The aim of the Foundation for Paddle Steamers Worldwide is to raise awareness of and interest in Paddle Steamers through a presence on the internet where enthusiasts and the general public alike can, through the the regularly updated Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape database, learn about Paddle Steamers and their operations, past and present.

It is hoped that increased interest will lead to increased patronage of existing Paddle Steamers and growing support for the organisations which are now closely involved in ensuring that they will continue to sail on long into the future and which are working towards restoring decommissioned ships for future service.

Passengers queue up for a trip on PS Blumlisalp on lake Thun (right). This paddler was derelict before being saved by enthusiasts. The Foundation believes that Paddle Steamers add something extra to a boat trip, generate a lot of public interest   and inspire enthusiasts to support them in other ways also. Click here to find out why.

A commercial ship has little future unless it is doing what it was built to do - sail in revenue service. Paddle Steamers can have good long-term prospects because they are significant revenue earners for their operators and are also recognised as having exceptional tourism-generating potential by public authorities in the areas in which they operate.

However, steamships generally do have higher operating costs than modern motor vessels and it is accepted that operators do need some external support in maintaining their paddle steamer fleets.
The organisations through which enthusiasts can make a real difference in helping to ensure the continued operation of these classic vessels are already there and have been extremely successful in their efforts. This makes Paddle Steamers ideal vessels for the wider marine enthusiast community to support.

Paddle Steamers became very successful on rivers, lakes and in estuarine waters, but just when their final demise was anticipated, a remarkable renaissance began. Rather than heading to the scrap yard, "life-expired" paddlers such as "Savoie" on Lake Geneva, seen here in dry dock in 2005 are now being totally refurbished for many more years' service. Click here for more.  

DATABASE MAIN MENU 

Click on the links in the left hand column of the table below to go to the required section of the database

Homepage

The Foundation for Paddle Steamers Worldwide's objectives and views.
How to contact the webmaster - acknowledgements - about this site

Operational Paddle Steamers
Laid up Steamers
Statically Preserved Paddle Steamers
Paddle Steamers Under Construction
Lost Paddle Steamers
Paddle Steamers of the past
Paddle Steamer Engines
Clyde Steamers
British Paddle Steamer Index
Photograph Archive
Paddle Tugs
Stern-wheelers
Paddle Steamer Support Organisations 

In public service, their operating companies and website links (includes motor paddlers)
Paddlers under restoration for a possible return to service or still awaiting their fate
Paddle Steamers decommissioned and now with new roles as restaurants, museums etc
Projects for new paddle steamers
Vessels scrapped in recent years
By country and area : Paddle Steamers and service operators of the past
General Description and link to view Operational and preserved paddle steamer engines
The ultimate fleet of coastal cruising steamers
Search here for British Paddle Steamers
The webmaster's photograph collection in thumbnail form
Preserved paddle Tugs
Steamships or diesel conversions propelled by a stern wheel (Mississippi-style)
Organisations you can join or channel financial assistance through 

In Greater Depth
Webmaster's Blog
External website links

Articles and photographs : current issues and vessel profiles
Personal comments on matters of steamer preservation interest - your comments welcomed !
Sites listed in the database plus other sites of interest (European ships) 

OTHER ASSOCIATED WEBSITES

Clyde Turbine Steamer Foundation
Steamships (with Reciprocating Engines)
Tramscape Tramway Photographs

Clyde and other passenger turbine steamers, surviving ferries and ocean liners
Vessels for which there are photographs in the Tramscape collection only
Link to Tramscape's extensive tramway photograph collection