The SS (RMS) Snaefell (II) was an iron paddle steamer operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, built in 1876 by Cairn & Co. in Glasgow. This vessel was notable for its relatively compact size compared to earlier ships, measuring 251 feet 3 inches in length, with a beam of 29 feet 3 inches and a depth of 14 feet 1 inch. Her gross registered tonnage was 849 GRT. The ship was equipped with engines producing 1,700 shaft horsepower (approximately 1,300 kW), enabling a service speed of around 15 knots (about 17 mph). Snaefell’s construction included the purchase of her at a cost of £28,250. Her engines and boilers were supplied by Cairn & Co., with her initial design and build reflecting the technological standards of the late 19th century. Throughout her service life, she underwent notable upgrades, including the installation of new boilers in 1885 by Fawcett, Preston & Company of Liverpool, at a cost of £8,512. In 1895, she was also fitted with electric lighting, which marked a significant technological improvement at a cost of £425. Throughout her operational career, Snaefell served various ports along the Isle of Man and surrounding regions, proving to be a successful vessel despite her smaller size. Her service was punctuated by several collisions: early on, she collided with the barque Lily of Devon in the River Mersey in 1876; in April 1881, she was involved in a collision off Douglas Head with the Osprey; in 1888, she sustained severe damage after hitting the steamship Maranhense, requiring repairs in Liverpool; and in 1892, a collision with the Norwegian vessel Kaleb caused damage to both ships, leading to legal proceedings that ultimately found both vessels at fault. Snaefell’s operational career concluded in 1905 when she was scrapped. Her history reflects the typical life cycle of a 19th-century paddle steamer, contributing to regional maritime transport and showcasing technological advancements of her era.

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