 MVPerth atBarrack Street Jetty in 2009. | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Australia | |
| Name | MVPerth |
| Namesake | Perth |
| Builder | AE Brown,Fremantle |
| Laid down | 1914 |
| Maiden voyage | 30 December 1914 |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 31.4 metres |
| Beam | 6.1 metres |
| Decks | 2 |
MVPerth is a wooden boat that has operated on theSwan River inPerth, Western Australia. Built inFremantle in 1914, it is one of the oldest wooden boats still afloat inWestern Australia.
In 1914, the keel of SSPerth was laid down by AE Brown,Fremantle. Built out ofOregon pine andjarrah, its steam engine was built inGlasgow by McKie & Baxter. It was a doubled ended vessel with twin steering stations and twin propellers. It completed its maiden voyage fromBarrack Street Jetty toMends Street Jetty on 30 December 1914.[1][2]
With a decline in patronage following the opening of theNarrows Bridge, it became an excursion vessel. In 1971 it was converted to diesel power with an engine fromKelvin Diesels.[2][3] The old steam engine was left aboard until 1987, when it was removed and donated to theWestern 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It was withdrawn in 1982.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 picket railings were added to resemble apaddle steamer. In 2007, it was sold to the WA Steamship Company.[2]