HMS Merlin (1838)

The survey vessel Merlin narrowly escaping destruction by two Russian mines off Sveaborg early in August 1855 by John Wilson Carmichael
History
United Kingdom
NameMerlin
Ordered10 March 1838
BuilderPembroke Dockyard
Laid downApril 1838
Launched18 September 1838
CompletedApril 1839
Commissioned20 April 1839
ReclassifiedAs gunvessel, 1856
FateSold, 18 May 1863
General characteristics (as built)
Class and typeMerlin-class packet boat
Tons burthen889 14/94 bm
Length
  • 175 ft (53.3 m) (Gun deck)
  • 153 ft 6 in (46.8 m) (Keel)
Beam33 ft 2 in (10.1 m)
Depth16 ft 5 in (5.0 m)
Installed power312 nhp
Propulsion2 × Steam engines
Armament2 × 6-pdr carronades

HMS Merlin was the name ship of her class of three 2-gun paddle packet boats built for the Royal Navy during the 1830s. She was converted into a survey ship in 1854 and then into a gunvessel two years later. The ship was decommissioned in 1858 and was sold into commercial service in 1863.