I quit keeping a logbook back in the mid 90's. It was just too much hassle. Can't even find them now. It's not like I sat down and reviewed them after a trip, referred back to them on a return trip, or broke them out for my friends to admire how many dives I had under my belt. Do you all keep them........and why?

My gear is older than dirt. My BC's been stitched up a few times. My wetsuit looks like something goodwill threw out, and my dive light is also used back here at home, for a flashlight. I'm comfortable with what I have. The only thing I have replaced in the last 10 years is my computer, because it flooded during a dive.

Are logbooks, and gear replacement something relatively newly certified divers are interested in, or am I basically out of step with everyone else?

I pretty much do as you do. I quit logging dives at about the same time; too much hassle for the return. I know how much weight to wear with any wet suit I own. In the last ten years I have replaced a second stage and and a dive computer. Everything else, with the exception of a bunch of camera gear, remains the same. Annual gear servicing has been the answer to its longevity.

I agree on a handwritten logbook - too much hassle. I dump my computer onto the Sunnto Logbook Manager or whatever its called and call that good.

Tad, I know a diver that has equipment like yours, but he's older than dirt

I just bought a new BC after 9 years because it bit the dust on bonaire...things were not repariable. We had to buy new regs a couple years ago because we had Dacor and when Mares bought them, they quit making replacement parts. If it weren't for that, we would not have done that.

Wetsuits are old, and until they no longer keep us warm, will stay that way

Now fins, that's another story for me, I have 4 pair, one in each color of the rainbow

Oh, and none of my equipment matches either;)

Boat Chick,

Four pair of fins? What's that about? I bet Michael doesn't have that many!! Sounds like a female foot fetish to me......sorta' like shoes!!

The battle ax and I are heading to Grand Cayman in May, and she is studying the latest gear reviews in Scuba Diving Mag. She was only certified a few years ago, but wants to update her equipment!

I would appreciate a little encouragement from you guys, that the latest gear is not necessary!! I need all the ammunition I can get! And.....Ms. four pair of fins, Boat Chick.......you're not helping!!

Hey, back off my Boat Chick Buddy on the fins, a tad, Tad, I have three pairs of fins myself, these things happen. And I do by Ramen love my Blue TwinJets more than any man ought to love footwear.

Besides, she said she never replaces anything else unless she has to, which helps your cause. My Scubapro MK20 is slowly morphing into a MK25 with each successive overhaul.

And if she only wanted to have more fins, how bad is that, really? That's easy present selection for a few years.

Oh yeah, logbooks. Well, it is nice to see what you saw and what time of year when planning trips. Coral spawnings, nudibranch eggs, all these things happen more or less regularly. It's also nice to have some idea of the changes happening on the reef.

That all said, I'm down to downloading the dives to my PC from my Uwatec, and trying to name the sites. I think as one nears four figures the logging generally slows down.

All my cert and ensuing paper logs are in a cedar box with my BMP tags.

(Message edited by seb on February 25, 2008)

Point taken Seb!!

I don't know how 3 pair of fins just happen??....but I DO know how much a backup this..or that, means to me, in my garage and shed!! I do understand!!

Terry and I both have joint checking and savings......and personal!! Joint is for needs.....and personal is for wants. All I'm saying is that new gear...when the old is fine....is a want.....not a need!!

Want this or that for XMAS, birthday, Valentines, etc........fine!! I don't care if you have 20 of them!! But don't try to tell me it's absolutely necessary to have a new one for the upcoming trip!!

I just may have to hit the singles circuit after this. Do any of you women want to chime in and help me out?

My wife and I have always maintained a written log, but also dump everything to the computer. Has anyone ever been hassled by a dive shop for not having an up to date log book. I don't recall that anyone ever asked to see mine, but it was DRILLED into us during our coursework years ago that it was common practice for a dive shop at a tourist resort to ask for a log book to prove you know what you're doing. Perhaps more of a myth than reality?

I'd just as soon chuck the whole written log also, although it is a handy place to carry my cards.

Michael,

I have NEVER been asked to show my log book, any time, or any where!! A C-card is sufficient!! As long as you are advanced open water or above, forget the others!!

I have enough to deal with....planning upcoming trips, rental cars, etc. If the dive shop hassles you....find another!!

Tad,

Perspective.

It's a "want" for her, but a "need" for you.

Remember, if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

LOL Seb, thanks buddy

Tad, I do have to admit that when I was switching all my doo dads from my old BC yesterday, and re-packing all the gear for dives this weekend, as I was putting my black apollo split jets, scubapro neon yellow splits, and my hot pink force fins in the bag, he looked at me funny (I KNOW I'd shown him the pink ones when I got them off ebay)...lol... I don't use my paddle fins anymore, they give me calf cramps.

Log book, never been asked for it. I log all my dives, Michael does not. We upgraded to nitrox a couple years ago and had to get wrist comptuers, that download to my laptop...I LOVE that Now I can log both Michael's and mine

Oh, and Michael has two pair of fins...Mares, that he won in Cabo in 2000 on a dive trip and black force fins

I keep a log after 20 years...still! Its the only reference i have as to where ive travelled , how many dives on gear etc . I have to add , i prefer my gear from 1995 as to todays gear . Too many bells and whistles . Remember when sex was safe and diving was dangerous? Those are now the good ole days.

Tad,

---

quote:

I just may have to hit the singles circuit after this. Do any of you women want to chime in and help me out?

---

Well Tad, my old Plana Avantis from my snorkeling days, I suppose I ought to get rid of them, one pair of Twinjets in Bonaire and one pair in a state to be named later. Paring down to travel lighter by strewing gear around.

The blue Twinjets fins are so cool looking I may try to get another set on ebay and then sell my grey ones there. They are like lapis lazuli.

I don't get the banking stuff, you and Terry need a joint and want to get personal? Whatever works for you. I find people knowing what they want is half the battle in life, and often a quick "whatever you like dear" is more effective at nipping these ideas in the bud than "you don't need that"

I've been asked for my log at Sunset House in Grand Cayman, that was an interesting trip, seeing people bring in new logbooks starting at number 5000, and all sorts of odd chicanery. But also at the dive shops on Bonaire at the end of our trips, to figure out how many tanks we burned through, though thats just a scrap of paper in a notebook nowadays.

I respect loggers, but I'm sort of lapsed...

You know, many divers are six-footers but Cyndelee is the first one I have heard of who uses a fin for each of her six feet. Especially wondersome since the pics she posts in her profile make her look closer to a four-footer. :–))

Yes, I know, tortured, but I couldn't resist twitting her a bit.

Listen guys.....

I promised Terry that we would solicit other peoples opinions on here, and then make a decision, based on the feedback. It's not looking good for me right now.......... Grunt is the only one in my corner!!

I've got Brad reiterating the old "If momma ain't happy" routine!

Boat Chick maintains a complete set of dive gear for each day of the week!

And Seb felt the need to bring up downloadable computers! Terry uses my old one from 12 years ago...BTW Seb, we already have both joint, and separate bank accounts. We were individuals....and equals, before we met....and still are!!

Mare, when I refer to the "battle ax", I really do it lovingly! You ought to hear what she calls me, both publicly and privately!! We are secure enough with each other to have a little fun!! I'm sorry I offended. And while the posting may be under my name....she reads them all as well!!

With all that said, can I get a witness or two on my side when it comes to replacing or upgrading a need vs a want?

Welllll - I won't be much help to you Tad. I used to have gear that LOOKED like it had been around for decades but too much time teaching the pools is what really happened to it - so it got replaced.

For those that know me - I have had to replace a lot of my gear this past year. YEP - HAD TO. Just got my new wetsuit and hooded vest - finally something that fits. My BC is actually OK but I really could use one that fits better but I'll make this one last for a few more years unless I find it a problem in Bonaire - then alas - it will be replaced as well. The biggest surprise and BOY am I glad I tried this out before getting to Bonaire - I needed a new mask. Can you believe it - a new mask. Thank goodness we have 6 or more masks at home. (There are 4 of us that dive). Fins - well - I have 4 pairs but have given up 2 pairs as hand me downs. (sorry Steph but I do know that you like the Quattros.)

So Tad I would have to say that the fact that your BC has been "stitched up" a few times might make it somewhat unsafe. Call me crazy but if air can escape OR water can get it - it's not really safe. If the reg fails because it's older than the hills - it's not really safe. IF the wetsuit is so old that it will dissinigrate (sp) when it gets into the salt water - it not really safe (for the rest of us to possibly witness this). So basically if you feel that the gear is still safe - then keep it and keep on diving. IF not - upgrade.

Oh - and I am die hard log book keeper upper. It's just a fun way to relive the dive and to talk about it with the friends that have just enjoyed that time with you as well. Plus I actually keep things that I have found on dives in there too. I have also keep wristbands from diving in the caverns in Florida and stuff like that. But that's what I like to do. Hubby doesn't keep one and that's his perogative.

Terry (via Tad's account) - You go girl. Read those gear reviews and add to your dive gear collection! It is fun to get the latest and greatest stuff Fins are like handbags, one pair just doesn't fit every situation. Same for wetsuits.....

Now, granted, your gear bag gets exponentially heavier with each new purchase....but style requires sacrifice!!!

Happy shopping


P.S. Tad....just forget about want vs. need....if your wife desires it, it is a need....Husbanding 101....first day of class.....pass/fail only.

I am a log booker and have done so with each dive since the first, in 1988. To me, it is a way to go back and review that dive. Time, date, location, water temp., what I saw and what I wore. I found it really cool to go back and look at the VERY first Bonaire dive in 1994.

We have a ton of gear as one of us has 2 drysuits and a lot of technical gear. I have one pair of fins that I have had forever and 2 BC's; one of which I won at our LDS.

I would make sure what you're using is safe; that's paramount. Fun is for here.....having safe gear is for life!

Glen...;-) Ya know I love ya (I better spell check this post to boot)...

Seb wrote:

---

quote:

I find people knowing what they want is half the battle in life, and often a quick "whatever you like dear" is more effective at nipping these ideas in the bud than "you don't need that"

---

Hmmm...that's exactly what Michael says...lol! Guess that's why I have such pretty fins

Mare...Hawaii? Is there something your not telling me?

Tad, BA - your wife, have her post

Here's one for you, Tad.

Gear can last for years with proper care and servicing. The best equipment IMO are the ones that have stood the test of time. Some of the older regs were built like Fort Knox and many seasoned divers still use them. I still have my original bc(the only one I own) Had a new waist band installed 2 years ago. Should be good for another 10. 2 pair of fins, 1 for warm water boots and 1 for dry suit. I've stitched my wetsuit back together twice. BTW, thimbles were invented for a reason so I discovered. My gear does what I need it to do, safely. So if it ain't broke(literally), don't fix it! Oh yeah, logbook? Now where did I see it last? Better yet, what year did I see it last?

M2C

(Message edited by smack on February 25, 2008)

When I started diving, we had no stink'n computers, or bottom gages. Single stage reg's with rotten hoses. Rist compass, and a watch. When you ran low on air, ya could feel it when you called for it. That was the time to pull down your "J" valve and get a full breath, unless one of your buddies pulled your J forya early! That happened alot! The logbook was filled out, in detail, everytime you got wet. Over the last 44 years it has become a habbit to filling out the log, and it gives us a chance to share our experiences with each other. You would be surprised what you don't see! That's my story, and I'm stick'n to it! Ron

My gear looks its age (heck, so do I) but I'm careful about maintenance (of both). I've upgraded the old Air-two to a new, sleeker model, which I prefer to the old clunky one, but otherwise it's mostly original equipment (also of both). I do go through fins, not for fashion's sake but because I split the heel of full-foot fins and duct tape only lasts so long. My snorkel I inherited from my mother, who is 90 and no longer free dives.

Log book true confessions: I log the old-fashioned way, on loose-leaf pages in pen. I'm into volume 3. I've never been asked to show it, but I travel with a small volume of the last few dives and enough blank pages for the trip. I record depth and time and pressure group, weights and tank size, water temp, and things I've seen, especially anything new. I've got some drawings of odd anemones, and some garden eels, and a scheme of the Hilma Hooker as she lies. And I record the divemaster and boat captain, and all the people on the boat. If I've dived with you, you're in the log book with some description: "teacher" or "from NC" or "should have been drowned at birth" (don't worry, that last only appears once, and not on a Bonaire dive).

But worst of all, I still keep a running total of hours underwater (436:29) which I have no doubt carries numerous errors of addition over the years. Someday I'll enter it all in a spreadsheet and see how much it's really been.

(Message edited by hap on February 25, 2008)

OK Ms Boat Chick, and Liz......

Ms Terry is down on her hands and knees tonight, in the foyer, trying to reverse, what she directed me to do for half of my day off yesterday. I told her shellacking it was a bad idea, but did she listen..........NO!!!

It's time to break the Battle Ax out, like you guys say.......and make her post as well. I'm setting her up an account, as we speak, and you all will see that I am the salt of the earth!

You can reach her at www.ThankGodForTad.Com. Actually, it will be TFusco2000@yahoo.com I anxiously await your apologies!!

Tad,
I CANNOT wait for this............

Tad, I don't even think you have a wife. You're just pretending to have one. I tried to find her on that link you posted a few days ago, to no avail. Come on, fess up, it will feel good

You have a vivid imagination is all I can say... ;-)

Oh, and since you don't own a restaurant, is this you? LOL!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tad_Jones

(Message edited by cyndelee on February 25, 2008)

Well, Tad... you may like my post. I first bought gear in 1990. I am still using the fins and snorkel but the mask had to be updated (torn skirt that was causing too much flooding). BC, and reg also needed to be updated when I got "back into diving" in 2005 (and added a downloadable computer - but I still keep a log of every dive - I'm a bit anal that way).

My LDS has been harping on me to get new fins but I won't do it, not yet - mine are red and they don't make many in red anymore and I'm not ready to give them up. Nothing special, just paddle fins... but I like 'em fine.

LOL, Becky you said it good I was gonna say, anal log book keeper but that just, somehow, sounded wrong! LOL!

Glen and Holly,

Thank you guys very much!! Your input, may have just saved my arse!! Kobi and Boat Chick, I'm never one to toot my own horn, but...... "Beep Beep".

The battle ax will be up in a few.....as soon as she finishes her chores downstairs!!

She is excited about supporting my arse in this forum.........:-). She gets off in about 15, and will be on by 10 PM..

I've got cahanuas the size of churchbells!!

I only take blank log book pages with me on dive trips--then add them to my log book when i get home. I fill the pages out, almost daily and enjoy it. I made my own pages with the info I want to review. I have referred to the book at times when someone had a question about a dive site. Esp for depth, exposure protection requirement, cost, and underwater sights.

Battle axe here in my Virgin posting!!! Yes I am real!!! I do prefer the title of SBG to battle axe but I know he means it in the most loving way. Sorry I am a little late from getting my chores done as Tad had the chains a little tight but I have escaped and am on the loose...LOL

Sue keeps a log of our dives and transfers them to the PC once we get home. We had two pairs of fins each but ebay reduced that. Dive computers we had three each now two a D9 and a mosquito. Our main area of excess is dive lights we seem to have collected at least a dozen each.

Bob and I take one log book with loose pages and fill them in. Bob does the computer bit when we get home. I would not stop doing it as it saves all those arguments like
'When we saw the green moray in Indonesia....'
'It was Grand Caymen.....'
'No, it was Indonesia....'
'I'll check the log books....'

Terry Anne, thanks for checking in. Is SBA, sexy battle axe? Please tell Tad to lighten up and loosen the chains more often, oh, and welcome to Bonaire Talk

Welcome to BT Terry, Lurker no more!

B-Chick it's SBG, as in Sugar Bun Girl, or Sweet Baby Girl, Significant Buddy Gal, or Shellac Bites, Grrrr.

I just removed shellac from a headboard I was fashioning, because my shellac application looked like poop, took it down to bare wood, restained and Varathaned it. I think you need to rub or spray shellac on to look good, but maybe I just got some lousy shellac.

I love Varathane. Can you say self leveling?

Holly - you and I may have been separated at birth. I too keep a running total of my total dive time. It was so excited when I went from hours only to now days, hours and minutes. Ahh - I LOVE to keep that up. And no, I'll never download it to a spreadsheet - if it comes up shorter than my math I'll be upset. If it's longer then that's good but I'll take my chances and keep it the old fashioned way.

And SBG uh I mean Terry - you go girl and get more gear. You deserve it after having to reverse the poor job that Tad did yesterday. And there you were cleaning up his mess. Didn't he know to simply do one small corner and THEN let you see it...some men NEVER learn.

Oh well - go get that gear girl - you want it, you need it, you deserve it!!!

Terry, welcome to BT!!! It is good you are here to keep Tad in line, on line I have some great resources for cool dive stuff, email me privately if you want more info.

Dive logs....I have manually logged all my dives so far (of course, I don't have that many). But I remember a story from my OW instructor (an older guy) who stopped keeping a dive log after his 10,000th dive (or something like that) many years ago. He regrets it now and wishes he had kept on logging them.

So, I guess I will keep on journaling my dive experiences on paper so I can read them fondly in my later years and reflect on all the wonderful dive trips we have taken. Plus, it just looks cool to have a library of filled-in dive logs

(Of course, I would highly recommend NOT taking your log book on the dive boat, since water/paper/ink are not a good mix.....spent a lot of time drying my book out with a hairdryer on one trip).

I just calculated days: 436 hours puts me over two and a half weeks! Holy Cow!

And I lied about the equipment. I got a new mask last year, with bifocal lenses. See, I told you everything was aging!

LOL - isn't that AMAZING when you start putting it into days. Imagine that you have spent that much time underwater - VERY COOL!!!

Thanks everyone for welcoming me to BT. On the subject of dive gear, I love all of my dive gear!! Since I have been certified for only 2 years & 63 dives, my gear is still in excellent shape. I didn't get it all at once because I wasn't sure what would feel most comfortable. I rented different gear kind of a try before you buy approach. It enabled me to make wise choices for myself. Tad's gear while it is older it is still in very good shape and safe. I am the seamstress! It has only been restitched on the outside never on a vital portion of the BC itself. I do still keep my dive log probably not as good as I should, but I do still keep it.

Liz... as far as keeping Tad in line... well I do my best but that is kind of a wavy line. Although he is downstairs as we speak doing the dishes! I'll e-mail you later for cool dive stuff.

Oops...I hear the rattle of chains...time to get back on the Foyer floor for a bit

LOL.....we finally get to meet the Mrs.


Glad to read a post from you. We really love your other half, Tad. He's got me giggling a few times. H*ll he even knew what DSW was LOL!
I will be leaving my 'burg (Harrisonburg) to come to your 'Burg sometime soon for new Merrell's
Maybe I'll see you at Rawlings sometime in '08 too! Enjoy BT....glad you're out of the chains long enough to say HI to us!!!

Needed a logbook once on Bonaire. My daughter did her divemaster course on our last trip in Jan, has a couple hundred dives but is lax about logging, and didn't bring her old logbooks. She needed to show 50 logged dives (I think) to take the course.

Oops.

Fortunately I dump my dives to my laptop and log the site and buddies so I was able to show 50 dives with her.