The Koonya was a wooden carvel screw steamer constructed in 1887 at Hobart, Tasmania, by shipbuilder William Bayes. Designed for both passenger and cargo service, she measured 110 feet (33.53 meters) in length on the keel, with a beam of 20 feet (6.10 meters) and a depth of 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 meters). Her construction featured high-quality seasoned timber, including blue gum for the keel, frame, kelson, and bottom planking; Oregon pine for the top; and kauri for decks and beams. The vessel was rigged as a fore-and-aft schooner with a flush deck surrounded by a Tasmanian Blackwood handrail. Her hull was fitted with engines from Ross and Duncan of Glasgow, employing the compound surface condensing principle, with a nominal horsepower of 30 and cylinders measuring 18 inches (0.46 meters) in stroke. Notably, she was equipped with Duncan's patent propeller. Her machinery was installed by Messis. Kennedy and Co., and she had a speed trial of nearly 10 miles per hour. Koonya's passenger accommodations included a spacious aft cabin, measuring 25 by 20 feet (7.62 by 6.10 meters), with designated quarters for officers and a special compartment for ladies. The bridge was amidships, with steering gear and the wheel situated there, reflecting her well-appointed design. Initially launched in May 1887, she was christened by Arthur Risby's daughter and quickly fitted with her machinery and final touches. Her service began with regular trips between Hobart, Tasman Peninsula, and Lewisham, later expanding to West Coast Tasmania trade, carrying gold, silver, and tin from mines. She changed ownership multiple times, including transfers to the United Steamship Co. and later the Moruya Steam Navigation Company, which operated her on the Sydney-Moruya route. Throughout her career, Koonya was involved in numerous incidents, including collisions, propeller losses, and groundings. Her notable wreck occurred on 25 January 1898 when she ran aground on Doboy Reef near Cronulla Beach during thick fog, after departing Moruya for Sydney. The vessel broke apart in heavy seas, with the stern section washing up on the rocks. Despite the wreck, her grounding was managed with passengers and crew safely evacuated, and her remains became a notable maritime wreck off New South Wales.

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