All the paddlesteamers require general maintenance to keep them up to date with 2024 standards.
PS Adelaide, built in 1866, is the most senior paddlesteamer in operation in Echuca and one of the oldest in the world.
“Her birthday is on July 21 and she’ll be 158,” Port of Echuca marketing officer Gerard Oman said.
“It’s the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating anywhere in the world.”
Maintenance of the boats includes replacing timber, checking the functionality of the engines and the boiler and ensuring all safety equipment is in top condition.
The paddlesteamers are brought up on the slipway on a semi-regular basis to have a look under the boats.
“(PS Adelaide) might have to take a couple of boards off this time,” Mr Oman said.
“Usually, they just check everything below the water line that they can’t get to.”
PS Adelaide is getting some extra special treatment in time for her 158th birthday, with Mr Oman sharing that she has received some significant updates.
“They’ve been doing some work above the water line for the last month or so on and off, replacing timbers and doing exciting things like putting a working toilet in it,” he said.
“Getting her nice and tidy for her birthday.”
PS Adelaide is operated by the Port of Echuca, as are the PS Pevensey and PS Alexander Arbuthnot.
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