MV Perth

MV Perth is a ferry that operates on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. Built in Fremantle in 1914, it is the oldest wooden boat in Western Australia.

History
Name: MV Perth
Namesake: Perth
Operator: Transperth
Builder: AE Brown, Fremantle
Laid down: 1914
Maiden voyage: 30 December 1914
General characteristics
Length: 31.4 metres
Beam: 6.1 metres
Decks: 2

History
MV Perth at Barrack Street Jetty in 2009
MV Perth at Mends Street Jetty in 1939

In 1914, the keel of the SS Perth was laid down by AE Brown, Fremantle. Built built out of oregon and jarrah, its steam engine was built in Glasgow by McKie & Baxter. It was a doubled ended vessel with twin steering stations and twin propellers. It completed its maiden voyage from Barrack Street Jetty to Mends Street Jetty on 30 December 1914.[1][2]

With a decline in patronage following the opening of the Narrows Bridge, it was became an excursion vessel. In 1971 it was converted to diesel power with an engine from Kelvin Diesels.[2][3] The old steam engine was left aboard until 1987, when it was removed and donated to the Western Australian Museum.[4]

It was withdrawn in 1982. After having its superstructure removed, in 1985 a rebuild at Marco's Slipway, Fremantle commenced.[5][6] It was completed in November 1986 and leased to a private operator.[7]

In 1998, it was modified by Ozco, Fremantle for use as a party boat. White pickets railings were added to resemble a paddle steamer. In 2007, it was sold to the WA Steamship Company.[2]

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References
  1. South Perth Ferry The West Australian 1 January 1915 page 7
  2. MV Perth Australian National Maritime Museum
  3. New Heart for Perth MTT Quarterly January 1971 pages 3/4
  4. SS Perth Steam Engine and Auxiliaries Western Australian Museum
  5. MV Perth to be rebuilt MTT Quarterly July 1985 pages 11-13
  6. Ferries Electric Traction August 1985 page 128
  7. Grand old lady makes a comeback Transperth Magazine issue 1 March 1987 page 6
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