The LITE version (FREE) is ideal for "getting your feet wet" with computer navigation, or for occasional boat users (or desktop sailors) who don't require much more than plotting the boat's position on a chart. Or those who know their local cruising grounds so well that a chart is superfluous, but will be thankful for the powerful navigation tools in SOB (such as Wpts, chart notes, TTG and distance calculations etc).

A Trial/Registered user can evaluate all SOB features for a full month. Allowing sufficient time to address the various issues involved with computerised navigation along the way - choosing a laptop/desktop and mounting it onboard; connecting your NMEA enabled instruments to the PC; and sorting out your power-supply issues, etc.

A SOB User License is required to continue to use SOB beyond the trial period if you need the licensed features enabled (as listed below).

A Standard License is ideal for the typical weekend-sailor or cruiser with minimum instruments and electronics onboard and mostly inland waterway cruising or short coastal legs in familiar waters, and for use in areas with minimal commercial traffic or without AIS receiver capabilities.

The Pro License is recommended for off-shore and cruising boating or racing/professional sailors. This version allows connection of all known NMEA 0183 instruments and devices, and all essential NMEA 2000 navigation data; includes full AIS and DSC display and tracking; and compatibility with the leading 3rd party Man-Over-Board (PLB) devices. Advanced navigation tools such as Race Start and Talking Pilot features and all others as listed below.

The Pro License includes all networking features which are ideal for Power Users of both SOB and computers; VTS Base Stations; remote ship monitoring and any and all networked configurations and uses.
It supports full Client and Server connections to other SOB Pro installations; remote NMEA data sources; and our Android companion App SOB Remote.