What Does SS Mean On A Boat Name?
When looking at some older boats, you might have wondered what does SS mean on a boat name? In this article, we’ll touch on the history of steamships, the meaning of “SS” on a boat’s name, and its usage in modern times.
The meaning of the SS boat name
The “SS” prefix on the ship name of a motor vessel typically stands for an abbreviation of “steamship” or “steamship.” This hails back to the days when steam engines powered boats and ships. These boats are sometimes also referred to as “steamers.”
Before modern diesel-powered boats, steamships were widely used for commercial purposes such as cargo and passenger transportation. While steamships are still in use today, they have primarily been replaced by more efficient diesel-powered vessels.
Boats and ships powered by steam date back to the early 1800s, with the Clermont’s maiden voyage in 1807. Steam engines were first used on riverboats, revolutionizing their speed and efficiency to such an extent that they soon became the primary form of propulsion for larger ships on the seas.
As steam-powered vessels became more common, “SS” was added as a prefix indicating they had steam for propulsion. Famous ocean liners like the RMS Titanic, RMS Lusitania, and RMS Britannic all have this designation, showcasing the importance and ubiquity of steam shipping during this period.
“RMS” stands for “Royal Mail Ship” or “Royal Mail Steamer,” and it was used as a prefix for many ships chartered by the British Royal Mail for mail transportation. The prefix was granted to vessels that met specific speed, size, and equipment standards and held significant prestige.
From 1891 to the mid-1960s, the Royal Mail officially used this prefix on famous ships such as the RMS Titanic, RMS Lusitania, and RMS Queen Mary.
Today, the use of the “SS” designation has changed. With the advent of diesel and gas-powered engines, steam engines are no longer the standard in marine transportation.
However, some boat owners choose to use “SS” in the name of their vessel as a nod to the history of steamships or to give their boat a specific theme. For example, a boat owner might name his boat “SS Adventurer” to evoke the spirit of the great ocean liners of the past.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “SS” on a boat’s name refers to the days when steam engines powered boats and ships. While steam engines have largely been replaced by diesel and gas-powered engines, “SS” is still used on some boats’ names as a nod to the history of marine transportation or to give a specific theme to the ship.
In summary, the SS in a boat’s name stands for “steamship” or “steam vessel,” indicating that it is powered by a steam engine rather than a modern diesel or gasoline engine.
