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Old 03-15-2020, 10:16 AM   #1
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Paddlewheeler on the Ponchatrain

Hi Gang

I am in process of purchasing a 52’ custom built paddlewheeler, for restoration and Liveaboard! It is a small, unique community of sailors but they don’t have a strong web presence, so I decided to join this forum as it seems to be full of likeminded folks!

And I’m sure my father-in-law is somewhere on here, as he’s got an Albin 36 AND another smaller trawler.

Anyway, I’ll be poking around asking questions and looking for advice. Here is a picture of the old girl; named The Pelican.
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Old 03-15-2020, 10:23 AM   #2
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Well. This is different. Welcome!
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Old 03-15-2020, 10:41 AM   #3
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Is the paddle wheel powered by water or does it push water?
How many rudders does she have.
I’ve seen some interesting arrangements on sternwheelers.
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Old 03-15-2020, 08:36 PM   #4
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The wheel pushes water. It’s driven by a Perkins 220hp diesel connected to a link belt gear box and chain drive. It’s flat bottomed and sails primarily on inland waterways.

I know it’s not a trawler, but it’s a boat built for travel and adventure! I feel the spirit of it is in keeping with what goes on around here, and the specific info I’m looking for is in abundance here.

A pic of the wheel
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Old 03-15-2020, 08:37 PM   #5
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It’s got two main rudders aft of the wheel. This one seems to be lacking the monkey rudders that are normally installed forward of the wheel, which manage the astern handling.
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Old 03-15-2020, 08:59 PM   #6
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Interesting and really beautiful.

Shield that chain and sprocket before somebody looses an arm or finger.

Your lake looks as High as Lake Michigan, overflowing the banks most of last year.

pete
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Old 03-15-2020, 09:24 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheeler View Post
The wheel pushes water. It’s driven by a Perkins 220hp diesel connected to a link belt gear box and chain drive. It’s flat bottomed and sails primarily on inland waterways.

I know it’s not a trawler, but it’s a boat built for travel and adventure! I feel the spirit of it is in keeping with what goes on around here, and the specific info I’m looking for is in abundance here.

A pic of the wheel
Attachment 100387
You are perfectly correct and in tune! Welcome aboard!
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Old 03-15-2020, 10:03 PM   #8
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Now I know why we call our props wheels!

Welcome to the forum! How old is the vessel?
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Old 03-15-2020, 11:27 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheeler View Post
Hi Gang

I am in process of purchasing a 52’ custom built paddlewheeler, for restoration and Liveaboard! It is a small, unique community of sailors but they don’t have a strong web presence, so I decided to join this forum as it seems to be full of likeminded folks!

And I’m sure my father-in-law is somewhere on here, as he’s got an Albin 36 AND another smaller trawler.

Anyway, I’ll be poking around asking questions and looking for advice. Here is a picture of the old girl; named The Pelican.
Yes, indeed, although called trawler forum, anything that floats is welcome on here, as long as accompanied by photos, of course. I love the look of that paddle-steamer. Hey, what do you call one that has diesel engines..? Not literally a steamer is it..? I see - you post answered my own question - paddle-wheeler. Works for me..! I suspect the two Kookaburra Queens on our Brisbane river are the same.
https://kookaburrariverqueens.com
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Old 03-16-2020, 08:55 AM   #10
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Is that the boat up the Tickfaw river? If so I saw it last spring while exploring the area by dingy from the Blood River Marina. While passing I (briefly) thought about what a fun project it would be! My wife just looked at me and quickly said NO before I could even mention it....

I'm looking forward to following your progress. That's a truly beautiful cruising area that most boaters never see. Good Luck!!
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Old 03-16-2020, 09:24 AM   #11
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Now this is going to be a fun project Good luck and keep us posted.
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Old 03-16-2020, 09:28 AM   #12
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More photos please!
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Old 03-16-2020, 01:22 PM   #13
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Thanks for the warm welcome! To answer a few questions:

While a paddlewheeler, this one is known more specifically as a stern wheeler. As opposed to a side wheeler, which would have a wheel either side.

The hull is 52’ x 17’. Add the wheel and LOA is ~63’. Custom built between 1989 and 1991.

I’ve been busy calling and speaking to the old timers that have built these and operate them today. It is not a young mans game. They have been great and I’m learning a lot.

I’m putting together a budget and a list of comps before making an offer. Lots of research so far and the more I learn, the more interested I get!
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Old 03-16-2020, 01:26 PM   #14
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Paddlewheeler on the Ponchatrain

And a few more pics as requested. Generator, wheelhouse, some interior shots.

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Old 03-16-2020, 01:52 PM   #15
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Way cool!

Thank you!
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Old 03-16-2020, 05:20 PM   #16
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WOW!!! Very nice!!! Welocme aboard!
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Old 03-16-2020, 05:25 PM   #17
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We love stuff like this. Please Keep us updated with photos. Best.
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Old 03-16-2020, 06:25 PM   #18
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Nice! And welcome aboard!
It will be interesting to hear her history and see your renovations in progress.
I saw a wheeler similar to her in Matagorda Bay about 30 years ago....got a picture somewhere that I'll have to dig out of the archives.
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Old 03-19-2020, 08:29 PM   #19
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So......as far as prop-walk, which side does she pull when backing down?
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Old 03-19-2020, 08:52 PM   #20
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So......as far as prop-walk, which side does she pull when backing down?

Straight astern!
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