ONE of the PS Pevensey’s planks has cracked and ‘‘additional planks’’ will need repairing in the next 12 months.
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But how much that will cost will not be known until a ‘‘full assessment and costing schedule’’ is completed, according to council.
Its economic and community development general manager Keith Oberin said the tourist boat was being slipped as part of a scheduled slipping required every two years.
‘‘There is a crack in one plank, this occurs when bending the plank,’’ he said. ‘‘The crack did travel through about 30 per cent of the plank. It has been repaired to the standard required.’’
Mr Oberin said there were additional planks in the rear of the paddlesteamer which will need repairing in the next year.
‘‘Exactly how many planks is yet to be determined and will be assessed prior to returning the paddlesteamer to the river,’’ he said.
‘‘This problem could not be assessed before the paddlesteamer was slipped, given it was underwater, and became evident after the Pevensey was on the slipway. Given lead times for seasoned wood and the additional time to repair, it is not possible to complete this work during this slipping.’’
After an assessment, a detailed proposal will be prepared for council. In 2017 the Pev received an engine overhaul and maintenance, including caulking and plank replacement, minor painting works, internal frame renewal, slipping and bi-annual roads and maritime inspections, replacement of fairleads and reframing of both paddle boxes.
Council budgeted $274,000 on works for the Pev and the D26 barge with the project under budget.
The Pev can carry 100 passengers and is world-renowned for its role as Philadelphia in the Australian television mini-series All the River Run, made in Echuca in 1982-1983.
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