PRINDS GUSTAV paddle steamer

[aukepalmhof]

Built in 1837 as a wooden paddlesteamer on a yard at London for the Norwegian Government.
She was built after the same drawings as PRINDS CARL, but slightly larger
Tonnage 325 gross, dim. length 214ft.
Launched as PRINDS GUSTAV
Two 40hp steam engines, speed 8 knots.
Schooner rigged.
Building cost 51.600 spedaler.

March 1838 she arrived at Trondheim, thereafter used in the service from Trondheim to Tromso with a sailing every three weeks, would be used only for 7 months, in the service, only during the 5 summer months she sailed through to Hammerfest, during the winter laid up. During the night and during bad visibility she anchored. The distance of 545 sea miles from Trondheim to Hammerfest took her 8 days.
05 March 1838 under command of Captain A. Grunig she departed for the first time in this service with only 7 passengers on board.
The first class accommodation was situated aft on the main deck, comprising a gentlemen’s cabin with 10 berths and one for the ladies with 6 berths. Between the men and ladies cabins was a saloon.
Second class passengers got a 12 berth cabin, and the third class passengers had to do with the forward open part of the ship.
She was built mainly to carry passengers and mail, her cargo capacity was only 2 tons.

Later the PRINDS GUSTAV was used in the local traffic in the Lofoten.

1869 The Norwegian Government ceased its involvement in the passenger service, and in 1870/1871 the PRINDS GUSTAV was transferred to the Norwegian Navy.
By the navy used as shipyard repair ship.
Fate unknown.

Norway 1988 2k90 sg1045

Source: D Rodlie Watercraft Philately. Norwegian Coastal Shipping by F.W.Hawks.