no longer just a matter of  good practice but a professional and legal necessity. As well as being a navigational aid it can potentially play an important role in recording the facts and events surrounding an accident or other incident on the water. A well maintained written record will enable you to provide a crediable account of events to the authorities or to insurance companies.

As a ruled copy book would definitely would not look professional any circumstance where I am dealing with a client or, Poseidon forbid! in the event of an accident an insurance company I decided to take matters into my own hands and develop by own template.

When I was happy with my design I made my to my local printers and ordered a bunch of them with a nice cover. I now have a professional looking log book that I can hand over to a client after a vessel delivery with plenty of space left for further use, and all at a minimum cost. A nice idea for anyone in that industry.

You can download a copy of my log book template as pdf at my own web site. There is no charge. The copy I have hosted is tailored for the the UK and Ireland but this dosent make much difference over all, and can be easily modified for your personal use. Just follow the link http://www.blueseas.ie/delivery-skipper 

Van