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PaddleWheeler · 22-03-2020, 13:02

Hi Gang

I am in process of purchasing a 52’ custom built paddlewheeler, for restoration and Liveaboard! It is a small, unique community of sailors but they don’t have a strong web presence, so I decided to join this forum as it seems to be full of likeminded folks!

I’ll be poking around asking questions and looking for advice. Here are some pictures of the old girl; named The Pelican. She's driven by a Perkins 6.354 to a Link-Belt gearbox.

smbdyiam2 · 22-03-2020, 13:26

welcome aboard.
Looks like a fun way to enjoy isolation .
Have fun. Stay safe.

Redinari · 22-03-2020, 13:52

That's quite an undertaking!
Best of luck, and I'll enjoy watching the progress.

belizesailor · 22-03-2020, 15:51

Looks like it could be a comfy liveaboard. What's her story?

Cheechako · 22-03-2020, 15:53

Cool. How does one steer a sternwheeler in close quarters?

psk125 · 22-03-2020, 17:50

Have you seen this month’s WoodenBoat? Story about a big paddlewheeler from mid 1800’s excavated from a field and what they found.

LEOCAT66 · 22-03-2020, 18:48

WOW, we are in Slidell on Pontchartrain, where on the Lake is she?

**GordMay** · 23-03-2020, 03:13

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, 'Pelican'.

RaymondR · 23-03-2020, 03:41

What does she draw?

and,

What does the hydraulic pump on the front of the engine provide power for?

ArmyDaveNY · 23-03-2020, 09:17

That is awesome. As one who owns some smaller monohulls, I lust after the room she has. When does Sophia Loren move in?

PaddleWheeler · 23-03-2020, 14:16

Thanks for the welcome all! I'll answer what questions I can, but I'm coming into this pretty fresh as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Looks like it could be a comfy liveaboard. What's her story?

Built by Frank Crain from 1989 to 1991. He built docks and other marine type construction for a living, which explains the heavy running gear.

Apparently he built 5 or 6 of these in his life. I'm still trying to find more info.

Steering - Normally they are fitted with Monkey Rudders forward of the wheel, as well as main rudders. Apparently they handle great, although I haven't yet had the pleasure.

Wooden Boat Mag - I haven't seen it but am going to get a copy! Haven't read that in years but it was my favorite for a while.

LeoCat - It's over in Mandeville.

Draw - around 24". Hull is likely 4 feet deep.

Hydraulics - for steering. See picture.

Sophia - as soon as I get it cleaned up!

Disailor · 23-03-2020, 17:44

Paddlewheeler: Now that's what I call an engine ROOM!

Bill Seal · 23-03-2020, 18:08

Where's the calliope?

And the banjos.

A million years ago (late 50's) I was USCG stationed in NOLA, and occasionally took the Jackson St ferry to Gretna. It was amazing how the captain could lay that big paddle wheeler along side the dock and have the crew just step off and drop a line on the bollards.