Switching from a Paper Logbook to KnotWise

Many experienced skippers have kept paper logbooks for years — sometimes decades. KnotWise is designed to complement that experience, not replace the discipline behind it. Here is how to make the transition smoothly.

Getting started

You do not need to migrate everything

There is no obligation to enter historical passages into KnotWise. The most practical approach is to start fresh from today — or from the beginning of your current season — and let your digital logbook grow from there.

If you want to preserve historical passages, KnotWise supports backdated log entries: set the date and time in UTC for each historical entry when creating it. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see Creating a log entry.

Setting up your starting point

1. Enter your vessel details in Settings — name, type, dimensions, tank capacities and engine hours as of today
2. Add your crew members in the Crew section
3. Create your first passage with today's departure
4. Add an initial log entry recording your current position, fuel, water and engine hours

Not yet installed? Download KnotWise for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS (iPad).

What changes — and what stays

Adapting your log-keeping routine

KnotWise mirrors the structure of a traditional paper logbook — position, course, speed, wind, sea state, sails, engine, crew on watch. If you have kept a paper log, the fields will feel immediately familiar. The main difference: KnotWise calculates Beaufort and Douglas scale values automatically, and GPS position capture eliminates manual coordinate transcription. If you use a chart plotter or GPS receiver, see Connecting NMEA data to KnotWise.

Your paper logbook remains valid

Paper logbooks are legally valid records. Switching to KnotWise does not invalidate your previous logs — keep them aboard as you always have. KnotWise adds a digital layer that makes your records searchable, exportable and always backed up. You can generate a printable PDF export of any passage at any time.

Still hesitant?

Start with the Free plan — no payment required, no commitment. Log a few passages and see whether KnotWise fits your workflow. Compare plans at knotwise.app/pricing.