Steam propulsion gave commanders movement without favorable wind, but it also required coal, coaling stations, trained maintainers, and machinery that could fail catastrophically. Masts and sails could often be repaired aboard ship with spare timber and canvas, while damaged engines and boilers demanded specialized parts and skills. The US Navy's Demologos was launched in 1815, and the Royal Navy's early practical uses for steam included tugs and similar small craft. Major sailing warships such as the 110-gun HMS Queen nevertheless remained rational investments because the new propulsion system did not yet dominate every mission.
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Why sail persisted after steam arrived
Steam freed ships from the wind but imposed coal, repair, boiler, and supporting-infrastructure demands that sail avoided.