Houseboat Manufacturers

        Thoroughbred Houseboats LLC has continued with new innovations this year and its international partners have built boats both in Russia and China. The Kentucky-based manufacturer has splashed boats in these locations and feels this will be a huge success for Thoroughbred as well as its partners there. Also in 2012, Thoroughbred moved to a new location up on Hwy 90 near Monticello. The new facility doubles production capacity, plus gets all sales and staff under one roof. They have also expanded to include a fully functional cabinet shop and can now make all cabinets and all wood products in-house.

        Thoroughbred will continue developing more fiberglass parts for 2013 with a new credenza for the upper bar, improved dumb waiter box, etc. The builder has also developed exterior yacht-style LED lighting to eliminate the rope and track fading. Also a big improvement for houseboat gel coat surface is the new urethane paints that will last for a long time. And its exterior Stone Pebble Tec surfaces continue to improve with texture and looks.
www.thoroughbredhouseboats.com

     Stardust is the oldest continually-operating houseboat company in the United States, having built over 1,500 custom boats. Recent innovations include its new wood-free wall composed of aluminum and fiberglass panels that are made in-house. The walls allow for standard windows or inset-free form windows with shapes limited only by your imagination. Its patented web frame design strengthens the entire structure. New hull designs and direct drive or V-drive power configurations are available for owners seeking improved handling and economy. The same quality and style is available in houseboats of any size and price range. Each Stardust is designed to provide each owner a unique and beautiful boat that will stand the test of time and provide a trouble-free second home on the water.

Stardust is located in Monticello, Ky., and operates from a 100,000-square-foot factory.  They specialize in custom woodwork and cabinetry and have their own fiberglass shop on the premises. Stardust products have been featured on the Travel Channel, ION Channel and soon the Discovery Channel. The builder also manufactures rental houseboats, party barges and custom boats of any kind.
www.stardustcruisers.com

     Great news for the industry: Sumerset Houseboats LLC is back producing houseboats. With the acquisition by Thoroughbred Houseboats, Sumerset Houseboats are produced at the Thoroughbred facility near Monticello, Ky.

Sumerset has a big name following and also a high-quality heritage that dates back to the mid-70s. Future produced houseboats will continue with this quality and innovation. Two Sumerset houseboats were shipped toward the end of 2012 with plans to deliver three to five more in early 2013.  

     Starting in 2012, Sumerset boats will have similar looks to the past but with some new future ideas, including the curved front glass wall. This feature will make the boat feel bigger and more futuristic, according to the manufacturer. The Sumerset forward seating bridge is exclusive to its boats as well as the new 15-foot-wide curved bimini tops. Boats will come with the marine electrical panels, water manifolds, and many other features seen on Sumerset boats.   www.sumerset.com

All information taken from Houseboat Magazine's 2013 Buyer's Guide with permission. Hard copies of all back issues of Houseboat Magazine can be purchased by clicking here. Digital issues can be purchased here.