SS Home

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SS Home
Owners:	Red Bank line, New York City
Builders:	Allaire Works, New York City
Launched:	1836
Christened:	Not christened
Maiden voyage:	1836
Fate:	Wrecked off Hatteras in 1837
General characteristics
Gross Tonnage:	537
Displacement:
Length:	220 feet (67 m)
Beam:	22 feet (6.7 m)
Power:	steam engine
Propulsion:	2 paddles amidship
Speed:
Number of Passengers:	90
Crew:	40

The SS Home was a steam packet ship built in 1836 and sunk in 1837 and commanded by Captain Carleton White.

The Home was built for Mr. James B. Allaire, of New York City, a ship of 537 tons (487,158 kg), 220 feet (67 m) long and with a beam of 22 feet (7 m), propelled by two paddle-wheels mounted amidship. Like other ships of its day, the Home had masts, sails, and rigging as well.

On Saturday, October 7, 1837 the Home set out from New York City bound for Charleston, South Carolina with about 90 passengers and 40 crew on board. The Home had only made two voyages to Charleston prior to this voyage. The Home struck a sandbar off the New Jersey coast. Unaware of the extent of the damage, her captain proceeded on schedule to Charleston when it encountered the 1837 Racer's Storm and started taking on water as she rounded Cape Hatteras. She was put aground to ride out the developing storm. Before rescue operations could be effected the next day, the Home was torn to pieces by the surf and 90 lives were lost.

The Home had been originally constructed for river trade, but converted into a passenger liner. The ship’s interior was paneled in deep mahogany and cherry wood with skylights, saloons, and luxurious passenger quarters.

A total of $115,000 had been spent converting the Home for ocean voyages but it was equipped with only three lifeboats and two life preservers. The Home was insured for only $35,000.