It is a huge shame that she may be set to leave the Isle of Wight but the time has come for her to move onto pastures new. The Monarch has been a huge success on the island, but personal circumstances have changed and we would only be able to run a weekend, charter only service from 2011 and our aim has always been to ensure that everybody (no matter how much money they have) can enjoy the boat on a daily basis. Paddle steamers aren't elitist, and they need to be used regularly to let them earn their keep-hence we took the sad decision to send her to the auction.
Below, you will see the information copied from the pre sale information sheet-if we can be of any assistance to potential bidders-just get in touch. We will be running the usual service up until Friday 27th-so you need to be quick and grab your space early!!
Pre Sale Information:
The Monarch is known throughout the world as the smallest paddle steamer in commercial use, and is one of just three examples in British waters to date.
The vessel is powered by a diagonally mounted, compound reciprocating engine which is supplied with steam by a horizontal, shell and tube boiler built for oil firing. The working pressure of the engine is between 130-160 psi, with the maximum boiler pressure set at 180 psi. The boiler is inspected by a independent examiner, and has full hydraulic and steam test certificates as well as metal certificates for all materials used in its construction.
The feathering paddle wheels are of steel construction and have adjustable nylon bearings which are lubricated and cooled by river/sea water.
Also on board is a Paguro 3000 diesel electric generator, powering the Riello oil burner, electric circulating pump, lighting and 12v supplies as well as having ample capacity for the use of power tools or ancillary equipment.
A full ultrasonic survey has been carried out on the vessel (results overleaf) and it is currently fitted with a full compliment of zinc anodes.
The hull has been sandblasted and treated with several layers of zinc based primer, bitumastic covering and finally antifoul.
Boiler Work
Monarch’s boiler is a double pass, dryback, shell and tube design. The pressure vessel was re tubed by Peter Phillips, of Chatham Steam, in 2008 and in 2009 the dryback casing was renewed and the refractory recast by engineers at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. A new pressure relief valve was fitted in 2010, with the secondary valve being overhauled and tested.
A steam powered, auxiliary boiler feed pump was installed in 2009 and rests on a bracket mounted between the dryback casing and steam dome.
Engine Work
The engine has been overseen by Len Pullinger, senior engineer of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. In its time on the Isle of Wight, the valve gear die blocks have been machined, valve travel set correctly and cylinders and pistons fully inspected. An additional drain point has been installed in the LP reception chamber to assist with cold starting.
Crosshead and slide bar lubrication has been converted to oil from grease and is supplied by 6 wick fed oilers originally used on the PS Ryde’s triple expansion engine.
When undertaking work to repair the condensers upper raw water baffle, the economizer assembly was also inspected and a relief valve installed to prevent the feed water system from overheating should a fault occur. This failsafe has been used once, when seaweed clogged the raw water intake and allowed the crew to work on the issue without alarm.
Performance
Monarch cruises at around 6 knots, which equates to approx 42 rpm. The boiler uses 2.5 US Gallons per hour and currently burns red diesel; Monarch’s bunkers hold 40 gallons of fuel under the foredeck.
Whilst designed as a river/lake steamer, she has been used against strong tides with success, notably the River Tamar and the chain ferry crossing on the River Medina.
The vessel is transported easily by road, craning and haulage has always been carried out by Kingswell Heavy Haulage whilst based on the Island, and they have a good knowledge Monarch’s requirements.
The vessel is steered hydraulically and has an emergency tiller arm. The steering pump has recently been overhauled and performs well.
The Paguro generator has benefitted from a new alternator set and has been upgraded to 4kva from 3. It is raw water cooled and serviced annually by Brent Marine based in Newport Harbour.
Television
Monarch is to be featured on the Edwardian Farm, the follow on series to the popular Victorian Farm, in mid December on BBC2. She will also be featured on BBC’s Country Tracks and has been a firm favourite of ITV Meridian Tonight who filmed a short documentary on the vessels renovation.
Being such a rarity, Monarch is often in demand by filming companies who are attracted by her ability to be transported easily to any part of the country.
