Paddle Steamer Alexander Arbuthnot - 10HP

[cyberbadger]

I had thought before, why not take a steam traction engine, and throw it on a boat?

I just found an example of exactly this!

A "Portable" steam engine is a precursor to the Steam Traction engine. Because they weren't self propelled, horses usually towed them to work locations.

They took a 10 hp Ruston and Hornsby Portable Steam Engine and threw it onto a barge!

Published by youtube user "Peter Little" on Aug 4, 2019
Murray River Paddle Steamers

A recent trip on the PS Alexander Arbuthnot from Port Echuca along the Murray River. The PS Alexander Arbuthnot was built as a barge in 1916 and converted to a paddle steamer in 1923. She is powered by a 10 hp Ruston and Hornsby Steam Engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gyT8okcBq0

Not that's 10 HP! Look at the boat move....

-CB

[barts]

I've heard of the expression 'a bit agricultural' when it comes to pragmatic boat design, and this is an excellent example of just that .

Nice video - thanks!

- Bart