Snaefell was considered fast for her day, and had a service speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[3] She reduced the passage time from Douglas – Liverpool to 4hrs 20mins, suggesting a service speed of approximately 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph).

On 19 September 1863, Snaefell collided with the Mersey Flat Mary Agnes at Liverpool.

[4] On 20 October 1864, she collided with the steamship Hibernia at Liverpool whilst bound for Douglas.

Thomas Lewis was given command at a salary of £225 (equivalent to £26,462 in 2023) a year, reduced to half pay during lay up.