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 | |
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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
![](../I/MV_Perth_at_Barrack_Street.jpg.webp)
![](../I/Mends_Street_Jetty_1939.jpg.webp)
In 1914, the keel of the SS Perth was laid down by AE Brown, Fremantle. 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It was withdrawn in 1982.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]
References
- South Perth Ferry The West Australian 1 January 1915 page 7
- MV Perth Australian National Maritime Museum
- New Heart for Perth MTT Quarterly January 1971 pages 3/4
- SS Perth Steam Engine and Auxiliaries Western Australian Museum
- MV Perth to be rebuilt MTT Quarterly July 1985 pages 11-13
- Ferries Electric Traction August 1985 page 128
- Grand old lady makes a comeback Transperth Magazine issue 1 March 1987 page 6