It matters little if it is a new boat or a well used one, or any description in-between. I suggest the following set of procedures. You need to know everything about your boat before you shove off. Organize all your instruction manuals and ships papers. Use your favorite method of organization.
Some people use alphabetized expansion folders, some use three-ring binders.
Whatever you prefer, get it and get every piece of documentation that goes with each piece of equipment on board. Make sure you have a piece of paper that covers every single item on your boat. Make sure you have factory operating instructions for every system and appliance. My personal system is to use three-ring binders with plastic document covers. Log is a legal document.