The story of the Proud Mary goes back to 1981 when it was crafted by the talented hands of Ron Proud at the Berri Ship Building Company. Naval Architect, Mr. Peter James, had a vision for this vessel, and his design was influenced by the iconic Mississippi riverboats and the historic paddle steamers that played a big part in shaping this region’s story. The boat’s shallow draft is a clever feature that lets us navigate those areas of the river that are a bit more challenging for larger vessels, ensuring you get a real taste of the Murray’s magic.

Here it is shown at Morgan, established in 1836, a picturesque town along the Murray River in South Australia, known for its historic buildings, riverboat heritage, and role in the state’s early pastoral and transportation development, including the Overland Telegraph and paddle steamer era.