Stern -Wheelers had attracted considerable public attention following their use by the Nile expedition. A total of ten boats (length, 100ft.; beam 18ft.; draught 18in.) were built by Messrs. Yarrow and Co., some being fitted out as gunboats, the hulls were divided into several transverse sections, each section having water-tight bulkheads at both ends. When afloat they drew 6in., and were of a size suitable for easy shipment in a vessel's hold, and could be readily handled and transported overland.