A paddle wheel is an engine-driven, turning mechanism that propels a boat, usually a steamboat, but for simplicity purposes; The Cane River Queen, through the water. It's known as a waterwheel. Scoop-shaped paddles, or buckets, are attached around the outer edge of the wheel's circle. Each bucket, or scoop, connects to a spoke; the spokes all meet at a round hub section in the center of the paddle wheel.