About our bespoke Narrowboats
Electric Propulsion Bespoke Narrowboats
Powerful & Quiet Propulsion Options
We offer a range of premium electric propulsion systems, all fitted in-house by our experienced marine engineers and tailored to your specific needs.
Our electric propulsion options include:
- Vetus 11kw or 22kw electric motors
Quiet, efficient, and robust — ideal for both leisure cruising and full-time liveaboard use - Torkmar 15kw electric motors
A trusted name in electric propulsion, offering excellent control and energy efficiency - Vetus diesel generator (backup system)
Seamlessly integrated for extended off-grid cruising, providing reassurance when solar or shore power isn’t enough - Solar panel integration
Harness clean energy to charge your batteries and run onboard systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels
Your Electric Propulsion Narrowboat, Your Way
Smart, Sustainable Energy Systems In addition to propulsion, we build and fit fully bespoke electrical systems to match your narrowboat’s energy needs. Whether it’s a weekend cruiser or a full-time liveaboard, we design your setup to suit your lifestyle. Systems can include: 12V, 24V and 48V DC systems Lithium or AGM battery banks Battery monitoring and inverter/charger systems Shoreline connection, solar input and generator integration Smart controls and user-friendly layouts All systems are neatly presented, clearly labelled, and installed with the same level of care and detail Bluewater Boats is known for.
Quiet. Comfortable. Built for You.
Our electric propulsion boats are more than just efficient — they deliver a level of comfort and peace that traditional diesel powered boats can’t match.
- No engine rumble
- No exhaust fumes
- No need to shout over the sound of the engine
- Just smooth, near-silent cruising, ideal for wildlife-rich areas, early morning starts, or relaxing on the cut
The Same Bluewater Quality – With an Electric Heart
As with all our boats, your electric propulsion narrowboat is hand-built from the base plate up by our in-house team. We fabricate the bespoke hull, fit the bespoke interiors, and apply our professional shot blasting and two pack paint system, ensuring your boat is built to last in every respect.
Customers can also choose from a variety of design options to suit their lifestyle and cruising style. We offer a choice of round stern or square stern, with the square stern proving increasingly popular for its additional outdoor social and storage space. Likewise, you can select between a short raised bow – maximising interior cabin space – or a traditional well deck with seat lockers, perfect for enjoying the view and relaxing at the water’s edge.
New to canal boats or not..
From brand-new builds to hull restorations and upgrades, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose a Bluewater Electric Narrowboat?
✔ Truly bespoke – designed for your lifestyle
✔ Quiet, clean, and future-ready propulsion
✔ Premium motors and systems from trusted manufacturers
✔ Solar and generator integration for full off-grid capability
✔ All work carried out in-house by our experienced marine engineers
✔ Personal support from concept to completion
Fully Certified
Experience the Future of Boating
Built by Experts, In-House
Unlike many boat builders, we fabricate all our hulls on site. This means we can offer greater flexibility, higher quality, and full integration between the hull and interior.
Our in-house marine engineers and cabinet makers hand build every part of your boat, ensuring the fit out is bespoke, refined, and finished to the highest standard.
Unique Bluewater Narrowboat
Short Raised Bow
This clever design increases interior cabin space at the front of your boat, without affecting the boat’s balance or performance - ideal for liveaboards or extended cruising.
Traditional Well Deck
Prefer a classic look? Our well deck option features seat lockers on either side, offering storage and comfortable outdoor seating.
For something more private and weatherproof, choose our enclosed bow with U-shaped seating, windows, and double doors—a quiet, relaxing area that can be enjoyed all year round.
Our renowned square stern includes seating on both sides of the stern deck, and a full seat across the back—perfect for alfresco dining or relaxing with friends, with space for a table.
We also offer traditional round sterns, available in semi-trad or trad styles—ideal for those who love a more classic boating experience.
New to canal boats or not..
From brand-new builds to hull restorations and upgrades, we’ve got you covered.
Bespoke to You – Inside and Out
We understand that a narrowboat is more than just a boat – it’s your home, your escape, your lifestyle. That’s why we work closely with you to design every detail of the fit out, room by room, feature by feature.
You’ll be involved at every stage, and each visit to our workshop is an opportunity to discuss, confirm, refine, or explore new ideas.
Together, we’ll discuss and agree on:
- Cabinetry – styles, finishes and layout
- Beds and wardrobes – fixed, extendable or multi-functional with drawers
- Bathroom design – cabinets, sinks, showers and storage
- TV units and saloon furniture – built to fit your layout and lifestyle
- Galley units and worktops – bespoke to your cooking and storage needs
- Flooring options – wood, vinyl, or other finishes
- Window types and placements – for light, styles, views and ventilation
- Paint colours and finishes – inside and out with colour schemes
- Signwriting and exterior design – the final touch of personalisation
We don’t offer “standard options.” Every element is bespoke and discussed in depth. This collaborative process ensures your boat isn’t just custom made — it’s made for you.
Bespoke Electrical Systems
At Bluewater Boats, just like every part of your boat, your electrical system is fully bespoke - designed in consultation with you, to suit how you plan to live and cruise aboard your narrowboat.
Whether you're a weekend cruiser, a continuous liveaboard, or planning off-grid adventures, our experienced marine engineers will design and install an electrical system that perfectly balances performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Tailored Power Systems
We fit a wide range of electrical setups, all customised to your needs and the boat’s capabilities, including:
🔹 12V, 24V and 48V systems
🔹 DC and AC systems for onboard appliances
🔹 Battery banks, including lithium and AGM options
🔹 Inverter/charger combinations
🔹 Shoreline connection systems
🔹 Solar integration
🔹 Generator compatibility
🔹 Navigation and lighting systems
All installations are carried out in-house by our skilled marine engineers, ensuring every component is safely fitted, logically laid out, and built to last.
Our electrical systems are not only reliable - they’re beautifully presented and clearly labelled, making them easy to use and maintain. It's part of the Bluewater standard.
Shot Blasting & Professional Two-Pack Paint System
Every Bluewater narrowboat is shot blasted and painted using a high performance two pack paint system, designed to significantly prolong the life of the steel and finish.
All painting is carried out in our dedicated, insulated paint workshop, fully equipped with a professional extraction unit. This controlled environment allows us to spray apply the paint – a far superior method to brush or roller applications.
Spraying allows us to build up a higher micron thickness of paint, giving your hull and superstructure a much stronger, more even protective layer.
This meticulous process ensures your boat is not only visually stunning, but also protected against the harsh conditions of the waterways for many years to come.
Built Around You
We’ll work closely with you to understand your cruising patterns and energy demands. Whether you’re planning for full off-grid capability or a reliable shore-powered setup, we’ll ensure your system is both efficient and future proof.
Why Choose Bluewater for Your Narrowboat?
- 100% bespoke: No two Bluewater boats are the same
- Everything in-house: From steelwork to final fit out
- Experienced team: Skilled boat builders, cabinet makers, marine engineers and marine painters
- Family-run values: Friendly, personal service from start to finish
- View your boat in progress: You’re welcome on site any time during the build
Let’s Build Your Dream Narrowboat
Whether it’s your first boat or your next big adventure, Bluewater Boats is here to build something special – just for you.