MV Perth is a wooden boat that has operated on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. Built in Fremantle in 1914, it is one of the oldest wooden boats still afloat in Western Australia.
History
In 1914, the keel of SS Perth was laid down by AE Brown, Fremantle. Built out of Oregon pine and jarrah, its steam engine was built in Glasgow by McKie & Baxter. It was a doubled ended vessel with twin steering stations and twin propellers. It completed its maiden voyage from Barrack Street Jetty to Mends Street Jetty on 30 December 1914.South Perth Ferry The West Australian 1 January 1915 page 7MV Perth Australian National Maritime Museum
With a decline in patronage following the opening of the Narrows Bridge, it became an excursion vessel. In 1971 it was converted to diesel power with an engine from Kelvin Diesels.New Heart for Perth MTT Quarterly January 1971 pages 3/4 The old steam engine was left aboard until 1987, when it was removed and donated to the Western Australian Museum.SS Perth Steam Engine and Auxiliaries Western Australian Museum
It was withdrawn in 1982. After having its superstructure removed, in 1985 a rebuild at Marco's Slipway, Fremantle commenced.MV Perth to be rebuilt MTT Quarterly July 1985 pages 11-13Ferries Electric Traction August 1985 page 128 It was completed in November 1986 and leased to a private operator.Grand old lady makes a comeback Transperth Magazine issue 1 March 1987 page 6
In 1998, it was modified by Ozco, Fremantle for use as a party boat. White picket railings were added to resemble a paddle steamer. In 2007, it was sold to the WA Steamship Company.
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