HMS Merlin was the lead vessel of her class of three 2-gun paddle packet boats built for the Royal Navy in the 1830s. Constructed at Pembroke Dockyard, Wales, she was ordered on 10 March 1838, laid down shortly thereafter, and launched on 18 September 1838. She was completed by April 1839 and commissioned in the same month. The vessel measured 175 feet (53.3 meters) in length at the gun deck and 153 feet 6 inches (46.8 meters) along the keel. Her beam was 33 feet 2 inches (10.1 meters), with a depth of hold of 16 feet 5 inches (5 meters). Her tonnage was recorded as 889 tons burthen. The Medusa-class paddle packet boats, including Merlin, were powered by a pair of steam engines rated at 312 nominal horsepower, which drove paddlewheels, enabling her to operate independently of wind conditions. Her armament consisted of two 6-pounder carronades, suitable for her role as a packet and patrol vessel. Initially based in Liverpool, Merlin served in the Irish Sea, providing packet service. In 1848, she was modified for service in the Mediterranean, reflecting her versatility and the Royal Navy’s strategic needs. From 1854, she was converted into a survey ship, and in 1855 she was transferred to the Baltic Sea, highlighting her role in maritime surveying and regional operations during this period. In 1856, she was further transformed into a gunvessel and was assigned to the West Coast of Africa Station, underscoring her continued active service. Merlin was decommissioned and paid off on 23 April 1858. She was listed for sale in September 1861 and sold on 18 May 1863 to A. E. Williams & Co., who renamed her Sea Hawk for commercial use. Her varied service history illustrates her adaptability and significance within the Royal Navy’s fleet during the mid-19th century.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.