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 | WA Steamship Company |
| Operator | WA Steamship Company |
| 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
editDecoy 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 the 1990s and upgraded the vessel.[1] He put it up for sale for $1.85 million in 2011 and it was relaunched by Western Australian owners in 2015.[2] The vessel was significantly refurbished in 2024 and is now available for private charters, corporate functions, memorial services, weddings and ticketed events. www.psdecoy.com.au
Engines
editDecoy is powered by a 1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin cylinder steam engine, which was salvaged and restored from Bunnings engineering workshops in Manjimup.[3] The engine was totally rebuilt in 1986 with a new oil fired burner and maxitherm boiler fitted.[1]
Service
editHolding a place dear in the hearts of all Western Australians and visitors alike, the Fremantle registered paddle steamer is berthed at the Mends Street Jetty in South Perth. Visitors to the Perth Zoo are likely to see the vessel as they make their way from the jetty. Swan River cruises take the form of private charter, being corporate and private functions (Christmas parties, staff parties, birthday parties, memorial services), weddings and publicly ticketed events. Sunday afternoon jazz - and other styles of music - cruises have long been a part of Perth culture which continues to this day.
Operation of the vessel is conducted without the support of public funds and charitable donations, hence relies on revenue from private hire to keep the vessel in operation.
The paddle steamer is a central feature of the annual "Fremantle Port's Open Day"
References
edit
- ^ a b c d e Rescue bid for historic paddler, The West Australian (accessed:09-12-2012)
- ^ Acott, Kent (18 October 2015). "Swan paddle steamer returns". The West Australian. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
- ^ PS Decoy Website (accessed:09-12-2012)