Sponsors
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Registration number
3694
Status
Registered
victoria.wallworth
Previous names
- 1932 - 1968 STARCROSS
- 1968 - 1980 WELSH UNION
- 1980 STARCROSS
Details
Function
Cargo Vessel
Subfunction
Narrow Boat
Location
River Lea
Vessel type
Butty
Current use
Private use
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Construction
Builder
Walker, W H & Brothers, Rickmansworth
Built in
1936
Hull material
Wood
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Outboard
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
7.00 feet
(2.13m)
Air Draft
8.00 feet
(2.44m)
Length: Overall
72.00 feet
(21.95m)
Tonnage: Gross
30.00
History
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. STARCROSS is currently moored in the River Lea, and was blacked in September 2023. A new Transom fitted. Mercury Big Foot. 2.5 a special type of motor boasting extended, strengthened gearbox and tilt facility with controller, better suited for deep draft, she is now capable of self propulsion as she would have originally be horse-drawn or accompanied
June 2024: The vessel is currently up for sale
Key dates
- 2020-12-22 Sunk to the bottom Grand Union Canal Apsley
- 2020-12-24 Pumped out and bailed by Murry's pump out Apsley, rescued by Scott MacDonald new owner.
- 2021-06-10 Repaired breaches, blacked and rechaulked Bates Boatyard Tringe.
-
March 2023
Sunk Tottenham Pound
-
March 2023
Refloated, no damage or breaches, water level issues at Pymmes Sluice and tying off incorrectly, ingress was caused by the outlets, suitable bilge pumps has since been fitted x4.
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
