Date: 2 November 2013. 3x5 Cards.
© janice142
Keeping track of your paperwork aboard a boat can be
problematic if you're not inclined to be organized and in that regard I
think my system is pretty doggone good. Everyone should have a real log
book, a record of the work done on your boat, maintenance schedules, etc.
Yet it's the paperwork that comes with your
wind generator,
electric blanket ,
solar controller and such that
can wind up in divergent spots -- and that's to be avoided. My system is
simple:

Years ago at a Target I discovered their $1 section by the
front entrance and found fancy file folders. Frankly I'd look for a bit
better quality than mine (the corners are not watertight and the
plastic isn't the greatest either) but it works! Each item that has an
owner's manual is in this one envelope, filed in alphabetical order so
retrieving is simple.
When I've had my sewing machine (girls, I've got a Singer
Featherweight!!! -- although I threw it out of tension again)
repaired (she's a 1937 so a bit rough around the edges) the receipt goes
into the file. Bilge pump paperwork and proof of purchase are together
too.
A lot of the owner's manuals now have multiple languages
and I simply take out my scissors and eliminate the foreign stuff. It's of
no interest nor use to me. Purchase receipts or dates are noted on the
cover along with the length of warranty. Any time I speak with a
representative of the company I note their names and usually the
dates/outcome of our conversation.
Still, the most useful paper I carry are my 3"x5" index
cards:

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Each 3x5 card has one topic... and yes, items do
overlap so
some things will be on multiple cards. |
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Food stuffs or grocery store items
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Dollar Store - for instance, canned clams are almost the
same quality as the $1.75 per can variety at the grocery store, along with
puzzle books for relaxation with that first cup of caffeine... that sort
of thing.
-
Hardware store (auto parts or Home Depot) - list includes
sockets, terminal rings and such
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Marine Toy Store (aka West Marine, etc.) for wishing!
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Marine consignment shop - things I want but not enough to
pay Defender prices for. For instance, I've got a 30 amp and 15 amp plugs
and rather than buy another adaptor plug (I have one) I'm seeking a 6"
piece of 10 gauge shielded 3-strand yellow cord. I'll make another -- but
I'm not willing to pay $9 per foot at West, so with the price noted when I
run across some of that wire I'll know what's a good deal -- and more
importantly: what is not!
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The List - this is for thrift store shopping. For instance
I had been using a piece of tin foil folded over as a wind shield for the
burner while cooking. I knew that the outer edge part of a spring form pan
(such as you'd use to make a pineapple-upside down cake) would do the same
thing and be much nicer to look at, but wasn't going to pay retail for
something like that. Eventually, for 99 cents I found just what I wanted:
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Teapot with wind shield in place. |
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By keeping a set of cards with me at all times I'm ready
should I be offered a ride to a store. If someone suggests hardware store
I pull out the appropriate 3x5 card and I'm ready. Ditto boat store, etc.
And when riding with someone I'm always conscious of time. By having a
list I don't have to dawdle, though goodness knows I do enjoy doing so,
especially in thrift stores!
One of my notes says Lentils. Thus far the containers I use
to grow my sprouts do not have a good place where they can't fall when
waked by a boat. The note reminds me when in a thrift store to think about
Lentils and perhaps I'll find just the right storage solution. I'm sure
there are projects you're considering and when out in the world (ashore,
shopping) it's nice to have a reference list.
For that purpose I suggest a stack of 3x5's. They fit into
your pocket and are handy reminders. I'm sure there are those that enjoy
their smart phones and such, but for me an old-fashioned hand-written list
is so much better. I can cross out items as acquired, add things that
interest me, and my notes are a great reminder.
In addition I have a couple pages of 1/4" quad-square
paper. On those sheets I have every measurement for the boat. I can tell
you the dimensions of each window, the distance between the bench seats of
my dinette, how tall the dinette is, the width of the seats, the distance
from the pilothouse to my bunk, how large the floor is where I shower...
basically, everything! When out and about I can refer to these pages and
it assists me in making sure what I'm tempted to buy actually will fit!
Folks mistake this for efficiency...
it's just my way of not forgetting important stuff.
Regarding the Comments Section,
found at the end of every article:
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What do you use as reminders for things you'd like for your
boat?
Is there a better compact (waterproof) container for paperwork than my
file folder?
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