PS Decoy

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PS Decoy at Mends Street Jetty
History
Australia
NamePS Decoy
OwnerChas Cox
OperatorChas Cox
BuilderAustralian Ship Building Industries[1]
Launched1986
IdentificationAustralian Ship No. 852383
Statusin service
General characteristics
Class and typepaddle steamer
Propulsion1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin cylinder steam engine
Capacity230 passengers[1]

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]

History[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

As of 2011 Decoy is used mainly for weddings and corporate events, operating on the Swan River.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Rescue bid for historic paddler, The West Australian (accessed:09-12-2012)
  2. ^ PS Decoy Website (accessed:09-12-2012)