NB Chelonian Case Study.
A 60ft semi-trad narrowboat repowered with a Beta 43 Hybrid drive in 2007. Operating gas-free for over 15 years and upgraded to Lithium battery storage in 2021.
Vessel & Driveline Specifications
NB Chelonian is equipped with the Hybrid Marine Standard Inland Waterways package. Designed for complete gas-free living, the system powers an electric induction hob, oven, domestic washer-dryer, and household appliances.
Long-Term Owner Experience & Analysis
Meeting Key Requirements:
“My requirements for a hybrid drive were to provide the same range as diesel, allow silent electric propulsion for hours, permit a 50/50 diesel/electric duty cycle without long recovery times, and use propulsion batteries for domestic power. The Hybrid Marine parallel system fulfills all of these without compromise.”Gas-Free Onboard Living:
“Using a standard 48V battery plant allowed us to fit Victron Multiplus units providing 10kW+ AC power. Replacing gas cooking with electric induction hobs, an electric oven, kettle, toaster, and washer-dryer has vastly improved onboard safety and convenience.”Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact:
“Running on electric propulsion for ~50% of cruising time virtually eliminates running the diesel engine solely for battery charging, cutting our fuel consumption by more than half compared to an equivalent conventional narrowboat.”Silent Navigation Benefits:
“Cruising on electric drive opens up a new experience—you hear birds singing, and wildlife like herons and kingfishers can be approached much closer. It also dramatically improves crew safety and communication around locks without diesel engine noise.”