At BlueNav, we develop electric propulsion and Smart Navigation solutions for boats to make navigation more precise, quieter, and more respectful of marine environments. It is with this vision in mind that our collaboration with the French shipyard AtlantiCraft was born around the BlackPearl 7, a hybrid boat that combines thermal propulsion with intelligent electric propulsion.
This model will be presented for the first time at the Nice Boating Tomorrow show, where it will be displayed on the BlueNav stand and available for sale.
A collaboration born from real-world use at sea
Today, the expectations of boaters and professionals are changing rapidly. Users are increasingly seeking greater precision in maneuvers, quieter navigation, better control of the boat at low speeds, and solutions that are compatible with the protection of sensitive marine areas. These needs align perfectly with the situations where electric propulsion and smart navigation provide the greatest value. The BlackPearl 7 thus emerged as an ideal platform to showcase the full potential of hybridization.
The BlackPearl 7: a hybrid boat designed for efficiency
The developed configuration combines: a 250 hp Suzuki combustion engine for fast transits, two 8 kW BlueSpin electric motors, and 6.8 kWh IonBase batteries. The combustion engine continues to be used for covering long distances quickly, while the electric propulsion takes over for all phases requiring precision, quietness, and control. This hybrid architecture allows for optimized boat usage while reducing fuel consumption and noise pollution.
The Virtual Anchor: a new way to position yourself at sea
At the heart of the system is BlueNav’s Virtual Anchor technology. Thanks to electric propulsion and precision GPS, the boat can automatically hold its position against wind and current, without the need to drop an anchor. This solution offers several major advantages: complete silence, zero emissions, no impact on the seabed, and easier access to sensitive areas and marine protected zones.
A new generation of Smart Navigation for boats
Beyond position holding, BlueNav technology also includes several Smart Navigation features that transform the way a boat is piloted: Lateral Docking for moving parallel to the dock, 360° Docking for easy maneuvering in ports, Heading Hold to stabilize navigation, Drift Lock to control drift during fishing activities, and Waypoint Tracking with speed regulation. These features are controlled via the BlueNav 3D Joystick, providing a more intuitive and comfortable navigation experience.
A boat to discover at Nice Boating Tomorrow
The BlackPearl 7 x BlueNav will be showcased to the public for the first time at the Nice Boating Tomorrow show. Visitors will be able to explore the boat at the BlueNav booth, interact with the technical teams, gain a clear understanding of the benefits of hybrid navigation, and attend live demonstrations. The exhibited model will also be available for purchase during the show.
Through this project, BlueNav and AtlantiCraft showcase a pragmatic approach to the boating transition: integrating electric propulsion where it delivers the greatest benefits: precision, quietness, efficiency, and environmental respect, giving rise to a new generation of boats that combine performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
📍 Visit booth F-04 to discover the BlackPearl 7 x BlueNav.
