About our bespoke Steel Hulls
Bespoke Steel Hulls
.Our Philosophy
At Bluewater Boats, we believe a boat is far more than just a means of travel — it’s a lifestyle, a sanctuary, and a work of art. That’s why we approach every build with the same philosophy.
Craftsmanship
Innovation, passion, and sustainability. Craftsmanship We combine time-honoured techniques with modern engineering, ensuring every weld, join, and finish is completed to the highest standard. Each boat is a testament to the dedication of our skilled team.
Innovation
From advanced swim designs that make our boats effortless to handle, to pioneering hybrid and electric propulsion systems, we constantly push boundaries to keep your boat ahead of its time.
Passion
We put our hearts and souls into everything we do. Our love for the craft is evident in the elegant lines, bespoke details, and the unmistakable character of every vessel we launch.
Sustainability
We are committed to reducing environmental impact through the use of electric propulsion, solar power, efficient hulls, and long-lasting materials, ensuring our boats are as kind to the waterways as they are beautiful upon them.
Every Bluewater boat is more than just built — it is crafted with vision, precision, and care, to deliver a truly unique experience on the water.
Bespoke Hulls for Every Lifestyle
At Bluewater, every hull we build is entirely bespoke — whether it’s a narrowboat, Wide Beam, Thames launch, or Dutch barge. Over the years, we’ve designed and crafted almost every style of steel vessel found on the waterways, each one tailored to the specific needs and lifestyle of its owner.
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Bespoke Bow Options
At Bluewater, we believe the bow is more than just the front of your boat – it’s a space that should reflect both your lifestyle and how you intend to enjoy the waterways. That’s why we offer a choice of three distinct bow configurations, each crafted with durability and style in mind:
• Traditional Well Deck
A classic design with seat lockers on both sides and a dedicated gas locker at the bow. Practical, comfortable, and timeless, this layout is ideal for those who love traditional narrowboat character.
• Short Bow Area
A modern alternative featuring a mild steel integral water tank, fully shot blasted and treated with a two-pack water tank coating for long-lasting protection. Access is provided via a locker lid, while the gas locker (if required) is neatly relocated to one of the stern seat lockers, maximising bow space.
• Extended Cabin Roof with U-Shaped Seating
A more contemporary option, this layout extends the cabin roof forward to create a sheltered U-shaped seating area built around the integral water tank. Customers can choose from canvas cabin sides for a flexible, open feel, or wooden-style windows and matching bow doors for a more fixed finish. This configuration offers a unique relaxation space that blends comfort and tranquility.
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Stern Configurations
We offer a wide range of stern styles to suit both tradition and modern living, each carefully designed for comfort, practicality and aesthetics:
Round Stern Options
- Cruiser Rail – A simple open layout with seat rail, giving a clean, uncluttered look.
- Round Semi-Cruiser – Includes a seat rail and lockers on both sides, adding storage and extra seating.
- Semi-Trad Stern – With a raised uplift on the cabin sides and seat lockers to one or both sides, this combines traditional styling with social space.
- Traditional Trad Stern – The classic narrowboat stern, offering a timeless look and authentic feel.
• Square Stern
The square stern is becoming an increasingly popular choice, offering a much larger deck area – ideal for alfresco dining and socialising – while also making it easier to embark and disembark when moored alongside a towpath or pontoon.
Layout choices include:
- U-shaped seating area at the stern, perfect for relaxing or dining.
- Two side lockers (one on each side) combined with a stern seat across the back, maximising both comfort and storage.
- A simple open stern for a more minimalist look.
For those seeking something truly unique, we can also fit hydraulic steering to a narrowboat stern – a rare and innovative option that significantly enhances manoeuvrability. Unlike traditional tiller steering, the hydraulic system is designed on a rack-and-pinion setup, providing a greater degree of steering precision.
A great example is Astrid, a bespoke Bluewater narrowboat built for Terry & Charlotte. Astrid features hydraulic steering positioned on the port side, creating a full uninterrupted U-shaped seating area at the stern. Terry & Charlotte have told us they are “over the moon” with the steering system – not only because of its smooth handling but also the way it has transformed their social space at the stern.
It’s the little things that set Bluewater apart from other boat builders – details like a shapely spear worked into the rubbing strips, our practice of carrying out vertical structural welds for extra strength and durability, and other carefully considered design flourishes. These finer elements not only enhance the look of our boats but also reflect the pride and craftsmanship we pour into every build.
Each and every option is designed to combine functionality, durability, and individuality, ensuring your boat’s bow suits your lifestyle as perfectly as the rest of your bespoke build.