PS Etona set to return to the river before September ends

Owner Rob Symons said the paddlesteamer has been completely rebuilt under the waterline as well as on the top.

“We put it on the slip three-and-a-half years ago and 95 per cent of all the planks are new, so under the waterline she’s all rebuilt,” he said.

“While that has been happening, I’ve got a separate carpenter to do the top side, the superstructure.

“So we’ve rebuilt the front cabin, rebuilt the main side cabins, rebuilt the paddle blocks and rebuilt the dining saloon.”

All that remains now is putting the paddle blocks back on, the remainder of the caulking, one more plank to put on and a few minor jobs before she is in ship shape condition to return on the river.

Mr Symons’ love of paddlesteamers started with his father, who worked as a crew member on the PS Adelaide with his friend, Ian Stewart.

After enjoying their time aboard the PS Adelaide, they decided to purchase the Etona in 1961 for about £380.

Eventually, Mr Symons’ father bought Mr Stewart out and the Symons family became the sole owner of the Etona.

The vessel has been a part of the Symons family for 64 years now and was passed down to Mr Symons after his father passed away.

Mr Symons said that when the Etona was first purchased, it was in bad condition.

“When we purchased it in 1961, it looked absolutely abysmal, but by some fluke it was still floating and the engine was still running,” he said.

“We managed to steam it back from Boundary Bend to Echuca. I was about eight years old and it took a couple of weeks to come up the river.”

With the works almost completed, Mr Symons said he was looking forward to being back on the river and enjoying it with his friends.

“I enjoy taking it out for picnics and entertaining friends, but it’s been unavailable for nearly four years,” he said.

“I’m really itching to have it back in the river at the end of September and then I’ll ring four or five friends and ask if they want to come out for a picnic.”