SS Mona (1832)

PS (RMS) Mona (I) - the first vessel in the Company's history to be so named - was a wooden paddle steamer which was operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. No Official number is recorded for the vessel, as formal registration was not introduced until the Merchant Shipping Act 1854.

Construction and dimensions
Mona was built in by Robert Napier & Co., Glasgow, and work began in 1831. She was launched on Friday July 27th 1832, and came into service with the line later that year. She was of wooden construction, and had a registered tonnage of 150 GRT; length 98'; beam 17'; depth 9'6". Her engine developed 70 horse power, and this gave her a speed of 9 knots.

Service life
Mona was the second vessel which entered service with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. She was hurriedly ordered for the winter service in place of the larger Mona's Isle, which was soon considered too valuable to risk in storm conditions. Mona initially started on the Company's service to Whitehaven, and then commenced winter service to Liverpool in October 1832.

Faster than the Mona's Isle, she cut the Douglas-Liverpool run to 7hrs, and on one occasion made passage from Douglas to Whitehaven in 4hrs, 35mins.

Disposal
Mona was the smallest vessel in the Company's Fleet List. After less than 10 years service she was sold to an unnamed Liverpool company and then re-sold to the City of Dublin Company who converted her to a tug.