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COVID 19 UPDATE:
WE CAN'T OFFER WORKSHOP VISITS AT PRESENT BUT WE DO HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF 2021
BOOKING SLOTS AVAILABLE NOW.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We design and build beautiful boats for the inland waterways. This could be a narrowboat, a Dutch style barge or a wide-beam boat. We design and fit out interiors and systems and can work on new or existing shells. We specialise in alternative propulsion and self-sufficiency onboard.

Get in touch to find out what we can build for you - ring 07759246551 email us at tristarboatsltd@gmail.com or message us on our facebook page @boatsandbarges

NOW FOR SALE: MARJORIE A REFURBISHED 43' NARROWBOAT

Have a look at our narrowboat refit project 'Marjorie'. This cosy fitout was done using as many reclaimed/ repurposed and manufacturing surplus materials as possible. Where we couldn't repurpose we bought the most energy efficient product available (eg solar panels.) Click here to see more photos on the blog of the build...

IT'S ELECTRIFYING!

Our electric narrowboat project Tissum has a 15kW Bellmarine motor and 800Ah of Lithium ion batteries supported by Betagen10 diesel generator and our largest array of solar panels on a narrowboat at around 2kW. Follow the build on: tissumelectricboat.blogspot.com
or get in touch if you are interested in electric and hybrid propulsion.

THE PIANO BOAT AFLOAT...

PAINTING A LARGE BARGE

Our biggest workshop inhabitant so far! At 70' x 14' The Duchess is going to make a real impact on the water.

A NARROWBOAT TAKES SHAPE

Classic 50' narrowboat Keel Row is taking shape. We're planning to launch in December.
This boat really demonstrates the comforts of a contemporary domestic space inside a compact shell. Watch the build progress on the blog here.

EVERY DAY IS LIKE A HOLIDAY WHEN YOU LIVE ON A BOAT!

Imagine sitting in the sun in the wheelhouse of your very own barge. It could be more affordable thank you think. Get in touch if you want to find out more about having a Dutch style barge built for you. And if you have the skills to finish your boat yourself we can offer a lined sailaway or port fitout ready for your finishing touches. (Take a look at our advert in Canal Boat Magazine to see the panorama walk-through.)

The Power of Dreams: a cosy interior with lots of personality.

Hello World: fully dressed and radiant. Have a look at the blog to see more images...

Margaret Wroughton II: A first trip on this beautiful hybrid barge.

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tristar boats...who are we?

We are a family business based in the East Midlands and between us we have many years of design and construction experience in making individual canal boats of all shapes and sizes.

We involve a variety of talented subcontractors, most of whom live on boats, some of us build boats in our spare time, some of us row for fun and two of us travel to work by kayak.

Jeremy has been building boats for more than 20 years. His background in violin repair and scenery for TV and film has given his the essential ability to embrace different ideas while attending to detail.

Michelle has been designing and building boats for 12 years and is responsible for many aspects of the business from planning to project management and from prototype building to financial management.