SS Arabia (1852)

SS Arabia was an ocean liner operated by Cunard. She was the last wooden-hulled ship built for the Cunard Line. On January 1, 1853, she departed on her maiden voyage with 60 passengers and 1,200 tons of coal. She was a luxurious ship for her time, with the saloon having a stained glass dome, and crimson velvet sofas.

SS Arabia (1852)

History
Name	Arabia
Owner	Cunard Line
Operator	Cunard Line
Port of registry	Glasgow, Scotland
Route	Liverpool to New York
Laid down	1852[1]
Launched	21 June 1852[1]
Completed	1852[1]
Maiden voyage	1 January 1853[1]
In service	1853
Fate	Sold 1865 and converted to sail, scrapped in 1867.[2]
General characteristics
Type	Paddle steamer
Tonnage	2,393 GRT, 1,359 NRT
Length	285 feet (87 m)[1]
Beam	41 ft (12 m)[1]
Depth	27.5 feet (8.4 m)
Installed power	9 feet (2.7 m) stroke engine with 103 inches (260 cm) diameter cylinder[1]
Propulsion	2× 36 feet (11 m) paddle wheels[1]
Speed	15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)[1]
Notes	Last wooden-hulled Cunard ship

Arabia was designed with a slim bow, and powerful engines in an attempt to win the blue riband, of which she never did. The combination of her narrow bow, wooden hull and powerful engines made her incredibly fast in smooth water, though greatly hampered in storms.

It was said the vibrations that Arabia suffered were so intense, that "her machinery shook her to pieces". This likely is why the RMS Persia of 1855 was built of iron, opposed to the wood of Arabia.

In 1858 enroute to New York, she collided with the Cunarder 'Europa' with minor damage, and continued her voyage. She was sold in 1865 to Robert Duncan, sold in 1866 to the Anglo-Egyptian Navigation Company of London, and scrapped in May, 1867.[3]

Steam engines of the Arabia