Paddlewheeler on the Ponchatrain

[Farmer9009]

Welcome to the world of Sternwheels. Be sure to search Facebook for “American Sternwheel Association” You will find specific information there and on their website. Also consider becoming a member of the organization. There are a few of us still building, running and enjoying these old boats. Membership is open to all. You don’t have to own a Sternwheel to join.

[AndyEss]

Very cool boat.

Here’s a pretty good restoration story about a steam powered stern wheeler on the Upper Mississippi. I took my then 12 year old son on a tour on the Julia Belle Swain - that was almost 20 years ago.

The newspaper story is actually quite good about what you get into fixing an old boat.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/lacrossetribune.com/news/local/belle-of-the-river-the-painstaking-remaking-of-the-julia/article_ba106bb6-630b-543c-b01b-dd0745256687.amp.html

[belizesailor]

Yes, cool boat and all the related history of that era in the region. Im originally from Natchez, MS. There have been several paddlewheelers named after the town.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_(boat)

[PaddleWheeler]

Originally Posted by Farmer9009

Welcome to the world of Sternwheels. Be sure to search Facebook for “American Sternwheel Association” You will find specific information there and on their website. Also consider becoming a member of the organization. There are a few of us still building, running and enjoying these old boats. Membership is open to all. You don’t have to own a Sternwheel to join.

I’ve joined the ASA! Enjoying my evenings reading through back issues of the mag.

If you have one I’d love to hear about it.

[Farmer9009]

Originally Posted by PaddleWheeler

I’ve joined the ASA! Enjoying my evenings reading through back issues of the mag.

If you have one I’d love to hear about it.

Great. My wife and I own the Sternwheel Lady Carmina. We tore her down to the deck and completely rebuilt the superstructure. Your project is 100% possible. I have done it myself. My biggest surprise is that it takes me 3 times longer to complete a task than I think it should. The people on the ASA site are a full of knowledge.

[Sojourner]

Oh that looks like fun!! I love ponchartrain and nola in general.... had family in slidell/mandeville too once. Good for you! Keep posting pics of the work

[smbdyiam2]

hi have fun stay safe.:
I made a small paddle wheel from a plastic barrel w/wood paddles. powered by small 12 volt motor. Placed behind a 23' sailboat. I was surprised that it worked. It did for a short distance then motor got wet. Back to drawing board. Right now working on 2 side wheels powered by 24 volt jazzy scooter motors. Also playing with a smaller paddle wheel powered by trolling motor. Water proofed.

I can't get boat in water now ==virus restrictions==but gives me something to work on.

Neighbor liked the paddle wheel. So he is making different model to go on a canoe with outrigger.

[steveinusa]

That is very cool! Tha would make some great YouTube videos!

[PaddleWheeler]

Originally Posted by Farmer9009

Great. My wife and I own the Sternwheel Lady Carmina. We tore her down to the deck and completely rebuilt the superstructure. Your project is 100% possible. I have done it myself. My biggest surprise is that it takes me 3 times longer to complete a task than I think it should. The people on the ASA site are a full of knowledge.

Do you have any pictures of the rebuild? What’s the name of your boat? These are pretty unique and I’m speaking to as many people as I can who have first hand knowledge.

I’d love to see some pictures if you have some. Feel free to DM me