Although outwardly similar to the five previous post-war ships built by Cammell Laird, Manxman had a very different engine room lay-out than that of her five older sisters.

The ship was therefore offered to the Manxman Steamer Society, who instead ran a Liverpool to Douglas day excursion entitled Steam All The Way.

At 09.35 on 4 September 1982, Manxman departed Liverpool with her last ever sailing for the Isle of Man Steam Packet: a charter to Douglas run under the name 'Finished With Engines'.

With the Onchan Silver Band playing, and a flotilla of small vessels once more accompanying her, including a "guard" from Captain Stephen Carter and the tugs Union and Salisbury of the Laxey Towing Company, she set sail for Liverpool one last time.

On 3 October, with passengers paying £12.50 for a single ticket, and with beer on sale at 1955 prices (10p per pint), Manxman departed Liverpool at 09.07.

Following withdrawal from revenue service, and relocation to Preston Docks, Manxman's new owners intended to convert her into a floating museum and visitor centre.

She also featured in a Granada series called Scramble with Richard and Judy (before they were an item) the show provided help to people setting up businesses.

[2] A preservation group, The Manxman Steamship Company was formed with the aim of securing the historic ship, the last of her line, and the last remaining classic British passenger turbine steamer.

A charity cruise on board the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Lady of Mann took place to raise funds for the Manxman.

Several celebrities supported the Manxman Steamship Company, including Paul O'Grady, Tom O'Connor and Ken Dodd.

Whilst this process was being undertaken the dry dock and ship were used as a backdrop for a music video entitled “Pallion” featuring Lanterns on the Lake as part of the Northern Film + Media “Space Invasion” project.

[5] During sea trials on the River Clyde on 12 May 1955, TSS Manxman achieved the speed of 21.95 knots (25.26 mph) in what was known as the "Skermorlie Mile"