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STARCROSS is an F-type butty, built in Rickmansworth in 1936 by W.H.Walker & Bros Ltd. A Townclass Large Ricky, she was one of 62 vessels commissioned by the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company. She was used as a working boat for haulage of goods and coal connections. It was previously owned by the Welsh Legion where she was used for volunteers to reside in while working on canal restoration. She had also previously been towed by a buddy Ricky tug boat, and pulled by horse.
On 22nd December 2020, the current owner rescued STARCROSS from sinking to the bottom of Grand Union Canal in Apsley. STARCROSS was refloated with the support of Warren's Pump Out service, navigated to Tringe to Bates Boat Yard, surveyed by Balliol Fowden from Anglo Euro Marine, and was reblacked, recaulked and slide plate added to helm.
STARCROSS is made from all oak. 75% of the Hull has been replaced and 25% remains the original hull. She was restored at Bates boatyard Bourne End. She is now insured, BSS compliant, registered with Canal River Trust 66578 and powered with an outboard engine to be able to navigate. STARCROSS is currently moored in the River Lea, and was blacked in September 2023.
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors