Pb Dromedary

The Dromedary is a sixty foot (~18m incl. Paddlewheel), ‘sternwheeler’. It has a steel hull, weighs approximately sixteen tonnes, and draws fifteen inches (38cm). It is powered by a thirty horsepower three cylinder Chinese marine diesel, seventy five gallon (340L) fuel tank. On average, uses around twenty litres of fuel per eight hours travelling on slack water.

This motor is ideally suited for the boat. Two decks, with the wheelhouse located on a sub-deck between the two. Top deck covered by heavy duty canvas canopy, in excellent condition. A drop down ‘canvas cabin’ with flyscreen door and window is located here, with a viewing seat on wheelhouse roof. There is an open rear upper deck area.

Access to bottom deck from a rear hatch and via wheelhouse. Lower deck comprises a forward hatch on the bow, giving extensive storage. Main cabin is below deck, with double bed and extensive storage. One bulkhead. A large saloon with woodfired heater, large lounge/double bed, table, chairs, etc.

At the rear of this is a bathroom, with the galley (incorp. Pantry and bookshelves) on the starboard side. Two sliding glass front doors, and two timber doors at rear of saloon. Blinds on all windows. A rear door opens on to rear deck, which is open on the sides.

Gas barbeque, hot water systems etc. Located here Decks with roof and railing around the sides. Toilet. A marine toilet is located with access from port deck. Wheelhouse has large side and front opening windows with a beautiful red gum crafted wheel. Excellent vision from all directions with room for four adults.

Lower deck roof of galvanized mini orb. Exterior cladding of traditional Baltic pine. PA oblique video system throughout boat, with voice pipe on top seat (wheelhouse roof). Handling. Special rubberized flooring on lower deck, keeps engine noise to an acceptable level. For a sternwheeler, this boat has a reasonably small turning circle, for its size.

Its steering is direct and responsive, with a cruising speed of eight to ten kph, and a top speed of fourteen kph. Handles well in high wind, and can travel efficiently in waves of up to a metre. An outstanding feature of this vessel, is the extensive use of native timbers throughout, including native pine, red gum, mulga and river cooba. In General Rex Ellis (Outback guide and author) has owned the Dromedary since 2009. The hull and general layout and design, by well known boat builder, Andrew Cook.

This boat is well known on the Murray/Darling River system. In 2013/15 it operated extensively on the Darling River. Its excellent design (and a bit of ‘risk taking’!) enabled it to travel to Wilcannia, the only paddlewheeler to do that for nearly seventy years. (See Mopokes and Mirages by Rex Ellis and ABC Landline program on www.safarico.com.au). Well maintained and slipped every two years.

Recent inspection certificate (June 2017). The Dromedary is economical, efficient and FUN.