Hydrographic survey marine drone BlueBoat

for scientific researchautonomousteleoperated

Overview
The BlueBoat is an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) designed for affordable hydrographic surveys, robotic systems development, and scientific missions. It features a weedless hull and propeller design, rugged construction, compact transport size with a folding hull and frame, and an electronics architecture optimized for payload integration and sensor mounting. The vehicle is supplied as a partially assembled kit with electronics tested and supports open-source BlueOS onboard software and ArduRover autopilot firmware.

Key Capabilities and Features
The BlueBoat is designed for easy payload integration with dedicated payload mounting areas and internal dry electronics compartments in each hull. It supports precision GPS waypoint navigation, position hold, follow-me, geo-fencing, automatic return-to-home on signal loss, joystick/manual control via gamepad, and drag-and-drop mission planning. It ships with a Navigator flight controller, GPS, and default autonomous navigation firmware. The platform supports long-range telemetry using a WiFi radio and BaseStation, and can be adapted for longer-range communications (cellular/satellite) with optional kits.

What's Included

• 2 x BlueBoat hull assembly (starboard and port)
• 2 x M200 Motor (BlueBoat variant) with mount
• 2 x Frame bracket and frame crossmember assembly
• Assorted fixed frame and mounting hardware (M6 and M3 screws, washers, nuts)
• Starboard hatch lid assembly with installed electronics
• Port hatch lid assembly with installed electronics
• Antenna assembly and Hatch Lid Antenna Guard
• 2 x Weedless propeller (LH and RH)
• Crosstube assembly, cross cable and C-nuts
• Hook and loop strap with buckle; Molykote 111 silicone grease 6g
• BlueBoat Flagpole with flag and mount; M5x5 cup-point set screw
• 2 x 4S splitter cable; 1 x Charge cable; 1 x USB Ethernet adapter
• Tools: 2 x BB120 Wrench, 2.5 mm hex driver, 4 mm hex key, 5 mm hex key
• Fuses and spare fuses: 150A MIDI fuse, 2 x 50A MIDI fuse, mini blade fuses (2A, 5A, 10A sets)
• Spare hardware and consumables: frame bushings, microfiber towel, sticker set, Velcro strips, alcohol wipes, cable ties

What’s Not Included

• BaseStation (required for WiFi telemetry/control) — sold separately
• Topside control computer (laptop or compatible Windows/macOS/Linux machine) and recommended gamepad controller
• Batteries and battery charger (recommended battery options are available separately)

Autonomy, Communications and Control
Out of the box the BlueBoat includes autonomous navigation via ArduRover and supports QGroundControl or Mission Planner for mission planning. Telemetry and control are provided via a long-range WiFi radio connecting to the BaseStation up to the stated range; the system is compatible with optional directional antennas for increased range. BlueOS runs on the onboard computer and provides services and device integration.

Payload and Integration
The BlueBoat dedicates the interhull area for payload integration with flat inner hull walls for low-wake sonar mounting. Electronics areas in both hulls provide dry space with payload power, interhull communications, and penetrator mounting locations. The vehicle can carry up to 15 kg (33 lb) of batteries and payload and supplies multiple power and data interfaces for sensors and instruments.

Durability and Special Design
The deep hull shape and weedless propeller design minimize entanglement with weeds and debris; weedless propellers are driven by two M200 motors. The folding hull and frame allow trunk transport without a trailer and quick release handles enable fast configuration changes.

Caractéristiques / spécifications techniques

• Endurance (no payload, ~1 m/s): 2 batteries (532 Wh): 18 hrs (65 km)
• Endurance: 4 batteries (1064 Wh): 36 hrs (130 km)
• Endurance: 6 batteries (1596 Wh): 50 hrs (180 km)
• Endurance: 8 batteries (2128 Wh): 62 hrs (220 km)
• Solar power (user equipped): indefinite operation possible
• Maximum speed (2 batteries, no payload): 3 m/s (6 kts)
• Maximum static thrust: 8.2 kgf (18 lbf)
• Temperature rating: -25 to 40°C (-13 to 104°F)
• Steering: differential thrust
• Payload capacity (batteries + payload): 15 kg (33 lb)
• Payload power: battery voltage @ 60 A (direct), battery voltage @ 10 A (fuse board), 5 V auxiliary @ 5 A (fuse board)
• Penetrator holes (starboard hatch lid): 2 x M10 (plus area to drill more)
• Penetrator holes (port hatch lid): 4 x M10 + 2 x M14 (plus area to drill more)
• Available ports/interfaces: 3 x Serial UART, Ethernet (requires Ethernet switch for multiple devices), 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)
• Dimensions (deployed): 120 x 93 x 46 cm; folded: 120 x 71 x 24 cm; packaged: 120 x 46 x 20 cm (47 x 36.5 x 18 in; folded 47 x 28 x 9.5 in)
• Weight (no batteries or payload): 14.5 kg (32 lb)
• Freeboard (2 batteries, no payload): 160 mm (6.3 in)
• Maximum draft (maximum payload): 320 mm (12.6 in)
• Propulsion: 2x M200 motors (BlueBoat configuration) with weedless propellers
• Propeller diameter: 112 mm (4.4 in)
• Navigation light: 5 V 2 W LED, white all-around, programmable flashing
• Primary materials: LDPE (hulls), 30% glass-filled polycarbonate, anodized aluminum, stainless steel
• Hull color options & codes: Mariner Blue (HEX #3366CC), Garibaldi Orange (PANTONE 137C), Moray Green (PANTONE 13-0443 TCX), Axolotl Pink (PANTONE 1787 C)
• Wireless communications: 802.11 a/b/g/n (2412–2462 MHz)
• Default wireless router: MikroTik RBGroove-52HPn
• Default wireless config: client mode (CPE)
• Default BaseStation IP: 192.168.2.3; BlueBoat router default IP: 192.168.2.4
• Included antenna: 7 dBi 2.4 GHz omnidirectional (N-type male connector)
• Wireless range (included antennas): up to 250 m (dependent on conditions)
• Wireless range (with directional antennas, not included): >800 m (dependent on conditions)
• Cellular & satellite communications: capable (requires optional kits/equipment)
• Software: ArduRover (vehicle control), BlueOS (onboard OS); BlueOS default address: blueos.local (192.168.2.2)
• Recommended mission-planning: QGroundControl or Mission Planner
• Onboard computer: Raspberry Pi 4 (2 GB) with BlueOS
• Flight controller: Navigator (includes GPS, IMU, compasses, barometer)
• GPS: u-blox NEO-M9N based receiver
• Speed controllers: Basic ESC 500 (BlueBoat configuration)
• Power load switching: PowerSwitch (120 A, 4S/6S support, current/voltage sense, 5 V/8 A out)
• Recommended battery: Blue Robotics 4S lithium-ion (or compatible 4S–6S batteries)
• Input voltage range: 12–26 VDC (4S–6S batteries); 6S acceptable at reduced throttle; do not exceed 500 W per motor
• Low battery protection cutoffs: 4S cutoff 8 V; 6S cutoff 12 V
• 5 V auxiliary output: 5 A
• Individual battery fuses: 60 A MIDI; system fuse: 150 A MIDI
• Fuse board: Mini-ATC (2 A, 5 A, 10 A fuses included)
• Harmonized codes: 8907.90.0090 (BlueBoat only); 9015.80.8080 (when equipped with hydrographic sensors)