About our bespoke
Narrowboats
Whether you’re looking for a traditional layout or something modern and unique, your boat will be built exclusively for you, with care, precision, and over 23 years of expertise behind it.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional layout or something modern and unique, your boat will be built exclusively for you, with care, precision, and over 23 years of expertise behind it.
Your Narrowboat, Your Way
We believe your narrowboat should reflect your lifestyle, your taste and your plans for the waterways. That’s why we design and build every element ourselves—giving you full control over:
Hull shape and design
Interior layout and cabinetry
Engine options (including electric)
Windows, paintwork and finishing touches
From initial sketches to final signwriting, our team works closely with you to ensure your narrowboat is not just beautiful, but practical and personal.
New to canal boats or not..
From brand-new builds to hull restorations and upgrades, we’ve got you covered.
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
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.
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:
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.
🔹 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.