Boat Portfolio

Photo collections of each of our boats

“Amastra” is our 13th serial electric narrowboat, built on a 60’ long Tim Tyler shell with a semi-cruiser stern style. The all-electric propulsion is provided by a powerful brushless motor (with 18kW peak) and there is a Fischer Panda PVMV-N 8000x (keel cooled) generator to charge the 800Ahr LiFePO4 battery bank when the solar is not generating sufficient power. The solar array matches that of our previous 61ft boat “Bears Afloat” with 14 x 200W panels giving a total of 2.8kW

“Bears Afloat” is our 12th serial electric narrowboat, built on a Tim Tyler shell with a semi-cruiser stern style. She is 61’ long, the extra length being used to accommodate a separate work room at the stern, without compromising on internal space elsewhere. This extra length also meant it was possible to fit the largest solar array yet fitted on one of our boats - there are 14 x 200W panels giving a total of 2.8kW. Bears Afloat is now regularly topping our Solar Data Table – much to the jealousy of our other boat owners! The all-electric propulsion is provided by a powerful brushless motor (with 18kW peak) and there is a Fischer Panda PVMV-N 8000x (keel cooled) generator to charge the 800Ahr LiFePO4 battery bank when the solar is not generating sufficient power. This is neither a reverse layout or a traditional layout boat, but rather a hybrid somewhere in the middle

“Unexpected” is our 11th serial electric narrowboat, built on a Tim Tyler shell with a semi-cruiser stern style. At 56’ in length, she is slightly shorter than most of our previous boats – the customer specifically wanted a shorter boat for ease of handling and mooring between parked boats. The all-electric propulsion is provided by a powerful brushless motor (with 18kW peak) and there is a Fischer Panda PVMV-N 8000x generator and a large solar array (2.0kW) to charge the 800Ahr LiFePO4 battery bank. The colour schemes were heavily influenced by the owner’s talented design student daughter, who created the design for the beautiful signwriting. It is the first boat we have built where the remit was to minimise stainless steel and chrome fittings and to go for brass & gold finishes instead. This gives the boat a more traditional and rustic feel, which is just what the owner wanted.

The layout and specification of “Felicity” is a tried and tested Ortomarine formula – 58’6” length; reverse layout; semi-cruiser style stern; Hybrid Marine Enhanced parallel hybrid system (10kW Electric Drive, 775Ah lead acid battery bank, with Beta Marine 50HP diesel engine); large 2.4kW solar array; bow thruster; all monitored/controlled by our OrtoMate system. There is one feature which separates Felicity from any of our other boats to date, and that is the bed arrangement provided in the bedroom – which certainly was a head-scratcher for us in the design and build phase! Click on the photo to see some pictures and learn more.

“The Skull & Cactus” has some very interesting and different features to most of our previous boats. The owner, Sarah, had certain specific requests for her build. She is used to the canals around her home county of Yorkshire, so knew she wanted a 57’ boat so that she can comfortably cruise on the Calder & Hebble. The Tim Tyler hull features the popular semi-cruiser stern, in a slightly shorter version than some of our recent serial hybrids because the 800Ahr LiFePO4 battery bank is housed in the cabin rather than in the engine room. The all-electric propulsion is provided by a powerful brushless motor (with 18kW peak) and there is a Fischer Panda PVMV-N 8000x generator and a large solar array (2.4kW) to charge the batteries.

“Electric Dragon” is a 60ft serial hybrid narrowboat built on an Alexander Boats semi-cruiser stern hull. The all-electric propulsion is provided by a powerful brushless motor (with 18kW peak) and there is a Fischer Panda PVMV-N 8000i generator to efficiently charge the 600 Ahr Lithium Battery bank, on days where the large solar array (2.4kW) doesn’t provide enough power for living and cruising. Most of our liveaboard owners with this configuration find they can use their boat without needing the generator for weeks at a time – even with the terrible summer weather we have had this year so far!

“Minerva” is a 58ft serial hybrid narrowboat built on a Tim Tyler semi-cruiser stern hull. With Lithium batteries (600Ahr), a large solar array (2.4kW), and the most powerful motor (20kW) we have fitted to one of our boats yet, Minerva is ready to tackle the toughest of challenges. There is a Fisher Panda PVMV-N 8000X (keel-cooled) generator fitted in the engine room, just in case more power is needed to charge the batteries than the solar panels are providing.

Th1rt3en was originally built by us in 2018. It was designed for shared holidays between the owners, Paul & Elaine Barber, and Elaine’s twin sister Ali and her husband Russell. At 64ft, there was room to accommodate 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, one for each of the couples. However, this did mean that the living space was compromised and there was only room for a small galley and an L shaped dinette. Ali and Russell loved narrowboating so much that when another of our boats – Master Riley – came up for sale on the second-hand market in 2020, they decided to buy it! Once Paul and Elaine had experienced the comfortable layout of Master Riley, they decided that it was time to change Th1rt3en. They also preferred the lighter paint scheme of Master Riley, and as Th1rt3en was showing rather a few battle scars, they decided to have the boat completely repainted externally.

“Sundance” is a 59ft parallel hybrid narrowboat built on a Tim Tyler semi-cruiser stern hull.

“Jouliet” is a 61ft serial electric hybrid narrowboat built on a stylish Alexander Boats semi-cruiser stern hull. Propulsion is provided by a Bell Marine Drivemaster 20W EVO Motor (15kW with 20kW boost). There is a Fischer Panda 8000i variable speed generator and 12 x 200W flexible solar panels mounted on the roof to charge the 6 x Victron LiFePO4 Batteries (25.6V/200Ah Smart) – wired in series/parallel to give 600Ah @ 48V (5000 cycles @ 50% DOD).

“Eau de Folles” is a 45ft serial electric hybrid narrowboat with a Bell Marine Drivemaster 20W EVO Motor (15kW with 20kW boost). There is a Sole Genset 7 GSC Canopied Generator (positioned under the bow deck) and 8 x 160W flexible solar panels mounted on the roof to charge the 672Ah @ 48V battery bank (consisting of 12 x AES Gel Nano Carbon 12V 224Ah Batteries). As far as we, and the supplier (DC Battery Technologies LTD) know, this is the first narrowboat installation using this type of battery. See below for more details about the battery technology. At just 45ft in length, EDF is the shortest boat we have built to date - Neil & Linda particularly wanted a shorter boat so that it is easy to wind, to manoeuvre, to moor in small spaces, and cheaper to keep on the water. Despite the short length, once aboard, the internal space feels light, airy and spacious.

Our previous boat “Zaniah” was a traditional looking boat, but “Professor Pat Pending” takes the traditional look to the next level! As with Zaniah, all the paintwork design and colour choices are completely down to Helen and Russel Green who are the proud new owners. Helen is very artistic and is even planning to hand paint some traditional roses and castle pictures on the rear cabin doors. This 58ft Serial Hybrid narrowboat is propelled by the largest Bell Marine motor we have fitted to date (15kW with 20kW boost) - Helen and Russel plan to attempt the Ribble Link at some point in the future, watch this space for how they get on! The 24 x 2V 800Ah Lead Carbon battery bank is charged by a Sole Genset 7 GSC Canopied Generator, in addition to the 12 x 160W flexible solar panels mounted on the roof, or shore power when available.

Zaniah is our most traditional looking boat to date and is built on a beautiful Alexander Boats’ shell. The owners, Trevor and Lesley have had their own boats for the past 30 years, so knew exactly what they wanted – including a raddle red paint finish for the gunwales/decks and some interesting steelwork features including the 2 x stern columns (with umbrella storage & holder). At 58ft long, this go-anywhere semi-trad parallel hybrid narrowboat is traditional on the outside, but modern on the inside. She has a Hybrid Marine Enhanced Hybrid System (10kW Electric Drive, 775Ah battery bank, with Beta Marine 50HP diesel engine), plus a Vetus brushless bow thruster.

Count for Nothing is a 58ft Semi-trad narrowboat, built on a Tim Tyler shell, with a Beta 43 Greenline diesel engine. It is notable for us because it is the last straight diesel engine boat we will build – the engine used is 18 months old and was taken out of another of our boats which we are converting to a serial electric hybrid drive system. The owners of CFN are keen to run the engine on HVO fuel (which is approved for use in Beta engines) to reduce their carbon footprint, once supplies are more readily available. This is another one of our boats fitted with our multi-function Duplex Dinette and a Compoost Toilet. There are 6 x 160W flexible solar panels fitted to the roof, plus there are 4 x 210 Ah Lead Carbon batteries configured to give a domestic supply of 420Ah @ 24V.

Maymorning is a beautiful 60ft Semi-trad narrowboat, built on a Tim Tyler shell, with a Hybrid Marine Enhanced Hybrid System (10kW Electric Drive, 775Ah battery bank, with Beta Marine 50HP diesel engine), plus a Vetus brushless bow thruster. Named after a song by the band Runrig, Maymorning is modelled on one of our most popular layouts, including our multi-function Duplex Dinette, large open plan living area featuring a corner bubble stove, a walk-through bathroom with large rectangular shower and Compoost Toilet, plus a fixed 4’6” in line double bed with gas-strut lifting base. Outside, there are 12 x 160W flexible solar panels mounted on the roof, a fully collapsible pram cover over the large stern deck, and cratch cover over the bow deck area.

Hargreaves ll is a 64ft all-electric, day trip narrowboat built for the Hargreaves Narrowboat Trust (HNT), based at Nuneaton. It is powered by a Lynch 48V “Swordfish 16” Double Marine Drive System (as previously used on the widebeam trip boat “Adventure”). Hargreaves ll has a battery bank of 24 x Leoch LRC2-1000 lead-carbon batteries and 12 x 160W solar panels (a total of 1.92kW). It is quite different to the previous day trip boats we have built because it has an extended roof over the bow deck area, meaning that the wheelchair access lift had to be installed at the stern of the boat. It is truly all-electric with electric central and water heating. Other features include a bow camera viewable from inside the cabin, security CCTV, a PA & music system, plus flexible seating for up to 12 passengers.

Perseverance is a 62ft serial hybrid built on an Alexander Boats hull. Perseverance is powered by a TEMA SPM132-1 propulsion set (12kW, 48Vdc) and has two MG Lithium Batteries (LFP. 25.6V 280Ah. There is a Beta Marine BetaGen 10, 1500 rpm diesel generator, with super sound insulation, housed under the bow deck. The highly bespoke design is a collaboration between Ortomarine, Dave and Roma Jesse (the owners) and Jim Sparkes (Alexander Boats).

Old Nick is a 58'6", Semi-Trad Tyler Wilson Hulled, Serial Hybrid narrowboat with ALL-ELECTRIC propulsion. Vetus supplied the entire Electric Serial Hybrid System featuring the New Vetus 10KW E-Line Electric Engine, GLX6,5SIC generator (1500RPM) and 48v 800Ah Leoch LC2 Lead Carbon batteries.

A beautiful 58'6" Tyler Wilson "Mike Christian" semi-trad style, reverse layout, narrowboat with a Hybrid Marine Enhanced Hybrid System (10kW Electric Drive, 775Ah battery bank, plus Beta Marine 50HP diesel engine) Bersara features 2 x Side Hatches, a Compoost Toilet, our multi-function Duplex Dinette and 8 x Roof Mounted Flexible Solar Panels

Hunky Dory is a 61' Serial-Hybrid narrow boat featuring a Fischer Panda Serial Hybrid System, Vetus Brushless Bow Thruster, Cinderella Comfort Incinerator Toilet, Glazed Side Hatch and a Fisher & Paykel Single Drawer Dishwasher. As featured in Canal Boat Magazine, January 21 issue.

Mordiford Dragon is our latest Diesel/Electric Hybrid build. A 60 foot Tyler Wilson hull with a spacious semi-cruiser stern and a reverse lay out fit-out, built for Rob & Karen.

Oyster Moon is a 58'6" semi-traditional narrow boat with a reverse layout, a Beta 43 HP Greenline engine, a Vetus Brushless Bow Thruster and 10 roof mounted semi-flexible solar panels.

Paintbrush is a 58’6” Diesel/Electric Hybrid, which we actually completed in February 2020. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic situation, Matt & Toy Hoff (the owners, who live in California) were unable to come over from the States to start their cruising as planned. As soon as travel restrictions are eased, they will be over to test the special features on their new boat. Specifically (1) the Cinderella incinerator toilet (electric version), and (2) the bow & stern brushless thrusters – meaning they can parallel park! Paintbrush also features our duplex dinette for maximum flexibility and convenience when their family visit.

Adventure is the first wide-beam boat we have built (10ft wide x 54ft in length). She was built as a day trip boat for the Cotswold Canals Trust and truly is all-electric. Propulsion and water/space heating are all electric powered – via a massive bank of superior lead carbon batteries (1000Ah), a 5kVA inverter/charger, and over 2kW of solar panels on the large roof area. Propulsion is via a Lynch Swordfish 16 Marine Drive System which features 2 x 8kW motors. At the bow there is a Vetus brushless bow thruster, plus a large wheelchair platform lift. Completed in December 2019, unfortunately the COVID-19 situation has delayed the official launch of the boat, which was due to take place in April 20.

Our fourth diesel-electric hybrid with a custom layout and some innovative features. She is a 58.5 feet semi-trad with 2 berths. Built for Andy & Liz, Stannator has a mid-ships galley; a composting toilet and a clever folding bed configuration which provides the ultimate in sleeping comfort. She has diesel-electric propulsion with a 775Ah 48V battery bank. She is gas-free, with a fully electric galley including induction hob. Completed October 2019.

Our third diesel-electric hybrid has strikingly unique paintwork. She is a 58.5 feet semi-trad with 2 berth. Built for Chris, another Australian who has come to the UK to be a continuous cruiser. Bartimaeus has diesel-electric propulsion with a 775Ah 48V battery bank. She is gas-free, with a fully electric galley including induction hob. Completed July 2019.

Happy Wanderer is a 57 foot semi-trad bought by Mike & Anthony. She is moored at Harleyford Marina on the River Thames, between Henley and Marlow. Completed April 2019.

Pamela May 2 is our first all-electric boat. This new trip boat for the Droitwich Waterways (Pamela May) Trust Ltd features an all-electric drive, multiple solar panels, a hydraulic wheelchair lift, seating for up to 12 passengers, dropped gunwhale to allow views whilst passengers are seated, a small kitchen area, and a disabled access toilet. Completed April 2019.

At 64ft, this is the longest boat we've built so far. A semi-trad with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus the option of putting friends up (via conversion of the dinette). Completed in October 2018, home mooring at Wigram’s Turn Marina.

Our second diesel-electric hybrid. A 58.5 feet semi-trad with 2 berth, built for continuous cruising for Australian couple Karen & Jonathan. Watt Knot has diesel-electric propulsion with a 775Ah 48V battery bank. She is gas-free, with a fully electric galley including induction hob. Internally she has a sleek ultra-modern finish. Completed August 2018. Our Crick Boat for 2019 where she won 3rd in show.

A 60’6″ semi-trad, traditional layout, 6 berth narrowboat with an African theme for Guy & Sally Campbell, now moored at Droitwich Spa Marina. Completed July 2018.

Our 2018 Crick show boat. A 57′ semi-trad for John & Jo Tripp, taken as our show boat to the Crick Boat Show in May, featuring our new multi-function duplex dinette, now moored at Kingfisher Marina near Milton Keynes. Completed in May 2018.

A 58’6″ semi-trad, 5 berth, for Derek & Jackie Hacker, now moored at Droitwich Spa Marina. A modern reverse layout narrowboat with a pullman-style dinette and built-in curved sofa-bed. Completed in April 2018.

Another hire boat for Marine Cruises (Swanley Bridge). Completed in January 2018.

Our first diesel-electric hybrid. A 58.5 feet semi-trad with 2 berth, built for continuous cruising. Stray Not Far has diesel-electric propulsion with a 775Ah 48V battery bank. She is gas-free, with a fully electric galley including induction hob. She has a customer designed tv & shelving unit and Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired paintwork. Completed November 2017.

A 57ft semi-trad with 2 berths, built for leisure cruising, with a Hamlet Hardy multi-fuel stove. The double bed has an electrically activated 6in side extension. Completed September 2017

A hire boat for Marine Cruises (Falkirk). Completed in July 2017.

Our 2017 Crick boat. A 58"6' semi-trad, reverse layout. Berths 2 + 2. Fully collapsible Cratch & Pram Covers. Hamlet Hardy multi-fuel stove. Completed in May 2017 and sold in October 2017.

A hire boat for Capercaillie Cruisers (Falkirk Hire Boats). Completed in April 2017.

Hire boat for Marine Cruises (Falkirik). Completed in March 2017.

A hire boat for Marine Cruises (Falkirk). Completed in February 2017.

58”6′ Semi-trad reverse layout. Our first private boat – finished in September 2016.

A 58′ Cruiser Stern, Standard Layout, 6 Berth. Built for Falkirk Hire Boats. Completed in May 2016.

A hire boat for Marine Cruises (Swanley Bridge). Completed in March 2016.

A hire boat for Capercaillie Cruisers (Falkirk Hire Boats). Completed February 2016.

A hire boat for Marine Cruises (Swanley Bridge). Completed June 2015.

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