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.
About our bespoke steel hulls
Bespoke Steel Hulls
Every Bluewater hull begins in our Warwickshire workshop, where traditional craftsmanship, modern engineering and individual design come together in steel.
Discover our approachOur philosophy
Crafted with vision, precision and care.
At Bluewater Boats, we believe a boat is far more than just a means of travel — it is a lifestyle, a sanctuary and a work of art. That is why we approach every build with the same philosophy: craftsmanship, innovation, passion and sustainability.
Every Bluewater boat is more than simply built. It is crafted with vision, precision and care to deliver a truly unique experience on the water.
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 unmistakable character of every vessel we launch.
Sustainability
We are committed to reducing environmental impact through 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.
Bespoke hulls for every lifestyle
No two owners. No two hulls.
At Bluewater, every hull we build is entirely bespoke — whether it is a narrowboat, widebeam, Thames launch or Dutch barge. Over the years, we have 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.
01Narrowboats
02Widebeams
03Thames launches
04Dutch barges
Bespoke bow options
A bow shaped around your life afloat.
At Bluewater, we believe the bow is more than just the front of your boat — it is a space that should reflect both your lifestyle and how you intend to enjoy the waterways.
Stern configurations
Traditional character or generous social space.
We offer a wide range of stern styles to suit both tradition and modern living, each carefully designed for comfort, practicality and aesthetics.
Cruiser Rail
A simple open layout with a seat rail, giving a clean and uncluttered look.
Round Semi-Cruiser
A seat rail and lockers on both sides add useful storage and extra seating.
Semi-Trad Stern
A raised uplift on the cabin sides with seat lockers to one or both sides combines traditional styling with sociable space.
Traditional Trad Stern
The classic narrowboat stern, offering a timeless appearance and authentic feel.
Increasingly popular
Square Stern
The square stern offers a much larger deck area, ideal for alfresco dining and socialising, while making it easier to embark and disembark alongside a towpath or pontoon.
- U-shaped seating for relaxing or dining
- Twin side lockers with a full-width rear seat
- A simple open stern for a minimalist layout
A rare and innovative option
Hydraulic steering without sacrificing the stern.
For those seeking something truly unique, we can fit hydraulic steering to a narrowboat stern. Unlike traditional tiller steering, the hydraulic system uses a rack-and-pinion arrangement to provide a greater degree of steering precision.
Astrid, a bespoke Bluewater narrowboat built for Terry and Charlotte, features hydraulic steering positioned on the port side, creating a full uninterrupted U-shaped seating area at the stern. They told us they are “over the moon” with both the smooth handling and the way it has transformed their social space.
The Bluewater difference
The little things that set us apart.
It is the details that distinguish Bluewater from other boat builders — a shapely spear worked into the rubbing strips, vertical structural welds for additional strength and durability, and carefully considered design flourishes throughout the steelwork.
These finer elements enhance the appearance of the boat while reflecting the pride and craftsmanship poured into every build. Each option combines functionality, durability and individuality, ensuring the bow, stern and complete hull suit the owner’s lifestyle as perfectly as the rest of the bespoke build.
Inside the workshop
From plate steel to waterways.
A closer look at Bluewater fabrication, welding, structural construction and protective preparation.
Built entirely around you
Arrange a workshop visitStart your hull journey→Ready to build something extraordinary?
From traditional narrowboats to Dutch barges and electric vessels, every Bluewater hull starts life in our Warwickshire workshop.