Ortomarine first started building narrowboats in 2015 and there are now over 40 of our boats cruising around the UK canals.  Our highly experienced and skilled team are led by Rob Howdle and Caroline Badger who have successfully run their company together since 2001. In a desire to do all we can for the environment, the decision was made in 2021 to only accept future orders for boats with some form of electric propulsion.  To date we have built 11 parallel hybrids, 11 serial hybrids (one of which was a conversion from diesel) and 3 all-electric day-trip boats for charitable trusts.  We are not tied to any single manufacturer of equipment and have completed extensive research and trials in order to offer our customers the most suitable electric boat for their individual living and cruising needs.

Rob has more than 30 years’ experience in Industrial Automation and has developed a unique boat monitoring and control system “OrtoMate”, which is integrated into all builds.  His extensive electrical engineering knowledge coupled with Caroline’s keen eye for design and ability to work with customers to realise their dreams, has been instrumental in the success we have seen over the past 5 years.  Both are keen to innovate and push the narrowboat industry forward towards a greener future.

With several of our boats, and owners of our boats, at Electrika, it will provide a great opportunity for both trade and the public to discuss all aspects relating to electric boating.  We will be demonstrating the power and flexibility of OrtoMate, to show how bringing information from all of the electrical equipment on the boat into one central monitoring and control system ensures that everything works efficiently together, helping to safeguard your investment.  There will be the opportunity to see various different propulsion systems on different boats, plus our OrtoPilot system (for remote manoeuvring) in action, and to chat to existing owners about their experience of owning an Ortomarine electric narrowboat.  We look forward to encouraging everyone to “Go Green”! “