About
Logbook Suite is a user-friendly software package developed by sailors for sailors and motorboat enthusiasts, available on Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone. The suite centers around its flagship digital logbook — Logbook — designed for skippers who want to transition from handwritten logbooks to a smart, automated, and legally compliant digital solution. Logbook meets official maritime logbook requirements and supports NMEA connectivity for automatic data capture, reducing manual entry errors. For casual sailors and shorter day trips, Logbook Lite provides a simplified iPhone app with an intuitive interface. Beyond the core logbook, Logbook Suite offers a rich set of add-ons covering crew management, budgeting, maintenance scheduling, provisioning, inventory tracking, first-aid kit management, and world ensigns references. The software has been continuously developed for over 12 years, with regular updates adding new features and modules. Free demo versions are available across all supported platforms. Whether you are a boat owner managing your vessel year-round, a charterer documenting specific voyages, or a recreational sailor who wants a lightweight digital log, Logbook Suite provides tools tailored to your needs both at sea and on inland waterways.
Key Features
- Officially Compliant Digital Logbook: Logbook meets official maritime requirements for logbook keeping, providing a smart, automated, and legally recognized alternative to handwritten records.
- NMEA Auto-Connection: Automatically captures navigation data via NMEA connectivity, minimizing manual data entry and improving the accuracy and reliability of logbook entries.
- Comprehensive Add-On Suite: Extends the core logbook with modules for crew management, budgeting, maintenance tracking, provisioning, inventory, first-aid kits, scheduling, and world ensigns references.
- Multi-Platform Support: Available on Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone, with free demo versions on all platforms so users can evaluate the software before purchasing.
- Logbook Lite for Shorter Trips: A simplified iPhone logbook app designed for sailors and motorboat drivers who primarily make day trips or short excursions and prefer a lightweight solution.
Use Cases
- Skippers transitioning from handwritten logbooks to a smart, automated digital solution that meets official maritime logbook requirements
- Boat owners managing their vessel's maintenance schedule, inventory, crew details, and seasonal budget throughout the year
- Charter sailors who need to document voyages, track provisions, and maintain organized crew and trip records
- Recreational sailors making day trips or short excursions who want a simple, lightweight iPhone logbook via Logbook Lite
- Sailing clubs or small fleet operators who need consistent, structured records across multiple vessels and voyages
Pros
- 12+ Years of Continuous Development: Logbook Suite has been on the market for over a decade and is regularly updated, offering a mature, reliable, and feature-rich product backed by long-term support.
- All-in-One Boat Management: The combination of a full-featured logbook and extensive add-ons covers virtually every aspect of vessel management and voyage planning in a single ecosystem.
- Free Demo Available on All Platforms: Free demo versions for Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone allow users to thoroughly test the software before making any purchasing decision.
- Suitable for Owners and Charterers: Flexible enough to serve both full-time boat owners managing year-round tasks and charterers who need organized records for specific voyages.
Cons
- Primarily German-Language Focus: The website and software are predominantly in German, which may limit accessibility and ease of use for non-German-speaking international sailors.
- No Android Support: Mobile functionality is restricted to iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), leaving Android users without a compatible mobile app.
- Add-Ons Sold Separately: Extended functionality requires purchasing individual add-on modules beyond the core logbook, which can increase the total cost of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Logbook Suite?
Logbook Suite is a comprehensive software package for sailors and motorboat drivers that includes a digital logbook and various add-on tools for managing all aspects of your vessel and voyages, available on Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone.
What is the difference between Logbook and Logbook Lite?
Logbook is the full-featured, officially compliant digital logbook aimed at skippers who want a comprehensive solution with NMEA connectivity and advanced features. Logbook Lite is a simpler iPhone app designed for sailors making shorter trips who prefer a lightweight, easy-to-use logbook.
What add-ons are available for Logbook Suite?
Logbook Suite offers add-ons including Biography, BoardCash, Budget, Crew, First-Aid Kit, Inventory, Maintenance, Provisions, Scheduler, and WorldEnsigns — available for Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone.
Can I try Logbook Suite before purchasing?
Yes, free demo versions are available for all supported platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone. You can download them from the Logbook Suite website or the Apple App Store.
Is Logbook Suite suitable for both sea and inland waterways?
Yes, Logbook Suite is designed for use on both sea and inland waterways, making it suitable for coastal sailors, offshore skippers, and river or lake motorboat enthusiasts alike.
