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Introduction:

Meet Bob and Karen, the proud new owners of “Sunbeam,” a stunning 61ft semi-cruiser narrowboat meticulously crafted by Mothership Marine. This vessel isn’t just a boat; it’s the key to their retirement dream – exploring the UK’s beautiful inland waterways at a leisurely pace. Bob, a builder with a passion for green energy (having converted his own Landrover to electric!), and Karen, a nature-loving teacher and William Morris enthusiast, are embarking on a multi-year adventure guided by their instincts and the gentle hum of their eco-friendly home.

A Perfect Blend of Passion and Practicality:

Sunbeam perfectly encapsulates Bob and Karen’s personalities and priorities. Bob’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the boat’s cutting-edge electric propulsion system. His practical building skills, already highly valued in his volunteer work with the Canal & River Trust (CRT), informed many design choices. Karen’s love for nature and classic design shines through in the interior décor, featuring iconic William Morris prints like Bellflower Weave and Brer Rabbit, bringing the beauty of the British countryside aboard.

Powering the Dream: Sunbeam’s Eco-Friendly Technology

At the heart of Sunbeam lies a state-of-the-art, whisper-quiet electric drive system, designed for sustainable and serene cruising:

• Motor: 15 kW Direct Drive, water-cooled electric motor
• Battery Bank: 40 kWh Lithium battery storage
• Solar Power: 1.8 kW integrated solar array for harnessing the sun’s energy
• Backup Power: 5 kW 1500 RPM low-revving backup generator
• Shore Power Management: 3.6 kW isolation transformer
• Onboard Power: 8 kW inverter for reliable mains voltage power

This setup allows Bob and Karen extensive cruising range with minimal environmental impact, enjoying the peace of the canals without engine noise or fumes.

Step Aboard Sunbeam: A Tour from Stern to Bow

This bespoke narrowboat features a reversed layout, maximising living space and views.

• The Sociable Stern: The spacious semi-cruiser stern, finished with a warm teak deck and comfortable side lockers, is perfect for steering and socialising. Thanks to the quiet electric drive, conversations can flow easily.
• Entrance & Utilities: Stepping down into the accommodation, you find dedicated electrical and battery cupboards, followed by a convenient guest toilet/cloakroom and space housing the washer-dryer.
• Galley Designed for Living: Prioritising ease of movement, the galley features an 800mm central corridor. Equipped for modern living with fresh ingredients in mind (easily sourced from canalside supermarkets), it includes a two-ring induction hob, a combination oven/microwave, and an efficient DC fridge with freezer box.
• A Dinette for Dining and Dreaming: Perfect for board game enthusiasts like Bob and Karen, the large dinette table comfortably seats guests and cleverly converts into a double bed. Duck hatches on either side provide light and ventilation, while ample storage beneath the William Morris upholstered seats (Bellflower Weave base, Brer Rabbit back) holds bedding and games.
• The Cozy Snug: Moving forward, the snug features an L-shaped sofa with hidden storage and an innovative extending section for conversion into an occasional long single bed. A vital boater’s bookshelf houses navigation guides, while entertainment needs are met with a Morso Squirrel multi-fuel stove for cozy warmth, and a TV with Amazon Firestick and Alexa integration.
• Luxury Afloat: The Bathroom: Sunbeam boasts a generous bathroom with a custom-made quadrant shower (RAL9001 Cream fibreglass base/sides, 10mm glass) featuring a practical 10cm lip. The pump-out toilet system is odour-free thanks to hard-plumbed ABS pipework integrated before spray foam insulation. A corner sink with cabinet completes the space.
• The Tranquil Master Cabin: The ‘State Room’ offers ample storage, including our signature drawbridge bed system revealing significant space underneath. A dedicated, well-lit vanity cupboard with power and drawers caters perfectly to personal needs.
• Practicality Meets Style: The Foredeck: The tug-style foredeck, finished in durable Tek-Dek, houses a large hatch concealing storage for two Brompton folding bikes. An antique-style tunnel light and a discreet 5G aerial enhance the traditional aesthetic while providing modern connectivity and a useful steering marker.

Built for Adventure, Crafted by Mothership Marine

Sunbeam is more than just steel (a robust 10,6,5,4mm build with a durable 2-pack paint system); it’s a testament to bespoke narrowboat building. It’s a floating home designed around the owners’ lifestyle, blending cutting-edge electric technology with comfort, style, and practicality.

We wish Bob and Karen countless happy adventures as they explore the UK’s waterways at a serene 4mph. May their journey be slow, steady, and full of discovery aboard their beautiful electric narrowboat, Sunbeam.

Interested in commissioning your own electric or hybrid narrowboat dream? Contact Mothership Marine today to discuss your vision.