Video of Paddle Steamer Engine

She is soon to be Cowes based and will go out to inshore waters on a fine day...otherwise she is confined to the Medina-but that is lovely too!

Matthew
 
A friend has a Paddle Steamer moored near me in Swan River.
He designed and built the boat of steel and launched it about 6 years ago. It is very much in the design of the Murray River paddle steamers with very shallow draft.
For the engine he acquired a 100yo Steam road roller and fitted the boiler and engine backwards into the ship. The hull is about 50 ft long.
The hull is relatively narrow but the cabin area extends out sideways to cover the paddles. It has a bridge up front which can be hinged back to reduce air draft for bridges.
I just love the whistle. He reckons it takes about 4 hours to get up steam from cold and they usually keep the fire going and some pressure over the entire weekend they live on board. A bit hot in summer but great for the winter.
It has a steam powered 240V alternator system and lots of luxuries like deep freeze and fridge.
It is set up with master cabin and guest or children's bunk cabin.
The finish of timber is beautiful. The boat is only for family sailing and not for passengers or hire. Monogramed dinner service and wine glasses. The boat is called "Rodney"

Unfortunately the authentic Murray River design has draw backs. With a draft of barely .5 meter including a very shallow draft rudder and keel the boat is very susceptible to wind. A cross wind can reduce the effectiveness of the paddle on windward side so it has got out of control in the mooring area. I guess he really needs independant paddle control. But that could be a big project to modify it.
Perhaps I can post some photos if anyone is interested. It was quite a home build project. Well done Dennis. olewill
 
Appologies for grabbing the thread. A quick pilgrimage down to the water for a photo on a georgeous morning of Rodney

100_2214Rodneyscaled.jpg
 
How fun! We have similar problems in terms of wind effect...therefore we have a Vetus bowthruster fitted in case we ever need a bit of extra help!!

Fortunately PS Monarch is quite beefy in terms of steam so we don't need it often!

4 hours to get up steam though-they have serious problems...we only take about 30-40 mins-they shouldn't be using a non marine boiler though, it's inefficient and potentially dangerous
 
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