Paddle Steamer Resources by
Tramscape
PLEASE
NOTE THAT THE LATEST VERSION OF THIS WEBSITE IS NOW ONLY AVAILABLE AT : http://paddlesteamers.freehostia.com
Unfortunately
the website became too large for its original internet location and had to be
moved
This mainly text-only version represents the website as it was up until
1st July 2009 and does not include any more recent information or updates.
It includes some photographs which were included in earlier versions of
this website. For the latest information and all the photos, click on the link
above
PS
Ryde
PS Ryde, now known as Ryde Queen,
was the last paddler on the Solent crossing from Portsmouth to the
Isle of Wight, from where she was withdrawn in 1969. She is now in
poor condition and various attempts to negotiate a purchase her have
failed. her condition is now making her a safety hazard, and it is likely that
she will be scrapped. Her owners have indicated that her engines, which have
been put up for sale, will be kept.
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Nearing the end : PS Ryde in 2008
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Photos kindly supplied by Jack Woodhams
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Built in 1937 by Wm Denny &
Bros at Dumbarton, Scotland
Engines : Triple expansion diagonal
Dimensions : 223 ft x 52 ft (overall)
566 Gross Registered
Tonnes
Built for the
Southern Railway's ferry service from Portsmouth on the south coast
of England to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Operated a year-round service in the pre-World War II years
Replaced on the regular ferry service by motor vessels, Ryde became a
relief and summer-only vessel
Withdrawn after the 1969 seasonin which she spent September 11-15th
on charter at Tower Pier London offering short cruises
Moved to a mud berth at Binfield Marina, Isle of Wight and, as "Ryde
Queen", used as the Marina clubhouse and latterly a discotheque
Damaged by fire in 1977 but repaired
Several changes of ownership meant that efforts to preserve the
vessel and restore her have faltered
Vessel remains in a deteriorating condition at Binfield
Marina
Return to
Statically
Preserved Paddle Steamers
British Paddle Steamer
Index
Southern Railway / British
Railways
