Image: Stuart France (canal market place)
Welcome to Rosethorn Boat Builders, your trusted specialists in custom-built butty barges and narrowboat extensions. Based in County Durham, we serve boat owners across the North East and beyond with handcrafted canal boats designed for traders, leisure, storage, and living.
We design and fabricate bespoke butty barges tailored to your needs—whether you're a floating trader, expanding your living space, or adding storage to your narrowboat. Every barge is built with precision, durability, and traditional craftsmanship.
- Floating trader setups
- Storage and workshop barges
- Leisure and living extensions
- Custom hull design and fabrication
At Rosethorn Boat Builders, we specialise in designing and fabricating custom butty barges for narrowboats across the UK. Whether you're a floating trader, expanding your living space, or adding secure storage, our expert team in County Durham will bring your vision to life with precision and craftsmanship.
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your requirements. From barge length (up to 45ft) to connection type, windows, partitions, and layout—we’ll help shape your ideal canal companion.
Our team of experienced designers and fabricators will create a custom plan for your build. We’ll discuss materials, costs, and timelines, and agree on a payment schedule that suits you.
Choose your interior and exterior features:
Interior options: bedroom, hot tub, office, storage, workshop, or retail space
Exterior finishes: paintwork, colours, signage, and branding for traders
Once plans are approved, we begin construction using marine-grade steel and proven techniques. You’ll receive regular updates and are welcome to visit and view your barge during key stages.
We offer nationwide delivery of your finished butty barge, ready to connect to your narrowboat and cruise the canals.
Let your creative mind overflow. We are not limited by the uses of your bespoke new build butty barge. We have provided a few examples below.
Sell crafts, food, or gifts at canal festivals and markets.
Give your teen a private retreat on the water.
Relax in style with a custom spa setup.
Secure bikes and gear for the whole family.
Create a productive space afloat.
Unique solutions for your lifestyle.
We’re here to help you turn your ideas into reality. Whether you want a floating café, a creative studio, or a relaxing retreat, we’ll design and build a butty barge that fits your vision.
Image: Stuart France
Ian Williamson and Jeannie Harrison sell unusual gifts from their 14ft butty made by us.
They trade from a 50ft narrowboat (Imogen) and required more space so they decided on a bespoke 14ft butty which they named Pandora's Box. As you'd imagine Pandora's Box is full of magical and mysterious gifts.
You can catch that at many of the floating festivals.
Read about Pandora's Box, one of our bespoke butty barges made for trading at floating festivals.
Waterways World Magazine