Help & FAQ

YachtNav Support & FAQ

Help with setup, features and privacy for the YachtNav app by Navismare. The step-by-step guide to every function is in the full manual (in 5 languages). For anything else: write to – with the subject "YachtNav Support" and a short description of your issue.

Getting started

Setup and route

How do I set up my vessel in YachtNav?

Open the toolbar → Settings → Vessel and enter the yacht type (sailing or motor yacht), vessel name, MMSI and persons on board. Name and MMSI appear in the radio call template on the emergency card.

How do I create or import a route?

In the Routes tile, create a new route and tap the waypoints directly into the chart – or import a GPX file, for example from OpenCPN or iSailor. On activation, the app automatically joins at the nearest leg of the route.

How does waypoint switching work?

Waypoints advance automatically once they are passed abeam. The arrow buttons in the route bar allow manual switching forwards or backwards at any time.

What does the degree figure in the cockpit course guide mean?

It is the steering correction towards the route: red with a minus sign means steer to port, green means steer to starboard. The guide beam below shows the cross-track distance (XTD) graphically.

How do I use the chart without an internet connection?

In the route list, the download button stores the charts along the route on the device – base map (OpenStreetMap) and seamarks (OpenSeaMap) are then available offline.

Weather & on-board network

Wind, AIS and NMEA

How do I load the wind forecast?

Weather tile → Load forecast: the app fetches GFS wind data for the area of the active route, otherwise around your position. The time slider at the bottom steps through the forecast; your own GRIB files can also be imported.

How do I connect YachtNav to AIS and the ship's instruments?

Settings → NMEA over WiFi: enter host and port of the on-board gateway (WiFi multiplexer) and enable the connection. AIS targets appear on the chart; if a vessel falls below the CPA/TCPA limits, the app raises an alarm.

Logbook & fuel

Under way

How do I keep the logbook while under way?

The track starts automatically with route activation (can be disabled) or manually in the logbook panel. Manoeuvres are logged via chips – every entry automatically includes position, speed, course and forecast wind. On the hour, the app writes a position entry by itself, and the watch change asks for the name of the new watch keeper.

Can I view the logbook while recording?

Yes – the "View logbook" button in the logbook panel shows the running recording with all entries. Saved tracks can be exported as a PDF logbook or GPX file.

What happens if the app crashes or restarts while recording?

Nothing is lost: the running recording is saved with every entry and additionally every five minutes. After a restart, YachtNav continues the track seamlessly.

How does YachtNav calculate fuel consumption?

On motor yachts, two points are enough – consumption at displacement speed and when planing. The app converts automatically according to the current GPS speed and shows hourly consumption, remaining fuel and the fuel needed to the selected waypoint. Consumption only counts between the manoeuvres "Engine started" and "Engine stopped", "Anchor down" or "Moored".

What does the Refuelled function do?

After refuelling, enter the litres. After a full tank, the app compares real and calculated consumption and offers to adjust the consumption figures accordingly – making the calculation more accurate from passage to passage.

Is there a fuel warning?

Yes – if the calculated remainder falls below 15 %, the app warns visually and with an alarm sound.

Safety

MOB, anchor watch, emergency

How does the MOB button work?

Hold the MOB button for 0.7 seconds – this protects against accidental triggering. The position is frozen and the app shows bearing, distance and time in the water plus the quick-stop procedure.

How does the anchor watch work?

Set the anchor at the current position and choose the swing radius. If the boat leaves the circle, the app raises an alarm.

What does the emergency card contain?

The radio call template for VHF channel 16 with vessel name, MMSI, persons on board and the current GPS position – to read out directly in an emergency. Received distress positions can be entered, shown on the chart and steered to directly.

General

Data, devices & offline use

Does YachtNav work completely without internet?

The core functions, yes: GPS navigation, cockpit, logbook, fuel calculator, MOB, anchor watch, emergency card and harbour database always work offline. Offline after download: the chart along the route and loaded wind forecasts. AIS/NMEA runs over the on-board WiFi without internet. Only loading new wind forecasts requires an internet connection.

Which languages and devices does YachtNav support?

Deutsch, English, Español, Português and Français. YachtNav is a native iOS app for iPad and iPhone – the cockpit is designed for the iPad in landscape at the helm.

What is the difference between YachtNav and YachtLog?

YachtLog is the digital ship's logbook with passage planning, crew, watch schedule and post-passage review. YachtNav is the navigation app for under way: course chart, steering guide, AIS, GRIB wind and a logbook that largely keeps itself. The two apps complement each other – plan with YachtLog, navigate with YachtNav.

How does YachtNav handle my data?

All content – routes, tracks, logbook, settings – stays locally on the device. There is no account, no advertising and no tracking. For map tiles (OpenStreetMap, OpenSeaMap) and wind forecasts (NOAA/GFS), your IP address and the requested coordinates are technically transmitted to the respective service – details in the privacy policy (English summary included).

I have a problem or a suggestion – what now?

Write to us at with a short description – ideally including your device and iOS version plus a screenshot.

Didn't find what you were looking for? The full manual explains every function step by step – or write to us directly at .