PV Amphibious (March 2021)
History
Australia
NameAmphibious
OwnerL Iannacone
BuilderBevan & Cooke
Laid down1875
LaunchedMay 1876
HomeportEchuca, Victoria, Australia
StatusPrivate vessel
General characteristics
Class and typePaddle vessel
Length
  • 59 ft 9.6 in (18.23 m)(1875)
  • 76.8 ft (23.41 m)(1901)
Beam16 ft 1.2 in (4.91 m)
PropulsionSide wheel
NotesReferences:[1]

The PV Amphibious is a diesel-powered paddle vessel based in Echuca, Victoria. She was constructed in Melbourne in 1875 by Bevan & Cooke, and started life as a screw steamer in 1876.[1]

History

Construction and early life

The PV Amphibious was initially built as a screw steamer, with her hull dating back to 1875. Built by Bevan & Cooke at their Britannia Iron Works in Melbourne, Vic, the vessell was originally installed with a pair of double-acting 20 horsepower steam engines, driving twin 6 ft (1.83 m) propellers, allowing the vessel to operate in shallow waters. The vessel was completed in May 1876. The Amphibious was sold multiple times before her fourth owner, R Craig, lengthened her to 76.8 ft (23.41 m) in 1901. The Amphibious was sold again in 1904, and relocated to Port Adelaide, where her engines and propellers were removed in favour of converting her to a sailing ketch.[1]

In 1956, the Amphibious was converted to a auxiliary ketch following the installation of two four-cylinder kerosine engines. Following her sale again in 1959, the Amphibious was rebuilt as a showboat (including a full-length deckhouse), and operated on the Port River in Adelaide until 1971. She was laid up and sank in 1978, but was purchased in 1980 by Dick Bromhead, repaired, and relocated to the Murray River.[1] In 1981, the Amphibious appeared in Peter Weir's Australian war drama Gallipoli.[2] In 1990, Bromhead rebuilt the Amphibious into a paddle vessel, for use in the 1991 Australian mini-series The River Kings filmed in and around Morgan (the boat was renamed the Lazy Jane).[1][3]

Later life

Bromhead sold the Amphibious to Peter Teakle, owner of Akuna Station, in 1999, resulting in the vessel being renamed to the Akuna Amphibious.[4] Rebuilds followed, including new underwater ribs being placed, a restructure of the deckhouse, and the addition of a modern kitchen.[1]

Following her relocation the Echuca, (and her return to the name Amphibious) the PV Ambhipious sank at her mooring in May 2020.[5] Owner Tim Mills had only purchased the vessel in 2019, and the paddle boat was refloated by June 2020.[6] As of August 2020, Lou Iannacone is the present owner of the PV Amphibious.[7]

Engine

The PV Amphibious is said to operate on a 120 hp 6354 Perkins diesel engine using a Paragon marine gearbox into Cat D4 dozer (featuring electronic clutches and brakes).[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Plowman, Peter (2005). Murray Darling Paddleboats. Rosenberg Publishing Pty Ltd. p. 6. ISBN 1877058378.
  2. ^ Heuzenroeder, Catherine (13 May 2020). "Historic paddle boat owner's sinking feeling upon learning beloved craft lost". ABC News. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  3. ^ "The Lazy Jane". Visit Morgan. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  4. ^ Christopher, Peter (2001). Paddlesteamers and Riverboats of the River Murray (2 ed.). Axiom Publishing. p. 31. ISBN 1864760400.
  5. ^ "Historic Paddle Vessel Amphibious sinks at Echuca". ABC News. ABC Goulburn Murray. 11 May 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  6. ^ May, Brayden (1 June 2020). "PV Amphibious Above Water". Riverine Herald. Press Reader. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  7. ^ May, Brayden (7 August 2020). "Captain's Not Going Down with his Ship". No. Riverine Herald. Press Reader. Retrieved 16 February 2022 – via PressReader.
  8. ^ "February 2008 No. 351 "Understanding, enjoying & caring for our oceans"". Marine Life Society of South Australia Inc. February 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
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