A unique opportunity to acquire a major piece of Australian river boat history

Built in 1884 of solid red gum she is the oldest original paddle wheeler in South Australia, and one of the oldest continuous operating wheelers in Australia.

 52ft x 22ft with a draft of 3.7ft.  Built of red gem with steel and timber frames by the famous Wilson and Burkett ship builders of Moama, NSW.

          HER HISTORY                                                                                                                  

Built for Daniel Alexander (Black Alex), the only black man to own and operate a paddle wheeler,
he was a West Indian with dual nationality British and American.

Other famous owners Billy (pirate) Wilson, the Creager Brother 40yrs as a professional fishing boat, Norm Collins ship builder, Captain Paddy Hogg, Captain Alby Pointon restored and used as a showboat, Tommy Barr-Smith owner of Lake Victoria Station, Stan Wilson retired merchant seaman of Swan Hill.

Captain Douglas has owned the vessel for 25yrs and has done extensive restoration work on her
both under and above the water line. Ideal as a permanent residence or holiday home. Has operated as a showboat, B&B, towing vessel and charter.

          UPPER DECK                                                                                                                  

Comprises large carpeted living/lounge room with two (2) lounges that convert to double beds, mirror backed bar, Velvet drapes; all internal walls are Cedar lined with pink bat insulation, decor is in the late 1800s.

 Separate master bedroom with queen size double bed, Mirrored sliding door hide a full width wardrobe and dressing table. Heat from the potbelly ducted through bedroom, soft furnishings continue to flow through from the lounge, double doors lead out side to large deck with Barbeque and deck chairs. The whole upper deck is supplied with reverse cycle a/c. 12volt and 240volt lighting and power are fitted through out the vessel.

          LOWER DECK                                                                                                                  

The Wheelhouse (which is equipped with depth sounder, wind indicator, barometer thermometer, UHF and Marine band radios) with Chart table and observation lounge leads through to a full galley/ kitchen with plenty of bench space and ample cupboard storage plus pantry, the built-in sink supplies hot and cold water plus on tap filtered water. Full size LPG gas range, microwave, refrigerator and extractor fan are built for ease.

A Gallery walk leads to the dining room. The Dining room, with wrap round leather studded lounges, enhances the fully lined cedar panelled walls insulated with pink bats both upstairs and down add to the glamour of yesteryear, a feature is the old potbelly which stand on a slate base nestled in an alcove with beaten brass reflecting walls.         

          BATHROOM & OUTSIDE STORE                                                                                

The bathroom has a shower, basin and toilet which is connected to a large stainless steel storage waste tank. The outside store on the opposite side of the craft to the bathroom also has a toilet and hand basin, the hot water service for the craft is housed in the store.

          ENGINE ROOM                                                                                                                 

In the early 1950s Captain A Pointon who was also chief aircraft engineer at Parafield during World War 2, converted the Mayflower to diesel after the boiler and engine were decommissioned.

The installation of a Ford Farmlite 42 hp four cylinder diesel engine provides ample power with excellent economy, coupled with a Clay marine gearbox which transfers its power through a Gregory Hicky right angle drive to a twin helical chain then on to the fixed shaft turning the 9 foot paddle wheels, makes for a smooth over engineered trouble free unit.  

          FORWARD & AFT STORAGE                                                                                       

The forward below deck is presently used as a workshop/storage and paint shop.
Aft has spacious room for the not so often needed items.

          SECURITY & SAFETY                                                                                                     

This vessel holds a current insurance survey. Some 30 certified approved life jackets, a 12-person life raft and 4 life rings provide adequately for any emergency. The craft is fitted with 3inch copper piped bilge lines, which is fitted to a Davies centrifical pump. Fire extinguishers are fitted throughout plus smoke and gas detectors. The whole of the craft is systemed with a wireless controlled alarm for security. Safety railing encloses the large for and aft decks with a weather proof awning for comfort while lazing on the fore deck. 3.7m Aluminium tender with 8hp Mariner outboard motor.

This vessel can be viewed by serious buyers only - Price  P.O.A.

For appointments phone 08 8391 1937