The empty machinery space makes clear how much of M33 had once been filled by engines and boilers simply to reach about eight knots. That machinery needed torque rather than glamorous top speed because an inshore monitor had to counter current and hold a consistent angle for accurate fire. Anchoring could steady the ship, but it also slowed escape when an enemy battery began shooting back. Enough power to conduct a shoot-and-scoot bombardment therefore contributed directly to both gunnery and survival.
Notable Point · 14:52-17:16
Engine power held the firing position
M33 devoted much of her small hull to machinery because controlling drift and escaping counter-fire mattered more than achieving high speed.