'Queen of the Whanganui River'.
Restoration of Waimarie's hull was begun by volunteers,
and then major grants from the Trust Bank Whanganui
Community Trust, Power Co Whanganui Trust and the
New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, enabled the Riverboat
Trust to employ tradesmen on the project. The intensive
restoration work began in 1997 and on January 1, 2000
the restored Waimarie was recommissioned for her new life
on the Whanganui River as New Zealand's only authentic
paddle steamer.
The original design and manufacturing methods were
followed as closely as possible, and the restored vessel
complies with all modern safety standards. (All the hull
plates were cold riveted – with approximately 40,000
rivets!)
The Trust began their work by stabilising the riverbank
and restoring Hatrick's Wharf. Then in 1993, they
successfully lifted the Waimarie from her 40-year submersion
in the river. In 1993 the Trust also acquired the historic
Whanganui Rowing Club building where they established
a comprehensive Riverboat Centre and Museum to
preserve and exhibit river-related archives, photographs and
memorabilia. The Riverboat Centre housed the Waimarie
for the major part of her restoration, before she was moved
outside and then relaunched for all the finishing touches.
Waimarie's original boiler was removed when she was
salvaged in 1993. The original boiler was built at the
shipyard of Yarrow & Co. at Poplar, London in 1899. These
were the first successful water-tube boilers used in naval
vessels. This type of boiler was made for use in torpedo
boats capable of reaching speeds of 32 knots and their
beauty is in the speed they can raise steam from cold. The
boiler could be up to pressure in an hour. Waimarie's new
and every drop you can drink,
shower, make ice, wash,
hose down and never run out
Cruise where you want, when you want, without a fresh
water worry in the world. Sea Recovery manufacture
water makers for all types and sizes of vessels
guaranteeing fresh, safe, crystal clear water 24/7.
tel: 09 448 2761 fax: 09 448 2764
email: sales@lhmarine.co.nz
web: www.lhmarine.co.nz
always on the look out
Address: 3C Henry Rose Place,
Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
VIP.S67
NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013
PattMark - LML002
The stoker and engineer maintain a
good head of steam for the paddle wheels
Water water
everywhere...
19
