PropelLog is the brainchild of Danish sailor Mikkel Skovgaard, who is sailing his Beneteau Oceanis 361 in the Limfjord. He was missing an uncomplicated digital overview for engine maintenance on board and his answer: a web app that runs directly in the browser - without any installation and without an App Store or Google Play. PropelLog is currently in the beta phase and is available free of charge in Danish and English. Skovgaard is now looking for testers from the sailing community to further develop the application together.
Database for maintenance intervals and spare parts
The first time you use the app, you select the engine and transmission type. The app then already has maintenance intervals stored for many common models - including the manufacturer's spare part numbers. For example, the system knows the right oil filter, the required oil quantity and which oil is recommended. Part numbers for impellers, fuel filters or V-belts should also be stored. In our random test, however, these specifications did not work reliably everywhere. For example, despite a selected Yanmar Saildrive, the normal reversing gearbox was displayed. However, this is not unusual for a beta version. In addition, all entries can be edited and customised to your own engine. For example, if you use different oil filters or want to run different intervals, you can overwrite the defaults. Completely new service entries can also be created. In addition to standard maintenance such as oil change, coolant or zinc anode check, special tasks can also be stored - such as setting the valve clearance with the corresponding target values. These self-created entries then appear with equal status in the overview and are automatically due according to operating hours or time.
Two machines? No problem
PropelLog not only monitors the main engine. If a generator or outboard motor is on board, both can be created as independent units. Each engine has its own maintenance overview, a separate logbook and an individual spare parts list. This keeps the engine maintenance of all drives on board clear and under control at a glance.
All maintenance work carried out can be documented in a digital logbook. Checklists can be created for recurring tasks, which can be called up directly in the engine compartment on the smartphone. The app automatically creates an overview of the maintenance work due - based on time and operating hours. This prevents forgotten oil changes or overdue filter changes.
The app also offers inventory management for spare parts. This allows you to keep track of which parts are on board and when they need to be reordered.
Works online and offline
An important advantage is the complete offline capability. PropelLog works without an internet connection. The data is stored locally on your own device. However, if you want to use the app on different devices, you can also synchronise the data via a cloud. Simply generate a QR code and the information can be exchanged between smartphone, tablet and PC.
PropelLog deliberately dispenses with typical app mechanisms. There is no login, no user account. There are also no subscriptions or advertising - the app is completely free.
Technical PropelLog is a progressive web app (PWA) that runs directly in the browser. After the first call, it can be saved as an icon on the home screen and then behaves like a native app - without having to be installed via the App Store or Google Play.
The beta version of PropelLog can be tested here. Developer Mikkel Skovgaard is looking for Facebook Feedback from sailors and motorboat drivers to further develop the solution for digital engine maintenance.
TECHNICAL DATA
PropelLog:
Platform:
- Progressive Web App (PWA)
- Runs in the browser (no installation required)
- Can be saved on the home screen (iOS/Android)
Functions:
- Engine and gearbox type selection
- Automatic service intervals (time/operating hours)
- Stored maintenance intervals for common engine models (editable)
- Spare parts database (product numbers, oil quantities, specifications)
- Creation of own service entries
- Management of multiple engines (main engine, generator, etc.)
- Digital maintenance logbook
- Checklists for engine compartment
- Spare parts inventory management
- QR code synchronisation between devices
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Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
