She was purchased by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 1919 as replacement for wartime losses.

Built in the Govan yards of Fairfields & Co. in 1907, the vessel had a registered tonnage of 1,219 GRT; length 261'; beam 36' and a depth of 16'.

However, industry as a whole was in a disorganised and seriously run-down state after the challenges of the war years, and new vessels could not possibly be built in time for the tourist influx of 1919.

Renamed Mona, she was the first of five vessels purchased by the Steam Packet Company between 1919 and 1920, and was bought from G. and J. Burns of Glasgow on 21 May 1919, who were acting on behalf of the Laird Line.

On 2 July 1930, Mona ran ashore on the Conister Rock in Douglas Bay, an accident that caused the outer face of the Victoria Pier to be painted white in order to make it more distinctive.