Why early steamships kept their sails

Early steam vessels used paddle wheels to turn modest engine power into movement through the water. High coal consumption initially favored harbor tugs, river traffic, and coastal routes near refueling ports. On longer voyages, a favorable wind let a ship save coal by using sail and reserve steam for contrary winds or calms. Merchant captains had economic reasons to limit engine use, while naval officers also disliked smoke damage and feared a decline in seamanship. Removable paddle components could be dismantled and stowed on deck when the ship sailed.