Barb Mastro and her husband could not be more excited for the upcoming summer because they’ll get to experience their brand-new, custom-built 16- by 67-foot Sumerset Houseboat to the fullest. It’s something their son and daughter are looking forward to as well, and they’ll be sure to pay them frequent visits. As long-time boaters on Lake Cumberland, the Mastros finally decided to take the plunge and build their own houseboat this past fall with the help of the team at Trifecta Ventures.
“When we went to Trifecta,” explained Barb, “they stayed in touch with us and worked with us really well on what we wanted to do and the price range we had. We really customized it.”
The Mastros’ houseboat is unlike any other on the lake because of the creative freedom that comes with Sumerset Houseboats. Barb explained that Sumerset had a spec boat as an example which worked well as a starting point, and from there they were able to design their dream houseboat.
Together with the help of the team at Trifecta, the Mastros converted a four-bedroom layout into a two-bedroom so they could have more room up front in the salon and kitchen area.
“I wanted to make it something that would work for us,” said Barb. “It’s funny because now Trifecta is getting a lot of calls wanting more boats like ours.”
Sumerset Houseboats
Ever since 1953, Sumerset has been building beautifully designed and easy-going houseboats. Jimmy Sharpe was truly onto something great when he built his first 10- by 24-foot steel bottom with a scow bow. Now, more than 60 years later, the fruits of that one project have proliferated. Sumerset is set for a lot longer than just the summer.
Sharpe envisioned Sumerset as a quality crafter of houseboats, and that became its unique identity. In 2010, Sumerset joined Trifecta Ventures and now grows under that umbrella, while still distinguishing its craft by clinging to Sharpe’s vision.
As the company grows, its goal is to build low-maintenance vessels while focusing on a better hull and stronger frame with improved roofing systems—all of which have brought the company a great deal of success in years past. With the timeless glass wall construction, the exteriors reflect a polished appearance that sets them apart from the others.
Date Founded: 1953
Location: Monticello, Ky.
Best-selling Model or Floor Plan: 19’ X 90’
Smallest Houseboat to Date: 10’ X 35’
Largest Houseboat to Date: 23’ x 124’
Hull Design: All Aluminum Mono Hulls
Water Applications: Lakes, Rivers and Intracoastal
In-house Transportation: Yes
In house Interior Decorating: Yes
Looking to 2019
Sumerset Houseboats have several custom builds in production and they plan on expanding their rental builds for 2019. As one of the earliest and most well-known names in the houseboat industry, Sumerset Houseboats continues to have a reputation for superb resale value and interest.