Walter,
          I am deeply hurt. How can you compare those pompous tourist transporters that you people call Paddlesteamers with our beutiful, rugged, workhorses who have struggled all their working life on the river.To be denigrated in such a manner is tantamount to a duel. Lets say yours ugly duckling called the P.S. Waverley against our lovely "Grand Old Lady" the P.S.Adelaide in a theoretical tug of war. and let the matematicians in the group (preferably from a neutral group like Canada, America or New Zealand) decide an outcome.

Of course Waverley would win a tug of war.
Given a major sponsor, Adelaide could cruise from the Hebrides to the Thames.  Enough river steamers did the coastal journey Adelaide - Goolwa (and a couple did the run to Lakes Entrance, on transfer).  I guess that a PS Decoy transfer to/from WA was also self powered?  Certainly, plenty of boats have conquered the crossing of Lake Alexandrina (large, rough, and with the only lighthouse on an inland waterway in Australia).
Even with a major sponsor, Waverley couldn't make Echuca - Torrumbarry, let alone Albury - Goolwa.  I have no time to Photoshop the vision.

Horses for courses, and fitness for purpose.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

WIN?!! of course waverley would win , with one paddle tied to the rudder and the chief engineer sitting in the saloon eating plum duff!!. Sorry i stirred  up such a hornets nest BUT I MeANT TO,  What is life without a bit of strife and fisticuffs! Remember these messages are there to get replies. Really I quite admire your paddlers for their simplicity and longevity.  Regards, Walter.

with one paddle tied to the rudder and the chief engineer sitting in the saloon eating plum duff!!.
Walter what would the health and safety people have to say about running a boat in that manner. I also agree with your reasons for the stirring of the proverbial pot.
Peter W