HMS Karrakatta (1889)

HMS Karakatta (or Karrakatta) was an Sharpshooter-class torpedo gunboat of the Royal Navy, launched in 1889. She formed part of the Auxiliary Squadron of the Australia Station from 1890 until 1903, and was sold in 1905.

Design
The Sharpshooter class was designed by Sir William White in 1888. They had a length overall of 242 ft, a beam of 27 ft and a displacement of 735 tons. They were engined with two sets of triple-expansion steam engines, two locomotive-type boilers, and twin screws. This layout produced 2500 ihp with natural draught and 3600 ihp with forced draught, giving them a top speed of 19 kn. They carried 100 tons of coal, giving them a range of about 2500 nmi at 10 kn and were manned by 91 sailors and officers.

Armament
At build the class was fitted with two QF 4.7 in/45-pounder guns and four 3-pounder guns. Five 14 in torpedo tubes were fitted, and three reloads were provided.

Construction
Originally named Wizard, she was built by Armstrong Whitworth, Elswick, Tyne and Wear, being laid down as yard number 546 on 17 August 1888. She was launched on 27 August 1889.

Service
Renamed Karrakatta on 2 April 1890, and commissioned for the first time in February 1891, she formed part of the Auxiliary Squadron of the Australia Station. She arrived in Sydney with the squadron on 5 September 1891, and in 1900 was reported as "employed in the protection of the floating trade in Australian waters". She left the Australia Station on 4 December 1903.

Fate
She was sold for £1875 in July 1905 at Portsmouth.