The state’s houseboat industry took a hit during the recent recession, forcing several factories to shut their once booming plants. Now, through the collaboration of the University of Kentucky School of Design, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, and with a grant from the federal Appalachian Commission, Stardust Cruisers is set to make two prototype homes on the same production lines that once made high-end houseboats. More than 50 design students worked on developing a low cost, high energy-efficient home that would cost an average of $1.62 a day for heating and cooling to replace many aging older homes and manufactured homes that are high in maintenance costs. In addition, 80 percent of the components are being supplied by state businesses. Initial production will be of two modular units joined into one unit at the homesite.
