True Blue
True Blue
A 60ft Bespoke Electric Propulsion Narrowboat
True Blue is a statement build for Bluewater Boats - a strikingly individual 60ft narrowboat that blends electric propulsion with traditional styling. Designed as a home afloat with serious off-grid capability, True Blue represents the next evolution of bespoke boatbuilding: engineering excellence wrapped in craftsmanship and character.
A Vision for Hybrid Living
Commissioned by long-time boating enthusiasts, True Blue was built to combine modern, eco-conscious technology with a warm, timeless interior. The owners wanted reliability, space, and comfort without sacrificing sustainable living. The result is a narrowboat that embodies efficiency, practicality, and a quiet cruising experience, perfectly tailored to its owners’ lifestyle.
Power System at a Glance
At the heart of True Blue is a carefully balanced electric propulsion and energy system:
- Vetus 11kW electric motor
- 6.5kVA Vetus diesel generator (backup/charging support)
- 1950W solar array
- 8 x 200Ah Victron lithium batteries (housed under the dinette seating)
- Victron system management and monitoring
- Fully integrated Victron Energy system monitoring and management
This setup provides versatility: silent electric cruising for everyday exploration, backed by diesel hybrid capability for longer journeys, ensuring freedom from shore power and complete independence on the waterways.
Hull Preparation & Paintwork
True Blue was built with the same attention to detail as all Bluewater Boats, ensuring durability and protection from the elements:
- Full shot blasting and epoxy primer to prepare the hull
- Two pack epoxy blacking, spray-applied for long-lasting protection
- Epoxy finishing primers and topcoats
- Non-slip deck coatings for safety and style
The final finish is a deep, polished metallic blue – a colour scheme chosen by the owners that gives True Blue her distinctive character and name.
A Classic Interior with Modern Comforts
The interior of True Blue combines traditional styling with modern convenience. Every detail was considered to reflect the owners’ vision of a welcoming, practical home afloat.
Notable features include:
- A handcrafted oak galley with Staron worktops
- Spacious saloon with large sofabed and a diesel log burner
- Bespoke dinette with hidden storage and convertible guest bed
- Large, open-plan bedroom with built-in wardrobes
- Carefully chosen fabrics and colours that complement the “True Blue” theme
Intelligent Power Management
True Blue’s electrical system has been designed for reliability and ease of use: • Victron Quattro inverter/charger for seamless power conversion • Victron Isolation Transformer for system safety and shore power protection • Fully integrated Cerbo GX monitoring with touchscreen control panel • Remote monitoring via the VictronConnect app Whether underway or moored, the system automatically balances solar, battery, and generator inputs to keep everything running smoothly.
Independently Surveyed and Certified
As with all Bluewater builds, True Blue was fully inspected by an independent marine surveyor and is RCD certified, ensuring that every aspect of design, engineering, and finish meets the highest safety and quality standards.
True Blue – Tradition Meets Innovation
A narrowboat that combines classic charm with forward-thinking technology, True Blue shows what’s possible when hybrid propulsion meets bespoke craftsmanship. Silent cruising when you want it. Reliable power when you need it. And a boat built to be lived in, loved, and enjoyed for years to come.
Built to Last – Inside and Out
From steelwork to soft furnishings, True Blue reflects the uncompromising build quality Bluewater Boats is known for:
• Heavy-duty hull and cabin construction
• High-build epoxy paint systems for exterior longevity
• Insulated cabin for year-round comfort
• Professionally installed technical systems, tested and commissioned in-house.
Discover how True Blue sets a new benchmark for electric narrowboats with Bluewater Boats.