Three historic Murray River paddle steamers for sale

A FLEET of Murray River paddle steamers has sailed on to the market.

Max Vulling on board the PS Canberra as PS Emmylou passes by. Picture: Mike Keating

A FLEET of Murray River paddle steamers has sailed on to the market.

The three historic Echuca vessels are up for grabs for $3.8 million.

Murray River Paddle Steamers has been a tourism drawcard for 18 years.

The pride of the fleet, the PS Emmylou, was built in 1982 and has a 1906 engine.

It was immortalised as the PS Providence in the 1980s TV miniseries, All The Rivers Run. The boat was named after American country singer Emmylou Harris, who visited it in the 1980s.

Owner Max Vulling said the business offered a great lifestyle, but it was time for a new captain to take the helm.

The former Melbourne builder, who had no boating background when he bought the first vessel, said the new owner could reap the benefits of a streamlined operation.

“People are out to enjoy themselves, all you have to do is look after them,” he said.

The PS Canberra was built in 1912 and refurbished in 2002 with a 1923 steam engine.

The Pride of the Murray was launched in 1924.

Handel Aubrey, of Ray White, said the boats would be advertised worldwide.