Welcome to the
Foundation for Paddle Steamers Worldwide International
Website
incorporating the Paddle Steamer Resources
by Tramscape database, the internet's leading source of Paddle Steamer information
FOUNDATION
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES |
DATABASE
QUICK LINKS |
or scroll down for more |
To
raise
awareness of and interest in Paddle Steamers through a presence on the internet
where anyone can, through the the regularly
updated Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape database,
learn about Paddle Steamers and their operations, past and present. |
Foundation
Homepage |
Paddle
Steamers of the past |
Welcome to the
Foundation for Paddle Steamers Worldwide International
Website
Scroll down for the blue main menu of the
Paddle Steamer Resources
by Tramscape database, the internet's leading source of Paddle Steamer information
The Foundation's
General
View :
The demise
of paddle steamers, once found in large numbers on short ferry and excursion
services around the world, was in part a result of the relentless need for operators
to continuously cut their operating costs - a requirement common to any enterprise
in a competitive economic environment. Paddle Steamer technology had constantly
evolved over the years, but the advent and refinement of the motor ship gave
operators the prospect of substantial reductions in their fuel and crew costs.
However, that is not the whole story. Their decline coincided with a change
in demand which meant that, with the exception of a few cases, they were not
replaced at all - except by car ferries, or where feasible, road bridges. In
many places where motor ships followed their paddle steamer predecessors, passenger-only
traffic had become limited to lower numbers served by considerably smaller boats.
Where demand was unaffected, paddle steamers (and other steamships) generally
avoided extinction because of the special qualities they possessed.
Paddle Steamers, despite
having higher operating costs than equivalent sized motor vessels,
can have good long-term prospects because
they are significant revenue earners for their operators and are also recognised as having exceptional tourism-generating potential by public authorities in the areas
in which they operate. Not only do they tap into the "heritage"
market, but the chance to see real steam engines in operation can add significantly
to the attraction of a cruise.
As a result of higher costs, it is accepted that it is highly
unlikely that any steam powered paddlers will ever be built again for a commercial
operator, and that existing operators
will often need some external support in maintaining their paddle steamer
fleets.
The organisations through which enthusiasts
can make a real difference in helping to ensure the continued operation
of these classic vessels are already there and have been extremely
successful in their efforts. This makes Paddle
Steamers ideal vessels for the wider marine enthusiast community to support.
Paddle Steamers have some
distinctive features which set them apart from other ships .........
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PADDLE WHEELS |
STEAM ENGINES |
DECORATIVE PADDLE BOXES |
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The method of
propulsion used by the first steamships and still ideal for calm
and shallow
waters. Many paddlers have viewing port-holes on the main deck so the
turning wheels and splashing waters can be seen to good effect. |
Unlike screw-propelled steamships, the location of the paddle shaft at or near main deck level means that there is more of the machinery to see from passenger areas. On most paddle steamers the engines are promoted as a major on-board attraction. Here, lubrication oil is topped-up on Lake Lucerne's PS Schiller. |
From a distance, Paddle Steamers can often be identified by their distinctive paddle boxes, with vents of different sizes and shapes, often highly decorated. The Paddle Steamer Waverley's port side vents gets a touch-up of paint whilst she waits at Tighnabruaich for a return trip to Glasgow |
and traditional styling recalling an earlier era marketed
strongly in Switzerland as bringing a touch of the "Belle Epoque"
to today's world
......
but are they enough of an attraction to justify the additional cost of operation
compared with a motor ship ?
Going on a boat trip is an essential part of
a holiday
in many areas. Many people go on a boat trip because it is "one of the
things to do" - and thoroughly enjoy it. For some it is a matter of doing
the trip, seeing the sights and then moving on. For others there is a desire
to repeat the experience. For some of these, it is the ship itself which becomes
a major point of attraction. Paddle steamers
can only survive if they are different from other ships and provide a better
all-round "experience" - and become an attraction in themselves. Only
in
this way can they justify the extra operating costs of steam engines for commercial
operators - and provide the customers which allow enthusiast groups to own and
manage these "heritage" ships successfully. Although many paddle steamer
operators now have charitable status, they are leisure businesses, competing
not for people's support of charitable causes, but for the much larger amount
spent on leisure and entertainment.
The mesmerising beat of the paddle
floats against
shimmering waters allied to the smooth and virtually vibration-free operation
of steam engines make paddle steamers quite different from modern
diesel-powered vessels. In the webmaster's view there is something special about watching
paddle steamers' magnificent engines turn in hypnotic rhythm with the ship's engineer keeping
a close eye on their progress and operating the various levers necessary to
bring them to a halt and to get back to speed after calling at a pier. They
also tend to be employed on routes on which they call at numerous piers - allowing
passengers to get off for time ashore at a chosen location or just stay on board
and enjoy the cruise. Watching as piers approach, the ropes are thrown and the
ship is secured alongside can be fascinating and seeing the exchange of passengers
at each stop adds interest. Paddlers also tend to be large enough to go exploring
on - up and down stairs to different decks, down to the engines or the shop,
into one of the lounges, the bar or cafeteria, or "up top" for a fine view
of the passing scenery. No need to stay rooted to one place all trip. Paddlers bring an added element of interest to the experience of
cruising down a river valley, crossing a lake or exploring a coastline.
Compare
the operational costs of three types of passenger vessels with equivalent carrying
capacities on Switzerland's Lake Geneva ......
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The Lake Geneva operator CGN's Annual Report and Accounts
for 2008 show that the fuel consumption ofr PS Savoie (above) were
calculated as 15.8 litres per kilometre (and the worst performing
paddler, Rhone, as 24.7 litres). Savoie's costs were 60.6 Swiss
Francs per km (of which 17.7 CHF was for fuel). |
Motor Paddler Vevey, converted in 1956, and even then with a second-hand diesel plant, consumed only 6.2 litres/km, with total operating costs of CHF 33.9 / km (of which CHF 7.9 represented fuel costs). From the outside she looks little different and aboard, it is only the absence of the visible steam engines which set Vevey apart from Savoie. |
Motor ship Ville-de-Geneve consumed 6.0 litres/km, giving costs of CHF 7.2 / km for fuel and CHF 33.1 overall. Although she is far cheaper to run than Savoie, there is little to choose between her and Vevey. She has plenty of covered accommodation with good access to picture windows for a good view and some open deck space. |
The evidence suggests that they can be.
There
are numerous historical ships still in existence, many of them steamers, and
of those, a number of paddlers. In all but a few cases, their commercial operators
have disposed of the ships and they are now operated as tourist attractions
- but have tapped in successfully to the leisure and tourism
market. They tend not to be run to yield a profit for investors - only to cover costs, and often
rely on volunteers for much of their labour. They have to operate in areas where
there is a demand for excursions as point to point ferry services will either
be satisfied by modern vessels (probably car ferries) which caused the demise
of the paddle steamers in the first place, or be redundant due to road links
and bridges. However, only in certain areas is there an established demand for
excursions which can justify the use of a vessel the size of most paddle steamers
- and in such places, the larger Swiss lakes being a prime example, paddle steamers
have survived and now prosper. Elsewhere it is not that the paddle steamer has
lost out to a modern ship : more that passenger-only ships of their size have
disappeared completely and much smaller vessels cater for shorter cruises with
fewer customers. Placing a paddle steamer on a new service would be a financial
risk - but also an opportunity to grow demand where smaller vessels have been
unable to do so. The paddle steamer must show itself to be an attraction in
its own right if demand is to develop.
The
paddle steamers in operation today have all been subject to continuous maintainance and most
have been subject to major overhauls which have been so comprehensive
that they are effectively "new" vessels, to a traditional
design and incorporating important elements saved from the original
vessel alongside some of the latest marine technology. In recent
renovations of Swiss steamers, almost everything except the main
hull structural elements and the iconic steam engines have been
replaced, the new materials faithfully reproducing the old whilst
incorporating new elements such as disabled toilets and the greatly
improved catering and dining facilities expected in today's world.
In some cases work has aimed to undo the negative effects of earlier
changes to the vessels' historical appearance.
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A RENAISSANCE FOR PADDLE STEAMERS |
The operators of paddle steamers on the Swiss
Lakes are exceptional. They do receive support not only from enthusiast groups
but also their local authorities who do provide financial assistance in recognition
of their exceptional contribution to local tourism and development. The CGN
on Lake Geneva also has the protection of the lake's heritage (ie paddle steamers)
as one of its stated objectives, although this may at time conflict with strict
economic considerations. Unfortunately, this type of set-up cannot be expected
to be established elsewhere and paddle steamers will have to pay their way.
They will have to cover their costs in some way, both by passenger revenue and
enthusiast support.
They
can survive so long as there is interest in the ships in their own right as
well as in the experience they provide
Those interested in saving paddle steamers
or historic ships of any class will have to make positive choices when choosing their free-time excursions
and even their holiday destinations. Somewhere where a paddle steamer is in
service has to be the positive choice. Additionally, where services are provided
by both paddle steamers and motor vessels, it is important to arrange timings
to ensure that one sails on a paddle steamer. Only by showing a strong preference
for a paddle steamer will the operator recognise their full value. If potential
passengers do not express a preference, operators can hardly be criticised for
following the "least cost" option when providing a ship. It is hoped
that first-time passengers will recognise the attraction of a paddle steamer
and make a positive choice in their favour in future.
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With help from supporters we can keep paddle steamers (such as Waverley, left) sailing long into the future and reactivate decommissioned vessels (such as Maid of the Loch, right).By going on cruises on those ships still in operation and by supporting these organisations it is possible for the ordinary person to make a real difference. Work is currently proceeding on three ships where it is hoped that they will return to service many years after they were withdrawn.The are also quite a number of laid-up paddle steamers awaiting better times - and possibly a buyer who will refurbish them for future service |
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What is your view ? Is there no need
for new or refurbished paddle steamers because there is no demand for them ?
Or is there no demand because there is no supply ? Is a historic ship,
especially a paddler, an attraction in its own right ? Steam railways appear
to be popular even though you don't actually see the engine in operation whilst
you are travelling - and going on one is an end in itself, unlike a paddler
where the destination is just as much the attraction ! Where is there
untapped demand for a paddle steamer ? Are you an existing excursion boat operator
who could grow your demand by obtaining and refurbishing a paddle steamer for
service ? The Foundation wishes to encourage everyone to think about the issues.
Should we make an effort to keep historic ships in service or just consign them
to a nostalgic look at books and photo albums ?
Why
not let the Webmaster, Gordon Stewart, know and
share these views with others on this website
THE PADDLE STEAMER RESOURCES BY TRAMSCAPE DATABASE
This database covers historical side-wheel paddle steamers and, separately, steam powered stern-wheelers (Mississippi-style boats). It also includes side-wheel paddle steamers which have been converted from steam to diesel power. Side-wheelers built as motor vessels are also included where they can be regarded as equivalent in size to the steamers covered. Very small motor ships with wheels (mostly decorative) are excluded. A large number of motor vessels with mainly decorative stern wheels have been built in recent years as "nostalgia" ships for tourist excursions or party/events - or both - and these are excluded.
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DATABASE MAIN MENU |
Click on the links in the left hand column of the table below to go to the required section of the database |
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The
Foundation for Paddle Steamers Worldwide's objectives and views. | |
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Operational
Paddle Steamers |
In public service,
their operating companies and website links (includes motor paddlers) |
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Articles and photographs
: current issues and vessel profiles |
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OTHER ASSOCIATED WEBSITES |
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Clyde
Turbine Steamer Foundation |
Clyde and other passenger
turbine
steamers, surviving ferries and ocean liners |
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SPECIFIC PADDLE STEAMER INFORMATION ?
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR PADDLE STEAMER BOOKS/VIDEOS/DVDs ?
www.heritagesteamers.co.uk
: The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society's heritage Collections Site. Follow
"publications" to browse and buy.
PS
Kingswear Castle Trust - profits go to the
upkeep of the paddle steamer
Loch
Lomond related books and souvenirs - proceeds to PS Maid of the Loch
PS Medway Queen
: Additionally, if you link to a range of other internet sellers' sites via
this site, the MQ Preservation Society gets a commission on sales from the supplier.
CAN YOU HELP WITH THIS DATABASE ?
The webmaster would be delighted to receive any updates of relevant information
and photographs (of which you own copyright) which could help to keep this database
as up-to-date as possible and fill in gaps in the historical record.
I
know that many of you will have photographs of paddle steamers on the internet
on photo-sharing websites such as Picasa and Flickr. No photos are used on this
website unless they were taken by the webmaster or someone who has given express
permission for their own photos to be used. However, some photos from Flickr,
Wikimedia
etc may be used so long a the copyright tag (Creative Commons etc) allocated
to the photo at the time of downloading allows. if you wish to re-use these
photos you will need to comply with the appropriate licence conditions. material
regarded as in the public domain should still be attributed where possible.
Tramscape is trying to develop
this website as the main source on the internet for paddle steamer information
and photos, so the webmaster would be very grateful if you would allow use of
your photos in this database so they can be seen by the wider paddle steamer
interest group who will be reading this website.
Please
e-mail the Webmaster your
information and photos or general authorisation to use photos from another website
source. Thank you very much
Please
note : Copyright for all photos on this website or in the Photograph
Archive belongs to Gordon Stewart, Tramscape or the acknowledged photographer,
where this is not Gordon Stewart. Please do not reproduce these photos on any
other website or publication without express permission from the webmaster.
ASSOCIATED WEBSITE : THE CLYDE TURBINE STEAMER FOUNDATION
The Paddle Steamer Resources database includes detailed information
about the fleet of paddle steamers on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland.
However, no analysis of excursion shipping operations is complete
without reference to the fleet of magnificent turbine steamers which,
from 1901, sailed alongside the paddlers. That year saw the introduction
of TS King Edward, the world's first ever turbine powered passenger
steamer. Wm Denny and Bros, the Dumbarton shipbuilder produced this
fine vessel and went on to deliver many more, especially for short
sea ferry operations. One of their most famous was the Clyde Steamer
Queen Mary of 1933 (above, in photo taken at Tighnabruaich in 1967
by Jake Dale) which sailed for most of its life as
Queen Mary II, having lent its name to the Cunard liner which
was launched in 1934.
Turbine steamers dominated the world's
seas for many years, but found little success in coastal or lake
ferries, and in this respect, the fleet on the Clyde is unique.
The Clyde Turbine Steamer Foundation aims to remember these magnificent
ships and support anyone who looks after the last survivor, Queen
Mary, which was withdrawn from service in 1977 but remains in static
use. Queen Mary is the last of her class worldwide and one of the
few passenger turbine steamers of any class worldwide. The Foundation's
website looks at the Clyde turbines in detail and Queen Mary in
particular and reviews the world's last remaining passenger turbine
ships.
Go
to Clyde Turbine Steamer Foundation Website
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR PADDLE STEAMERS WORLDWIDE
and the PADDLE STEAMER RESOURCES DATABASE
Any
views expressed, including especially those in the Webmaster's Blog section, are those of the webmaster alone unless otherwise indicated.
All material and photographs displayed on this
website are the property of Gordon Stewart, Tramscape or
accredited photographer where shown and not for use without permission
All
information is presented in good faith based on meticulous research.
If any information is clearly wrong,
please advise the webmaster and it shall be corrected
Website title photo (above) : PS Rhone, one of eight paddlers,
six in operation of which five are in steam, on Switzerland's Lake Geneva, seen
leaving Montreux in 2007
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The webmaster gratefully
acknowledges many sources of information, including websites shown on the links
page, magazines such as Paddle Wheels and Dampferzeitung and published books
which he has read and absorbed information from. Many of these are listed in the Bibliography
sections of the main pages to which they refer and readers of this website are
referred to these books for much more detailed information about the relevant
subjects .
Relevant contributions to the database (news, photos), feedback (about the website) or enquiries (about paddle steamers in
general) are welcome.
Write in English, German (Deutsch) or French (Francais)
Thanks go to many people who have helped with photos and information
: Martin Roberts, Olivier Bachmann, Andreas Heene, Trevor Batchelor, Zsolt Szabo,
Jack Woodhams, Robert Horlacher, Len Knight, Dave Ornsby, Mark Young, Ronnie McLeod, Glenda
Owler, Joe Dalrymple, Donald Bain, Nigel Lawrence, Jessica Drescher, Ian Stenton,
Alex Naughton, Gillon Ferguson, Syd Harper, Tony Jarram, Mike Griffiths, Hubert
Kraaivanger, Tony Hadley, Nigel Clark, Paul Coombs, Reg Johnson, Avidis Hacinliyan,
Nick Quarmby, Milos Vasiljevic, Jim McCreery, Howard Ahmun, Hamish Coutts, Chris
Miles, Jake Dale, Bill Worden plus
those who have kindly put their photos into the public domain and which I have
used any others not yet listed who have kindly been of assistance
Tramscape and
Gordon Stewart.
All photographs displayed are with the permission of the acknowledged photographer
but are not to be copied for re-use for any other website or publication without
the specific authorisation of the photographer. You are welcome to use the text
from this website as a research source and basis for your own work but it should
not be copied and republished elsewhere verbatim or only slightly altered.
All
material on these websites : tramways.awardspace.com, paddlesteamers.awardspace.com,
steamships.awardspace.com, turbinesteamers.awardspace.com, paddlesteamers.freehostia.com
and turbinesteamers.freehostia.com are
Tramscape and Gordon Stewart or the individual photographer where acknowledged.
Photos not otherwised attributed are by Gordon Stewart
CONTACT THE WEBMASTER
Send
an e-mail to the Webmaster, Gordon Stewart
Your
comments and views, information requests etc are welcomed
Raddampfer : Geschichte und Aktuell - Vapeurs
à roues à aubes : le passé
et le présent
Classic
ships which will not be going to Alang for scrap : Cruise holidays : great days
out :
Please note : Copyright for all photos on this website or in the Photograph Archive belongs to Gordon Stewart, Tramscape or the acknowledged photographer, where this is not Gordon Stewart. Please do not reproduce these photos on any other website or publication without express permission from the webmaster.
Tramscape 2001-2009
