PS Decoy
PS Decoy is a privately owned paddle steamer, believed to be the only sea-going paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. Built in 1986 in Fremantle, Decoy is a replica of the original paddle steamer that operated on the Swan River in the 1870s. She was used in the filming of the television mini-series Cloudstreet, which was based on Tim Winton's novel.[1]
 PS Decoy at Mends Street Jetty | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Australia | |
| Name | PS Decoy |
| Owner | Chas Cox |
| Operator | Chas Cox |
| Builder | Australian Ship Building Industries[1] |
| Launched | 1986 |
| Identification | Australian Ship No. 852383 |
| Status | in service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | paddle steamer |
| Propulsion | 1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin cylinder steam engine |
| Capacity | 230 passengers[1] |
History
Decoy was built by Australian Ship Building Industries in Fremantle in 1986, a replica of the original paddle steamer that operated on the Swan River in the 1870s. Chas Cox purchased Decoy in 1990s and upgraded the vessel.[1]
Engines
Decoy is powered by a 1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin cylinder steam engine, which was salvaged and restored from Bunnings engineering workshops in Manjimup.[2] The engine was totally rebuilt in 1986 with a new oil fired burner and maxitherm boiler fitted.[1]
Service
As of 2011 Decoy is used mainly for weddings and corporate events, operating on the Swan River.[1]
References
- Rescue bid for historic paddler, The West Australian (accessed:09-12-2012)
- PS Decoy Website (accessed:09-12-2012)