A MAN who has helped keep Echuca's legendary paddlesteamers afloat is about to embark on one of his most challenging projects.
"It's probably the most rundown one I have worked on to date," the port's resident shipwright, Kevin Hutchinson, said of his new charge PS Success.
"They get sicker as time gets on. Each one is a little bit more wrecked than the last."
There is no doubt, however, that Kevin is the right man for the job.
The boat builder and repairer has been preparing Echuca's magnificent paddlesteamers for their second life on the Murray for as long as he can remember.
Kevin has restored five paddlesteamers to their former glory in the 37 years he has worked at the historic Port of Echuca.
He will spend the next 18 months painstakingly restoring PS Success, with the aid of a handful of apprentices.
"I am incredibly lucky," he reflects.
"I never thought I would be able to turn my love of restoring old paddlesteamers into a full-time job."
Built in Moama in 1877, PS Success was the last paddlesteamer to carry wool on the Darling and Murray rivers.
It was mainly used to transport cargo, although it moonlighted as a passenger boat from Swan Hill to Mildura between 1915-16. It also played a vital role in transporting supplies and rescuing sheep during the 1956 floods.
It was retired in 1957 at Neds Corner Station, 80km west of Mildura.
In 1996, the ship's owners, the Pollard family, donated the vessel to the Riverboat Historical and Preservation Society of Mildura, who moved it to the Old Mildura Homestead site for restoration.
"They ran out of funds and passed it on to us," Kevin said. "It's a big job. It hasn't been maintained for a long time."
Kevin will give the steamer a fresh lick of paint, fix up the new stem and stern, overhaul the engine and boiler.
He plans to shun many modern methods of boat repairs for the sake of authenticity.
"There's a lot of flash new equipment around these days, but you are better off doing things by hand," Kevin said.
"For example, we don't use air guns as they don't hold as well and we don't spray paint because it doesn't look as good."
The Port of Echuca also encourages enthusiasts to sign up for the Buy-A-Plank program to assist with the restoration costs.
In return, participants will receive their name (or a dedication of their choice) engraved on the inside of a new plank which will be fitted to the hull of the paddlesteamer.
They will also receive a commemorative plaque inlaid on a section of a plank from the original hull.
Visitors to the Port can also watch the PS Success being restored in the Ports Log Yard enclosure viewing area.
Visit www.portofechuca.org.au
