$4,400.00

The BlueBoat is the planet’s most affordable robotic surface vessel. With an innovative hull design, endless expansion possibilities, and open-source BlueOS software, it’s the ideal platform for hydrographic surveys and robotics system development.

SKU: BR-101447
HS Code: 8907.90.0090

Product Description

The BlueBoat was born from a desire to make uncrewed surface vessels just as easy to get started with as ROVs and drones. Even with many options on the market, we saw a lot of room for improvement. We started from a clean sheet and designed the vehicle that we wanted to have ourselves, then worked tirelessly to perfect it and make it as affordable as possible. The result is the BlueBoat.

The BlueBoat is the planet’s most affordable surface vessel for hydrographic surveys, robotic systems development, and scientific missions. Its weedless hull and propeller design, rugged construction, and compact transport size make it reliable and convenient to use, while its flexible electronics architecture, ample payload mounting areas, and open-source BlueOS software system make it an ideal platform for integration of sonars and other sensors.

The BlueBoat exists for you to build on top of and is easily and endlessly expandable.

It’s a hydrographer’s pickup truck

The BlueBoat is designed to carry any payload that you want to integrate and to do so better than any other vehicle its size. We fit all of the control electronics, batteries, and wiring into the hulls so that the space between the hulls is completely dedicated to payload integration. The hulls are designed with flat inner walls, creating a low-wake sensor area ideal for survey sonars.

The BlueBoat can carry up to 15 kg (33 lb) of batteries and payload. The cross members, brackets, and the bottom of the hull have mounting points so that you can mount anything, whether it’s a hydrographic survey echosounder, an enclosure full of prototype electronics, or both!

Electronics areas in both hulls leave plenty of dry space for internal hardware integration with access to dedicated payload power, interhull communications, and holes for electrical penetrators or connectors.

Combined with the open-source BlueOS software system, it’s not just integration friendly, it’s going to be your new bff 💕

Weedless. Like, actually.

From the beginning, our vision for the BlueBoat has been one of reliability and trustworthiness. We knew from our own experiences with the SolarSurfer that getting stuck on weeds or debris quickly turns your uncrewed vehicle into an inconvenient and expensive rescue situation. So we developed a unique design that eliminates that problem.

The BlueBoat’s unique deep hull shape pushes weeds and debris down and out of the way. Anything that isn’t pushed down is brushed away by highly swept weedless propellers driven by two M200 Motors. That means that whether you’re doing a bathymetric survey in a weed-filled lake or studying a plastic-polluted waterway, you can count on the BlueBoat to get it done.

BlueBoat drives effortlessly through weeds.
QGroundControl for BlueBoat USV
Build complex missions with drag and drop waypoint creation.

Autonomy is not an option – it comes standard.

Every BlueBoat includes a Navigator Flight Controller, GPS, and ArduRover control firmware with advanced autonomous navigation capabilities. Out of the box it can perform precision GPS waypoint navigation, position hold at a location, follow-me maneuvers, geo-fencing, automatic return-to-home if radio signal is lost, and more. Drag and drop mission planning makes it easy to design a complex mission in minutes.

If you prefer to operate the vehicle manually or take pride in smoothly docking it at the end of a mission, you can use a joystick controller to show off your skills.

Missions for days

Literally! The BlueBoat has best-in-class endurance capabilities with over 60 hours of continuous operating time when carrying the maximum supported number of batteries. Even with a single battery, it runs for upwards of 9 hours and can travel over 30 km.

Ship to Shore aka BlueBoat to BaseStation

The BlueBoat has a long-range wifi radio that connects to the BaseStation box from up to 250 m away using the standard antennas. The BaseStation acts as a wifi access point that you can connect to to interact with the boat. It has an internal battery as well as a USB-C port for charging and a hardwired network connection. If you need more range, it’s compatible with directional antennas that provide a more focused signal towards the BlueBoat.

If you’re operating multiple boats, they can all be connected through a single BaseStation box. In addition to the wifi radios, the BlueBoat will eventually be compatible with other types of communication for longer range, such as 4G LTE and Iridium satellite communications.

BlueBoat chased by a seal
BlueBoat folds to a compact size for transport in most car trunks.

Just trunks, no trailers

With a folding hull and frame design, the BlueBoat fits in the trunk of just about any car. Quick release handles allow you to switch between the folded and deployed configurations in seconds.

Float your boat without sinking your wallet

The BlueBoat has an affordable price tag compared to other uncrewed surface vessels on the market, but it’s built to rigorous quality standards and designed with years of experience building subsea hardware.

We put attention into every detail, from the labeling on the internal wiring connections to the satisfying *click!* of the latches as you close it up. It can be hard to tell by looking at pictures on the internet, but we can assure you that when you get the BlueBoat in your hands, it just feels right.

So, ready to BlueBoat?

The BlueBoat comes almost fully assembled and only takes a few minutes to get into the water. In addition to the boat, you’ll need a few things to get started:

  • Laptop – We recommend a medium to high-end model with Windows 10, Mac, or Linux operating systems. There are also some compatible tablets including the Windows Surface tablets. iOS and Android are not officially supported at this time.
  • Battery – We recommend our 14.8v, 18Ah lithium-ion battery for the best battery life, but we can’t ship it to all locations! There are other compatible batteries that can be used as well. We’d recommend getting a few for extended operation.
  • Battery Charger – We have a recommended charger as well, but any lithium-ion battery charger that can handle your battery will work!
  • Gamepad Controller (optional) – If you want to control the boat manually, we recommend a gamepad controller like the Xbox Wireless Controller.
BlueBoat hatch

Product Description

The BlueBoat was born from a desire to make uncrewed surface vessels just as easy to get started with as ROVs and drones. Even with many options on the market, we saw a lot of room for improvement. We started from a clean sheet and designed the vehicle that we wanted to have ourselves, then worked tirelessly to perfect it and make it as affordable as possible. The result is the BlueBoat.

The BlueBoat is the planet’s most affordable surface vessel for hydrographic surveys, robotic systems development, and scientific missions. Its weedless hull and propeller design, rugged construction, and compact transport size make it reliable and convenient to use, while its flexible electronics architecture, ample payload mounting areas, and open-source BlueOS software system make it an ideal platform for integration of sonars and other sensors.

The BlueBoat exists for you to build on top of and is easily and endlessly expandable.

It’s a hydrographer’s pickup truck

The BlueBoat is designed to carry any payload that you want to integrate and to do so better than any other vehicle its size. We fit all of the control electronics, batteries, and wiring into the hulls so that the space between the hulls is completely dedicated to payload integration. The hulls are designed with flat inner walls, creating a low-wake sensor area ideal for survey sonars.

The BlueBoat can carry up to 15 kg (33 lb) of batteries and payload. The cross members, brackets, and the bottom of the hull have mounting points so that you can mount anything, whether it’s a hydrographic survey echosounder, an enclosure full of prototype electronics, or both!

Electronics areas in both hulls leave plenty of dry space for internal hardware integration with access to dedicated payload power, interhull communications, and holes for electrical penetrators or connectors.

Combined with the open-source BlueOS software system, it’s not just integration friendly, it’s going to be your new bff 💕

Weedless. Like, actually.

From the beginning, our vision for the BlueBoat has been one of reliability and trustworthiness. We knew from our own experiences with the SolarSurfer that getting stuck on weeds or debris quickly turns your uncrewed vehicle into an inconvenient and expensive rescue situation. So we developed a unique design that eliminates that problem.

The BlueBoat’s unique deep hull shape pushes weeds and debris down and out of the way. Anything that isn’t pushed down is brushed away by highly swept weedless propellers driven by two M200 Motors. That means that whether you’re doing a bathymetric survey in a weed-filled lake or studying a plastic-polluted waterway, you can count on the BlueBoat to get it done.

BlueBoat drives effortlessly through weeds.
QGroundControl for BlueBoat USV
Build complex missions with drag and drop waypoint creation.

Autonomy is not an option – it comes standard.

Every BlueBoat includes a Navigator Flight Controller, GPS, and ArduRover control firmware with advanced autonomous navigation capabilities. Out of the box it can perform precision GPS waypoint navigation, position hold at a location, follow-me maneuvers, geo-fencing, automatic return-to-home if radio signal is lost, and more. Drag and drop mission planning makes it easy to design a complex mission in minutes.

If you prefer to operate the vehicle manually or take pride in smoothly docking it at the end of a mission, you can use a joystick controller to show off your skills.

Missions for days

Literally! The BlueBoat has best-in-class endurance capabilities with over 60 hours of continuous operating time when carrying the maximum supported number of batteries. Even with a single battery, it runs for upwards of 9 hours and can travel over 30 km.

Ship to Shore aka BlueBoat to BaseStation

The BlueBoat has a long-range wifi radio that connects to the BaseStation box from up to 250 m away using the standard antennas. The BaseStation acts as a wifi access point that you can connect to to interact with the boat. It has an internal battery as well as a USB-C port for charging and a hardwired network connection. If you need more range, it’s compatible with directional antennas that provide a more focused signal towards the BlueBoat.

If you’re operating multiple boats, they can all be connected through a single BaseStation box. In addition to the wifi radios, the BlueBoat will eventually be compatible with other types of communication for longer range, such as 4G LTE and Iridium satellite communications.

BlueBoat chased by a seal
BlueBoat folds to a compact size for transport in most car trunks.

Just trunks, no trailers

With a folding hull and frame design, the BlueBoat fits in the trunk of just about any car. Quick release handles allow you to switch between the folded and deployed configurations in seconds.

Float your boat without sinking your wallet

The BlueBoat has an affordable price tag compared to other uncrewed surface vessels on the market, but it’s built to rigorous quality standards and designed with years of experience building subsea hardware.

We put attention into every detail, from the labeling on the internal wiring connections to the satisfying *click!* of the latches as you close it up. It can be hard to tell by looking at pictures on the internet, but we can assure you that when you get the BlueBoat in your hands, it just feels right.

So, ready to BlueBoat?

The BlueBoat comes almost fully assembled and only takes a few minutes to get into the water. In addition to the boat, you’ll need a few things to get started:

  • Laptop – We recommend a medium to high-end model with Windows 10, Mac, or Linux operating systems. There are also some compatible tablets including the Windows Surface tablets. iOS and Android are not officially supported at this time.
  • Battery – We recommend our 14.8v, 18Ah lithium-ion battery for the best battery life, but we can’t ship it to all locations! There are other compatible batteries that can be used as well. We’d recommend getting a few for extended operation.
  • Battery Charger – We have a recommended charger as well, but any lithium-ion battery charger that can handle your battery will work!
  • Gamepad Controller (optional) – If you want to control the boat manually, we recommend a gamepad controller like the Xbox Wireless Controller.
BlueBoat hatch

What’s Included

The BlueBoat comes as a partially assembled kit with all electronics tested. Assembly can be completed in about 1–2 hours with hand tools. The following lists the included subassemblies and other components of the BlueBoat kit.

Hulls

  • 2 x BlueBoat hull assembly (starboard and port)
  • 2 x M200 Motor (BlueBoat variant) with mount

Frame

  • 2 x Frame bracket and frame crossmember assembly

Frame Mounting Hardware

  • 4 x M6x14 flanged button head screws
  • 8 x M6x20 flanged button head screws

Hatch Lid Assemblies

  • 1 x Starboard hatch lid assembly with installed electronics
  • 1 x Port hatch lid assembly with installed electronics

Antenna and Guard

  • 1 x Antenna assembly
  • 1 x Hatch Lid Antenna Guard
  • 2 x M6x14 flanged button head screws

Propeller Set

  • 2 x Weedless propeller (LH and RH)
  • 4 x M3x8 Socket head cap screw

Crosstube

  • 1 x Crosstube assembly
  • 1 x Cross cable

Crosstube Hardware

  • 2 x Crosstube C-nut
  • 2 x -129 O-ring
  • 1 x Hook and loop strap with buckle
  • 1 x Molykote 111 silicone grease 6g

Flagpole

  • 1 x BlueBoat Flagepole with flag
  • 1 x Flagpole mount
  • 1 x M5x5 cup-point set screw

Battery Cables

  • 2 x 4S splitter cable
  • 1 x Charge cable

Tools

  • 2 x BB120 Wrench
  • 1 x 2.5 mm hex driver
  • 1 x 4 mm hex key
  • 1 x 5 mm hex key

Fuse Spares

  • 1 x 150A MIDI fuse
  • 2 x 50A MIDI fuse
  • 5 x 2A MINI blade fuse
  • 5 x 5A MINI blade fuse
  • 5 x 10A MINI blade fuse

Spare Hardware

  • 2 x M6x20 flanged button head screws
  • 2 x M6x14 flanged button head screws
  • 2 x M4x10 flanged button head screws
  • 2 x M3x8 socket head cap screw
  • 2 x M5x5 cup-point set screw
  • 1 x Frame clamp thumb nut

Other Components

  • 1 x USB Ethernet adapter
  • 12 x Frame bushing spares
  • 1 x Microfiber towel
  • 1 x Sticker set
  • 8 x Velcro strip
  • 2 x 70% Alcohol wipe

What’s Not Included

There are some items necessary for operation that are not included with the kit.

Specifications

ParameterValue
Performance
Endurance @ 1 m/s (~30 W), no payload:
2 Batteries (532 Wh, 2.4 kg)18 hrs (65 km)
4 Batteries (1064 Wh, 4.7 kg)36 hrs (130 km)
6 Batteries (1596 Wh, 7.0 kg)50 hrs (180 km)
8 Batteries (2128 Wh, 9.3 kg)62 hrs (220 km)
Solar Power (user equipped)Indefinite
Maximum Speed (2 batteries, no payload)3 m/s 6 kts
Maximum Static Thrust8.2 kgf18 lbf
Temperature Rating-25 to 40°C-13 to 104°F
SteeringSkid Steering
Payload and Expansion Capabilities
Payload Capacity (batteries + payload)15 kg33 lb
Payload PowerBattery Voltage @ 60 A (Direct Connection)
Battery Voltage @ 10 A (Fuse Board)
5V Auxiliary @ 5 A (Fuse Board)
Penetrator Holes (Starboard Hatch Lid)
2 x M10
Area to drill more
Penetrator Holes (Port Hatch Lid)4 x M10
2 x M14
Area to drill more
Available Ports and Interfaces3 x Serial UART
Ethernet (Blue Robotics Ethernet Switch required)
2 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 3.0
1 x 16-bit ADC (3.3 V)
1 x 16-bit ADC (6.6 V)
Physical
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height)120 x 93 x 46 cm (deployed)
120 x 71 x 24 cm (folded)
120 x 46 x 20 cm (packaged)
47 x 36.5 x 18 in (deployed)
47 x 28 x 9.5 in (folded)
47 x 18 x 8 in (packaged)
Weight (no batteries or payload)14.5 kg32 lb
Freeboard (2 batteries, no payload)160 mm6.3 in
Maximum Draft (maximum payload)320 mm12.6 in
Propulsion2x M200 Motor w/ Weedless Propeller
Propeller Diameter112 mm4.4 in
Navigation Light5V 2W LED, White All-Around, Programmable Flashing
Primary MaterialsLDPE (hulls)
30% Glass-filled Polycarbonate
Anodized Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Communications
Wireless Communications Protocol802.11a/b/g/n (2412 - 2462MHz)
Wireless RouterMikroTik RBGroove-52HPn
Default Wireless ConfigurationClient Mode (CPE)
BaseStation Router Default IP Address192.168.2.3
BlueBoat Router Default IP Address192.168.2.4
Included Antenna 7 dBi 2.4Ghz Omnidirectional, N-type male connector
Wireless Range for Telemetry and Control (w/ included antennas) ¹up to 250 mup to 0.135 NM
Wireless Range for Telemetry and Control (w/ directional antennas, not included) ¹>1 km>0.54 NM
Cellular & Satellite CommunicationsCapable
Software
Vehicle ControlArduRover
Onboard Operating SystemBlueOS
Onboard Operating System Default Addressblueos.local (192.168.2.2)
Recommended Mission-planning SoftwareQGroundControl or Mission Planner
Navigation CapabilitiesManual Control (w/ Joystick)
Waypoint Navigation (Auto)
Click-to-Navigate (Guided)
Position Hold (Loiter)
Return-to-Home (if connection lost)
Electronics and Electrical System
Onboard ComputerRaspberry Pi 4 (2GB) w/ BlueOS
Flight ControllerNavigator
Sensors6-DOF IMU
Dual 3-DOF compasses
Internal barometer
GPSmRobotics M10034-M9N, (NEO-M9N, IST8308)
Speed ControllersBasic ESC 500 (BlueBoat Configuration)
Power Load SwitchingPowerSwitch (120A, 4S/6S Battery, Current/Voltage Sense, 5V/8A Out)
Recommended BatteryBlue Robotics 4S Lithium-Ion
Input Voltage Range12–26 VDC² (4S–6S Batteries)
4S Low Battery Voltage Protection Cutoff8 V
6S Low Battery Voltage Protection Cutoff12 V
5V Auxiliary Output5 A
Individual Battery Fuses60 A MIDI
System Fuse150 A MIDI
Fuse BoardMini-ATC (2 A, 5 A, 10 A fuses included)
Regulatory
Harmonized code 8907.90.0090 (BlueBoat only)
9015.80.8080 (when equipped with hydrographic sensors)
Compatible Operating System
WindowsWindows 10 64-bit or later
macOS10.20 or later
Ubuntu20.04 LTS or later
Recommended Control Computer Hardware
Processori5 processor equivalent or better
RAM8GB or more
StorageSolid-state drive (SSD)
¹ Dependent on operating conditions. Weather, sea state, BaseStation height, wireless interference and noise will affect wireless range.
² 6S input voltage is acceptable, but at reduced throttle level. Do not exceed 500W per motor.

2D Drawings

Full-size drawing (PDF)  Drawing

3D Models

BLUEBOAT_120_BR-101447_RevA_PUB (.zip)

BLUEBOAT_HULL_SET_BR-101652 (.zip)

BLUEBOAT_STARBOARD_HATCH_LID_ASSEMBLY_BR-101667 (.zip)

BLUEBOAT_PORT_HATCH_LID_ASSEMBLY_BR-101745 (.zip)

BLUEBOAT_CROSSBARS_BRACKETS_BR-101645 (.zip)

BLUEBOAT_CROSSTUBE_BR-101639 (.zip)

Documents

BlueBoat Wiring Diagram (PDF)

Revision History

26 June 2024

  • Default wireless settings updated
  • BlueBoat auto connects to BaseStation network

6 May 2024

  • Raspberry Pi SD card upgraded from 16 GB to 128 GB

31 October 2023

  • BR-101447 - Initial release

The Basics

BlueBoat Assembly Guide
Learn how to assemble your shiny new BlueBoat!
BlueBoat Software Setup
Learn how to set up the software for your BlueBoat!
BlueBoat Operator’s Guide
Learn how to operate your BlueBoat!
BlueBoat General Integration Guide
Learn about all the ways things can be mounted, attached, routed, plugged in, and generally integrated into the BlueBoat vehicle platform!

Other Guides

BaseStation Directional Antenna Kit Guide
Learn how to install and use the BaseStation Directional Antenna Upgrade Kits!
Connecting Your Device with Navigator and BlueOS
Get things connected to your BlueOS powered vehicle! Whether Serial, I2C, Ethernet or USB, collecting data for your application is possible!
Ethernet Switch Installation Guide for the BlueBoat
Install the Blue Robotics Ethernet Switch in the BlueBoat to connect additional Ethernet devices.
Using a BlueBoat with a Lowrance Sonar for Hydrographic Survey
How to integrate a Lowrance FS-7 Sonar transducer with a BlueBoat, to collect hydrographic survey data and generate maps using C-Map Genesis.
Ping Integration Kit for BlueBoat Installation Guide
Learn how to mount a Ping Echosounder to the BlueBoat using the Ping Integration Kit for BlueBoat.
Collecting and Creating Bathymetric Maps with the BlueBoat and Ping
Learn to collect, filter, and visualize bathymetry data collected with the Blue Robotics BlueBoat and Ping2 single beam sonar!
BlueBoat 6S Battery Splitter Cable Installation
Learn how to install the 6S Battery Splitter Cable in your BlueBoat.

BlueOS Documentation (Advanced features and functions)

QGroundControl User Interface Guide

ArduRover Documentation (Autopilot firmware documentation)

Getting your BaseStation as high off of the surface of the water as possible is the easiest way to boost range! The same applies to the antenna on the BlueBoat, it is possible to attach it to the top of the Flag and connect it with a N-Type connector coax cable 2m in length.

Initially, radios included in the BlueBoat and BaseStation were configured per European RF regulations. If your hardware was shipped prior to July 9th, 2024, performance can be increased by changing the region appropriately. Checkout these instructions for more details.

A cellular modem like this one this one can be connected and configured to provide internet access to BlueOS, with an external antenna. When used with the BlueOS ZeroTier extension, remote control from any internet connected device becomes possible! Satellite control is supported by ArduPilot as well, using modems like this one, for short messages with limited feedback. For full control, using Starlink is possible as well!

The BlueBoat hulls were not designed to be “doubled up”, however the payload bracket can be used to secure additional buoyancy below the water line to increase payload capacity. This will impact the efficiency of the vehicle and may reduce top speed and range!

Any NMEA position stream can be parsed by the Navigator Autopilot. To receive the messages from a network-connected device simply configure the Autopilot parameters GPS_Type to NMEA, Serial2_Protocol to GPS, and verify no other Serial port # protocol is set to GPS. Finally, under Autopilot Firmware, Serial port Configuration, set Serial 2 to: udpin:0.0.0.0:27000. Then direct your UDP NMEA stream to the IP address of the BlueBoat. Note that these NMEA messages are required for navigation: RMC, GGA, VTG, HDT. This approach uses the ArduPilot driver to interpret the NMEA messages - you can also use the NMEA Injector in BlueOS, which has support for fewer messages. If using a serial connection to bring the NMEA position data to the Navigator serial port 3 or 4, set the appropriate Serial# Protocol parameter to GPS and restart the autopilot. NMEA messages should be sent at 10hz or faster.

Any receiver that supports SBUS can be connected to the Navigator for use with ArduRover 4.4 and later. To use, connect the SBUS to the RC port just above the 6.6V ADC input on the Navigator. Then, make sure there’s nothing connected to Serial1 (this cannot be used in conjunction with SBUS input.) Set SERIAL1_PROTOCOL to RCIN, and set RC_OPTIONS to 36. Restart the autopilot and perform the necessary calibration and setup of the RC controller in QGroundControl.

When collecting sonar data with the Omniscan SS or the Ping2, data quality may start to be impacted in sea conditions with waves greater than 1 meter. The vehicle has no problem navigating in seas up to 2-3m, even at a short wave period (less than 8-10 seconds.) Breaking, vertical wave faces and waves larger than 5-6m may cause the vehicle to flip over, and it is only self-righting with a T500 upgrade! The vehicle will not leak if flipped, unless something installed on the deck is not properly sealed.

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