The PS Ruby was built in 1907 at Morgan, South Australia by David Low Milne at the request of Captain Hugh King.

The Ruby remained stationary for 12 days, costing the Murray Shipping Company almost £2000, and requiring the assistance of six other riverboats to return her to the river.

While the Ruby did sink at the Wentworth wharf, she was soon refloated and towed across the river to a basin that was soon drained, leaving the boat high and dry.

[1]: 32–33  Initially, the Wentworth Rotary Club relied on the local community and private donations to assist the restoration of the PS Ruby.

After 30 years out of water, a full restoration was required (this included procedures such as excavating surrounding land and placing the hull on steel girders).

In September 2003, the Ruby was towed to Wentworth wharf to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first paddle steamers navigating the Murray River.

The boiler was also installed, and during 2005 a substantial amount of work was undertaken in renovating and rebuilding the 1926 Robey & Co 20 nominal horsepower portable steam engine.

[1]: 38 * There is no Cabin 13 The machinery of the PS Ruby consisted of a 70 psi boiler attached to a 20 nominal horsepower 2-cylinder Robey & Co high pressure horizontal steam engine (built in Lincoln, England).

[1]: 31 The Ruby was refitted with a 1926 Robey & Co 20 nominal horsepower portable steam engine and boiler in 2004, following a donation for the Wentworth Shire Council and grants from the NSW Heritage Office.