Yeah I was going to go with a independent drive system, but being such a light boat, and having two half inch paddlshafts would have been too much strain on the sponson frames. Other ideas was having hydraulic on each wheel. Either was the boat is going to move and might not be as easy to turn around as yours, but we have a bit more current in the river up here which always help, so not to worried! Thanks for the ideas!

Good to know you have a game plan,end of the day your the one who has live with your decisions.Have alway been impressed with the way the skippers use the current at Echuca upstream from Moana bridge to come around,especially the skipper on the Emmy Lou,true we don't have the current down stream,but what a beautiful river with all the changing moods.Good luck with Sundowner

I had a phone call from Michael: he has made a great deal of progress, and has been too busy to take or post photos (and is without a computer this week).  The cabin is vitually complete.  If nothing appears by mid January, I will take a selection when I collect Jessie II for my January cruise.  My November overseas tour took the place of a cruise.  I was at Tocumwal last weekend, the water was up, and should stay up for a month (irrigation season).
Michael is nearly ready to put Sundowner in the water, but not in mid January.  He is thinking of mid February.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

28th december 2009

It's coming along nicely Michael, how much will it weigh when completed? And how will you get it into the water?

Regards
Eddy

Michael has relocated from the farm to town, and his computer is not connected.
He is on annual leave, and using the time to get Sundowner into almost-cruisable condition (at the farm), for a launching around 20.2.
I won't be there, as I am rushing my February issue through before heading to Cuba.

He promises to get some photos up soon: first the latest construction progress, then the launching.

Regards,
Roderick

Here she is as of yesterday, though the front deck is finished and the rudder is bolted on with a coat of paint.
Still trying to work out transport at this stage

Hi PD's.......& looking brilliant Michael ....who smashed up the Port paddle box skin?    ....Derek

Nice progress. When are you going to mount the paddle-wheels?

yeah had a little accident with the sheet when mounting it,but nothing to damaging, paddleshaft and wheels were fitted on today, didn't take a photo though

17th febuary

It's looking better and better! What with are the paddlewheels going to be?

Hi PD's......just imagine sitting out on the quarter deck of PS Sundowner enjoying a  ...with a few mates  ......watching the rudder  ...whilst Captain Michael pilots a course for the afternoon BBQ .....

Great project Michael............Derek

The big day is at hand.  Michael is launching on Friday, at Echuca East ramp, which has room for the crane to swing.  He is then propelling downstream to Echuca wet dock, using a tinnie (possibly his own Bunyip; I cannot have Jessie II available).  This will take an hour.
I want to be present, but am leaving for Cuba next morning, and have yet to finish my formalities and mail out February RNV.
I have asked Michael to tow past the Port of Echuca webcam, and then phone me to log on at that minute.  I can try to put out an alert to the group's worldwide readers.  c12.00 Fri. Australia is c1.00 Fri. UK, and c18.00 Thurs. USA.
www.echucamoama.com/river-web-cam

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

Michael is bringing Sundowner under Echuca bridge in 3 min.  (13.30 Australia)
See the previous message for the webcam; I am there (ie the webcam), and Emmylou has just com under.

Regards,
Roderick