Our long-term boatbuilding partner Ruban Bleu, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to eco-friendly boating, is delighted to announce their highly anticipated clearance sale. For a limited time, you can take advantage of a 5% discount on your purchase (subject to availability).

This is the perfect opportunity to become an owner of a top-quality Ruban Bleu boat. The sale includes their most popular models: the Ace, Scoop 2, Legend, and Most. Let's dive into the details and explore why this sale is not to be missed!

Among the four models on sale, there is something for everyone.

The ACE - A 5-seater electric boat that combines compactness, stability, and comfort. Ideal for chartering or private ownership, it offers generous proportions, excellent stability, and ample space. With low-maintenance GRP construction and customisable colours, it's a great no-nonsense boat for lakes and rivers.

The SCOOP 2 - An electric boat that comfortably accommodates 7 passengers, making it an excellent choice for both private and fleet owners. Customisable with extras like a sun awning, table, cushions, and more. It has a robust GRP hull and options to create a chic appearance.

The LEGEND - An innovative and elegant electric boat designed for family cruising. With spaciousness to accommodate up to 9 people, it offers child-friendly features, versatility for picnics, paddle boarding, and even wheelchair accessibility! Choose between pod or inboard engines, and enjoy additional optional extras like a table and bimini. Available in attractive colours, this boat embodies Ruban Bleu's signature features of a self-draining cockpit, ample storage, and easy-to-clean interior.

The MOST - A spacious and serene 11-seater electric boat, perfect for inland waterways. Its unique design features two comfortable cockpits, with the helm slightly elevated for easy navigation. Optional extras include cushions, a folding bimini for shelter, and a table for picnics. With a powerful inboard motor and long-lasting battery pack, the Most is a robust and reliable choice for both hire and private ownership. The touch of wood trim and mahogany wheel add a touch of elegance to this top-tier electric launch.

It is essential to act quickly! With a 5% discount on offer until July 31, 2023, now is the time to explore their acclaimed boat models, including the Ace, Scoop 2, Legend, and Most. The availability of boats during the clearance sale is subject to demand, so seize the opportunity to secure your preferred model before it's gone.

Don't miss your chance to save while investing in a high-quality, eco-friendly watercraft. Contact us today for more info and advice. Happy boating!

An Insight into Recent Registration Numbers

Electric boats are gaining popularity in the UK and for good reason. With environmental concerns on the rise and the cost of fuel continuing to climb, electric boats are proving to be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional boats.

Recent data from data.gov.uk shows a steady increase in the number of electric boats registered on the Thames over the past few years. There were 527 annual registrations in 2021, whereas in 2022, the number increased to 569. This represents a significant uptick in the number of electric boats being used on the river and reflects the growing trend towards sustainable boating practices.

Looking at all waterways in the UK, the trend is also positive. In 2021/22, there were 633 annual registrations, and in 2022/23, this number increased to 673. This indicates that electric boats are not just popular on the Thames but across the UK as a whole.

The increase in annual registrations suggests that more people are choosing to buy electric boats as their primary mode of water transportation.

The benefits of electric boats include lower operating costs, as they require less maintenance and are cheaper to fuel than traditional boats. Additionally, electric boats are much quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making them ideal for use in peaceful settings. Overall, the trend in electric boat registrations is a positive sign for the environment and the boating industry. 

As more people become aware of the benefits of electric boating, we can expect to see further growth in their numbers in the coming years. With the cost of fuel continuing to rise and environmental concerns at the forefront of people's minds, electric boats represent an excellent alternative to traditional boats and are likely to become even more popular in the future.

Where French Craftsmanship Meets Eco-Friendly Innovation

If you are looking for a boat that is eco-friendly, silent and stylish, for yourself or your business, you might want to check out Ruban Bleu.

Ruban Bleu is a company that specialises in electric boats for leisure and tourism. They have been in the business for 30 years and are leaders in the European market.

Ruban Bleu offers six models that can accommodate from 5 to 11 people. All their boats boast high-quality French design and are 100% electric, meaning they do not emit any pollution or noise. Furthermore, you can customise your boat with various options, such as a canopy, a table, a fridge or a sound system.

Ruban Bleu is not only popular in France, where they are located, but also abroad. They have exhibited their boats at the Boot Düsseldorf boat show in Germany, five years in a row and serve an international client base stretching from Jordan to Canada.

Best of all, they have boats in stock, ready to be delivered, including a top-spec Scoop 2 with canopy and all the trimmings! 

With their full after-sales service and EBoatique* as your English-speaking (UK) agent, you can't go wrong. 

If you are interested in Ruban Bleu boats or would like to test or see one on the water, don't hesitate to contact our office at +44 (0)1491 578 870 and visit their website: https://www.rubanbleu.com/en/.

Ruban Bleu is more than just a boat builder. It is a company that cares about the environment and your satisfaction. With Ruban Bleu, you can enjoy the water in an ecological way without compromising on quality or comfort.

If you want to discover the joy of electric boating contact us today and join our community of happy customers.

* EBoatique is operated by, and a trading name of, Henley Sales & Charter Ltd., based in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, UK.

A 5-step Guide to Maintaining Optimal Water Levels in Your Lead Battery

Lead batteries are popular because they are durable, reliable and affordable. However, to ensure that your battery performs at its best and lasts a long time, it's essential to maintain the water level inside because the water-acid mixture in the battery must be in contact with the plates for the battery to function properly. When temperatures are high, the water can evaporate, leading to a decrease in the battery's performance. 

To make the process of maintaining the water level in your lead battery easier, it's recommended to use an automatic filling cap bottle. It allows you to add the right amount of water that's missing in a quick and straightforward manner.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the automatic filling cap bottle:

1. Gather your materials: Before you start, make sure you have all the materials you need within reach, these include the batteries, the refill bottle, a funnel, and distilled water.

2. Fill the bottle with distilled water: Open the refill bottle and fill it with distilled water. Distilled water is recommended because it is free from minerals and impurities that could potentially harm the battery.

3. Prepare the batteries: To prepare the batteries, unscrew all the caps. The number of caps will depend on the voltage of your battery. For example, on a 6-volt battery, there will be three caps, while on a 12-volt battery, there will be six.

4. Place the nozzle into the battery: Once you've prepared the batteries, place the nozzle of the cap into one of the holes.

5. Press down on the bottle: Now, press down on the bottle. When the battery is full, the small ball inside the automatic filling cap bottle will rise and block the flow of water. Repeat this process for all the holes on your battery.

By following these steps, you'll be able to easily maintain the water level in your lead battery, ensuring that it performs at its best and lasts for a long time. Remember, regularly checking and maintaining the water level is crucial for optimal performance and the longevity of your battery.

An exciting new player in the Electric Outboard Motor arena?

Honda has revealed a prototype of its electric outboard motor at the Dusseldorf Boat Show, potentially providing a greener alternative to its traditional combustion engines commonly seen on boats worldwide.

The transom-mount electric outboard has a refined design, but its specifications have not been disclosed. It is likely designed for small boats and may have a power rating between 1-3 hp. Although small, electric outboards can offer equivalent performance to combustion engines with 2-3 times the power rating.

Honda's electric outboard motor is designed to work with its Mobile Power Pack e, a portable battery pack aimed at becoming a standard for swappable power supplies.

It is used in several of its electric scooters and has the potential to be used in other mobility products like micro-EVs. Electric outboard motors are becoming increasingly popular as electric boats gain popularity on the water.

Mercury recently entered the market with its Avator 7.5e electric outboard with swappable batteries, followed by more powerful models in the Avator line. The Veer X13 electric boat will utilize the Avator 7.5e motor. Other companies like Torqeedo offer a wide range of electric powertrain options for electric boats.

We look forward to finding out more once Honda goes to market with its electric outboard motor.

Steve Hoile of Henley Technical Services specialises in converting boats from petrol or diesel to electric propulsion with numerous retrofits undertaken with clients wanting a quiet, clean alternative to a traditional diesel engine.

One such vessel is Tarbes II; a 38ft classic wooden gentleman’s launch currently being refurbished at Michael Dennett Boatyard in Chertsey, Surrey. Steve has been involved in the project since the beginning and has worked closely with the owner to ensure the right system is delivered to meet their boating needs.

Explains Steve: “The owner will be using the boat for day cruising on the Upper Thames and my key consideration is always to ensure there is no “range- anxiety” whilst owners are out and about enjoying their journey. The 10kW WaterWorld motor combined with a substantial battery pack will deliver both range and plenty of extra power for manoeuvring and emergency stops.  The owner will be able to cruise for 8 – 10 hours a day at just under the Upper Thames speed limit of 8kmh, with no concerns at all.”

On board the motor has been placed beneath a small dining area, the 48V battery bank is split in the rear cabin and will become part of the seating area. The finished result will be a stunningly quiet and elegant launch.

The EBA is revving up for a new assault on the authorities to provide more charging points along our rivers and canals.

You may be interested in reading the article titled ‘Charging Along ‘‘ that appeared in RYA Magazine, most of the pictures and information having been provided to the journalist by us here at E-Boatique.