PS Decoy facts for kids
![]() PS Decoy at Mends Street Jetty
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Quick facts for kids History |
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Name | PS Decoy |
Owner | Chas Cox |
Operator | Chas Cox |
Builder | Australian Ship Building Industries |
Launched | 1986 |
Identification | Australian Ship No. 852383 |
Status | in service |
General characteristics | |
Class and type | paddle steamer |
Propulsion | 1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin cylinder steam engine |
Capacity | 230 passengers |
The PS Decoy is a special kind of boat called a paddle steamer. It's thought to be the only one of its kind that can travel on the sea in the Southern Hemisphere. The Decoy was built in 1986 in Fremantle, Australia.
This amazing boat is a copy of an older paddle steamer from the 1870s. That original boat used to sail on the Swan River. The Decoy even appeared in a TV show called Cloudstreet, which was based on a famous book!
Building the Decoy
The Decoy was built in 1986 by a company called Australian Ship Building Industries. They built it in Fremantle, which is a city in Western Australia. The idea was to make it look just like an old paddle steamer from the 1870s.
In the 1990s, a person named Chas Cox bought the Decoy. He then made some great improvements to the boat.
How the Decoy Moves
The Decoy is powered by a very old and special engine. It's a steam engine from 1905! This engine has two cylinders and was made by Ransome Sims and Jefferies.
This old engine was found and fixed up from some workshops in Manjimup. In 1986, the engine was completely rebuilt. It got a new oil-fired burner and a new boiler to make steam.
What the Decoy Does Today
As of 2011, the Decoy is mainly used for special events. People often rent it for weddings or company parties. It still sails on the beautiful Swan River, offering unique trips for its passengers.