True Blue – 60ft Electric E-Line Bespoke Narrowboat

Steve and Jill began their journey with Bluewater Boats by visiting the workshops, where they explored boats in progress and gained ideas for their own bespoke narrowboat. Inspired by the layout of Coffin Dodger, they opted for single dinettes and a short bow, which increased internal cabin space—ideal for their future liveaboard lifestyle. While they admired the U-shaped stern seating, they personalised it to better suit their needs, taking full advantage of Bluewater’s in-house steel fabrication to tailor every detail.

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Exceptional Range

On her maiden voyage to the 2024 Crick Boat Show, True Blue travelled two days without starting the generator. Solar panels provided ample power for all domestic appliances, and over half of the battery capacity remained upon arrival.

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Electric Propulsion

Steve’s interest in sustainable cruising led to the inclusion of the Vetus E-Line system, featuring:

11kW Electric Motor: Quiet and efficient propulsion.
6.5kVA Slow-Speed Diesel Generator: Backup power for when solar energy is insufficient.
1950W Solar Power: From 13 x 150W panels wired in series and split into two banks.
Battery Bank: 8 x 200Ah Victron lithium batteries, strategically placed under dinette seats to balance weight.

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Hull Design

After detailed discussions, Steve and Jill finalised the design:

Elegant Square Stern: With seating and side lockers, ideal for socialising.
Two-Pack Epoxy Coating: Shot-blasted steel primed for long-term durability.
Non-Slip Coatings: Applied to the gunnels for safety.

Interior Planning

The sub-base floor layout was marked for walkthroughs, ensuring everything met their vision.
Electrical systems were carefully planned, incorporating TV aerials, Wi-Fi, and solar panel connections.

Materials and Finishes

Insulation: Spray foam and underfloor insulation for warmth and energy efficiency.
Cabinetry: Crafted from high-quality materials to complement the metallic paint colour scheme.
Paintwork: Finished with Alexseal metallic topcoats and acrylic urethane for a high-gloss, UV-resistant surface.

Advanced Electrical Systems

True Blue features an advanced energy management system, ensuring smooth and efficient operation:

Victron Energy Systems:
- 10kVA Quattro Inverter/Charger: Converts DC battery power to AC and charges batteries when shore power is available.
- 3600W Isolation Transformer: Prevents corrosion and ensures a safe electrical system.
- Cerbo GX with Touch Display: Provides real-time monitoring of battery charge, power consumption, solar input, and system settings.
DC to DC Conversion:
- Three Victron DC converters step down 48V DC to 12V DC for lighting, Webasto heating, water pumps, and other appliances.
Solar Controllers:
- Two Victron MPPT 250/60 controllers maximise energy harvest from the solar panels.

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Paintwork

Metallic Alexseal Coatings: Applied in high-build primers, undercoats, and topcoats with a clear acrylic urethane finish for UV resistance and a buffable surface.
Graphics: Custom-designed to reflect Steve’s tuna fishing business, crafted by a local specialist.

Final Inspection

Certified by an independent marine surveyor under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).

Owner Testimonial: Why We Chose Bluewater Boats

“Initially, we were looking for a second-hand narrowboat. But after visiting the Crick Boat Show in 2023, we realised that having a bespoke boat built was the right choice for us.”

Steve and Jill highlight several reasons for choosing Bluewater Boats:

Build Quality: Every detail is crafted in-house, ensuring precision and durability.
Customisation: Bluewater’s ability to fabricate their own hulls allowed for tailored design modifications.
Exceptional Paintwork: Shot-blasted and finished with meticulous care, their boats stand out for their long-lasting protection and appearance.

“Throughout the build, we felt more like friends than customers. David and Sharon were always available to discuss ideas, ensuring the final result exceeded our expectations. The attention to detail has been outstanding, and True Blue will serve us beautifully for years to come.”

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