Compatibility
Which boats does it work with?
Any boat — sail or power — with an NMEA 2000 network. That's most boats built or refit since the mid-2000s. A basic backbone with GPS, depth, and a battery monitor is plenty to start; the more instruments on the bus, the more Vela can see.
Some of my gear is analog. Does that matter?
It still works — Vela reads whatever is on the bus and you can record the rest by voice or text (“log engine hours: 1,204”). Many owners add inexpensive NMEA 2000 senders over time; each one shows up automatically.
Does it replace my chartplotter or MFD?
No, and it doesn't try to. It listens on the same network your plotter uses and answers questions your plotter can't. They coexist happily on the backbone.
Is it iOS only? What about Android?
iOS only for now — the app runs on recent iPhones and iPads. Android is coming in Q2 2027.
Every crew member can bring their own device — crew accounts are free and unlimited.
Connectivity & AI
Does it need an internet connection?
No. Everything runs on the Console aboard your boat, so chat, watches, dashboards, checklists, and the log all work with zero connectivity. An internet connection adds extras — cloud assist, web lookups, chart downloads — but is never required.
What's actually doing the thinking?
A modern large language model runs locally on the Console, with tool access to your instruments, documents, and history. When you're online it uses a larger cloud model for answers, then returns to fully local operation when the connection drops.
How do I reach the boat when I'm not aboard?
Through Vela's secure relay: the app connects from anywhere and traffic is passed end-to-end to your Console. The relay can't read your content — it just moves encrypted bytes.
Privacy & data
Where does my data live?
On the Console, on your boat. Instrument history, manuals, photos, the log, and your conversations are stored aboard — not in our cloud. If you sell the boat, the data goes with the Console (or you wipe it).
Installation & crew
How hard is the install, honestly?
If you've added an instrument to your NMEA 2000 backbone, you can install a Console: mount it somewhere dry, connect 12 V power, and plug the included adapter into a spare tee on the backbone. Most owners are done in an afternoon, and the longest part is deciding where to mount it.
How does pairing work?
Press the pairing button on the Console and confirm in the app. Pairing requires being physically aboard, so nobody can attach to your boat remotely. Devices can be removed at any time from the app.
How many crew members can I add?
As many as fit on the boat — there's no per-seat pricing. Everyone shares one conversation per boat, with each person's messages attributed, so the whole crew works from the same picture.
The beta
Where are you right now?
We're in beta. A small group of boats is running Vela today, and we're ramping up hardware production so we can bring the next group aboard. Join the waitlist to hear when your slot opens.
When can I get one?
We're onboarding a small group now. Join the waitlist and we'll email when your slot opens — we go roughly in order, with some priority for boats and cruising plans that stress-test the system.
What does the beta include?
A Console, the app, and a direct line to the people building it. In return we ask for honest feedback from real miles.
Still curious? Come aboard.
We're starting a small private beta. Add your email and we'll save you a berth.