PS Ryde

[Channel]

Came across this on the net -

I don't want to sour the good news about P.S. Medway Queen, but I
have just learned that the P.S.Ryde is probably going to be broken up
in the very near future.

I have just returned from spending the weekend at the marina on the
Isle Of Wight (Island Harbour) where the old paddler P.S.Ryde lies in
a derelict state.

The site has just (in the past couple of weeks or so) changed hands
again. Ownership of the site includes the old paddler.
Having spoken with several friends of mine at the marina, and also
with some of the new members of marina staff, I can confirm that the
new 'boss' intends to 'shake up' the whole site and invest quite
heavily in it. Unfortunately the Ryde does not form part of this
investment, other than the fact that she is an eyesore and must be
removed.

I believe the new owner has got a group organized to come in and cut
up the old ship. However, I am told that he is still 'open to offers'
but the proviso is that the ship must be off the site within six
months.

Realistically the above news means 'the end' for the Ryde, but maybe
there is an opportunity for parts of her to be saved ie. her engine
or other pieces such as portholes or capstains, maybe her wheelhouse
etc.

If anyone is interested or knows anyone else who is interested in
saving whatever they can, then I suggest they get in contact with the
owner of the site. His name is Dominic Chaeppel, and he can be
contacted through the marina office on 01983 822999. I have not yet
met Dominic, but I know that he does 'mean business'.

Like I've said before, I think Ryde is way beyond saving, but I know
her engine is intact and in fairly good order, as I used to go aboard
her frequently when I worked at the site a few years ago. It would be
good if at least some parts can be salvaged.

Sad it looks like the end for the Ryde, I would so much love to see
her saved but I think her time has finally run out. Great to hear,
though, that Medway Queen is taking a big step forward to getting
operational again after so many years of ups and downs.

Doug

[Eddy Matthews]

Sadly the PS Ryde is definately well past saving, Her hull is paper thin, and any attempt to move her would simply cause her to fall apart!

Saving parts of her such as her engines etc is also unlikely to happen in my opinion. These are large and heavy pieces of machinery which would take considerable expense to remove and transport from her current resting place. I doubt that finances for such a project could be raised in the short six month timeframe given.

So I think we can all wave a fond farewell to PS Ryde - Yet another paddler that could have been saved but wasn't :-(

Finally, you've confused me Channel (it doesn't take a lot of doing!), you originally signed your messages as "Chris", and now all of a sudden you've become "Doug" - Just what is your name??

[Channel]

Hi,

My name is Chris - the email above was pasted from another site - originally posted by Doug.

I beg to differ regarding the Ryde's engine. Although it is a fairly large piece of kit its nothing a crane and low loader couldn't deal with - especially if removed as the vessel is being cut up. Its in fairly good condition given the fact its stood still for so many years. A fair ammount of the brass is however missing.

Cheers
Chris

[Eddy Matthews]

I beg to differ regarding the Ryde's engine. Although it is a fairly large piece of kit its nothing a crane and low loader couldn't deal with - especially if removed as the vessel is being cut up. Its in fairly good condition given the fact its stood still for so many years. A fair ammount of the brass is however missing.

Cheers
Chris

I didn't say it was impossible Chris, just unlikely to happen..... I've never actually seen the Ryde other than in photos and videos, but from those it appears she is resting in marshland, or at the very least very soft ground.

So you have the logistical problem of getting a crane and low-loader to the site, and then finding ground that is solid enough to support a lift of that weight.

I don't know what heavy lifting equipment exists on the island (if any?), but if nothing suitable is there, you then have the extra expense of getting  heavy lifting equipment onto the island...

Then finally there's the six month deadline - not long to arrange all the work, nevermind find the funds to pay for it.

I applaud your idea, but I still stand by my original comment that it's not going to happen - The logistics, location, and finance are all against it. It's taken more than 20 years to partially secure a future for the Medway Queen, so even allowing for the fact that this is by no means such an ambitious project, it would still cost a significant amount of money - We've seen on numerous occassions that the UK isn't very good at saving her heritage, it's always left to small bands of volunteers, and because of that things move very slowly as they fight with the powers that be, and try to secure funding :-(

[David Allinson]

Hi there.  
It will be very interesting to see how they finally remove the Ryde. Given that she is in such a fragile condition and appears to be located in a swampy area. There are probably at least two scenarios.  
First is to cut her up where she lies and using a barge with a crane that is floated in as close as possible and then lift/drag the bits onto the barge.  
Second is to transfer her in one piece onto a flat top barge and take her somewhere else to cut her up.  
Either way there has to be some heavy lifting equipment involved at some stage and the engines would be just one of the many lifts involved.  
I would suggest that if anyone specifically wanted the engines then they could probably be available at some point.  
Many years ago the owner of the John H Amos received an offer from Europe, just for the tugs’ engines. Thankfully he refused the offer, but I understand that it was a very attractive offer. Perhaps the scrap man could be persuaded to put it to one side for a while, during which time its availability could be circulated around the paddleship community and see if there is any interest.  
All the best and lets hope that they can be reused in due course.  
David Allinson  
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-----Original Message-----
 From: Eddy Matthews [mailto:preserved@paddleducks.co.uk]
 Sent: lunes, 26 de junio de 2006 11:09
 To: preserved@paddleducks.co.uk
 Subject: RE: PS Ryde  
<![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]>            
Channel wrote:            
I   beg to differ regarding the Ryde's engine. Although it is a fairly large   piece of kit its nothing a crane and low loader couldn't deal with -   especially if removed as the vessel is being cut up. Its in fairly good   condition given the fact its stood still for so many years. A fair ammount of   the brass is however missing.
   
   Cheers
   Chris        
 

 
 I didn't say it was impossible Chris, just unlikely to happen..... I've never actually seen the Ryde other than in photos and videos, but from those it appears she is resting in marshland, or at the very least very soft ground.
 
 So you have the logistical problem of getting a crane and low-loader to the site, and then finding ground that is solid enough to support a lift of that weight.
 
 I don't know what heavy lifting equipment exists on the island (if any?), but if nothing suitable is there, you then have the extra expense of getting heavy lifting equipment onto the island...
 
 Then finally there's the six month deadline - not long to arrange all the work, nevermind find the funds to pay for it.
 
 I applaud your idea, but I still stand by my original comment that it's not going to happen - The logistics, location, and finance are all against it. It's taken more than 20 years to partially secure a future for the Medway Queen, so even allowing for the fact that this is by no means such an ambitious project, it would still cost a significant amount of money - We've seen on numerous occassions that the UK isn't very good at saving her heritage, it's always left to small bands of volunteers, and because of that things move very slowly as they fight with the powers that be, and try to secure funding <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>      
   

 Regards
 Eddy
 
 
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 http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7764#7764
 
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[lenknight]

What is everybody on about re the Ryde, we have it scrapped before we even have unto date info on her.
I have seen the Ryde, albeit about a year ago, was shown around her by Mark Young, the main enthusiast that has spent years trying to save her, and has known her for many years.
I have been involved with the Medway Queen actively for 20 years, and have some idea of structure and strength of these ships. The Ryde was built as a Ferry, so is not light weight. Her framework is far heavier than the Medway Queen structure, The Medway Queen was built in 1924, and have endure far more trials and tribulation than the Ryde is likely to see, is she not still with us?
It matters little about the plate work, but the overall framework, as long as this is mainly sound, should be no problem.
However without financial backing it matters little one way or the other, but as quoted six months to get things up and running is a joke, and not viable, unless a reliable source of money is available and the owner pliable.
All things are possible with a bit of will power, perseverance and last but not least money.
 And remember the Medway Queen occupied the same berth, and that was moved out, albeit in better condition then in 1984/5 than the Ryde at present.
I spoke to Mark Young recently; there was not talk of scrapping then, only possible co-operation from the new owner, to further the project.
I believe the situation is not so bleak and futile as given, lets give her a chance first before entering the doldrums.
Len Knight.

[Channel]

Hi Chaps,

Firstly in relpy to David Allinson, the Ryde is located next to a boatyard. See pic attached. It would be very easy for a large crane to take something out of her. I would imagine their plan is to scrap her where she is and take the metal away by lorry . . .

In reply to Len, I hope her future isn't so bleak but talking to someone at the marina on the day I visited 2 weeks ago it sounded as if they want her shifted pretty soon as they have plans to develop the site. As Eddy suggested this gives little time for anything to be done.

I have emailed Mark about the her situation and am prepared to help with any rescue plan in anyway I can however I doubt the funds would be there to allow this. I'm pushed for time lately working as a passenger boat skipper and working on drawings of a small passenger paddle boat (16metres LOA/24 people).

To even consider moving Ryde from the pond would take a awful lot of replating to her hull to make her capable of floating and dredging. I have friends with tugs, barges and dredgers and know how much they cost  to hire in! You probably could keep her afloat just with airbags if her frame was strong enough but she'd need to be put on a barge to move any distance.

The very least we could to is save as much of her as possible . . . . . unless anyone has a few spare million pounds?

Cheers
Chris

[mjt60a]

....unless anyone has a few spare million pounds?

I wish I had! Unfortunately, the fact that I'd use it, if I had it, for a project like this pretty much guarantees that I never would have that kind of money...

[Channel]

Out of interest . . .

Anyone know the approx weight of the Ryde's engine?

Cheers
Chris

[scotfriend]

Hi PD's

is it possible to visit the PS Ryde at any time specially to the inside? I'm going to plan a visit to the UK between the 19th of August to the 25th of August and it would be a nice thing to visit the old ferry. Any ideas are well appreciated.

Thanks scotfriend

[Channel]

We managed a look onboard when we weren't being watched by the marina security. As she is in a bad state they don't people to go onboard . . .

Be very careful if you do venture on though . . . I'm not convinced her decks are that solid . . . . we only went just inside by the engine room.

Chris

[thewharfonline]

Of all the UK paddlers I liked the Ryde....it's a sad day to hear that she will be broken up...and I'm not a millionare...

...if I was there would be a few aussie boats I'd want to restore first!

...A paper thin hull is no good though. Mind you here's an idea, I own a piece of one of the barges from our river. It has a picture of the barge printed on it and it's name 'Argo' and four handy key hooks. At the shop I could also get a fish ruler. Both products are made from original parts of the vessel!

Isn't there some company that could turn this sad day into a good day. preserve bits of the boat, turn it into something else. Put pieces in museums, sell them on Ebay...don't let her go to the tip!

A fine vessel does not deserve to be there!