On 21 September 1982 it was announced that TSS "Manxman" had been saved from the scrap man, and had been purchased by Marda (Squash) Ltd. for a sum in the region of £100,000. The company intended for her to be the centrepiece of a new leisure complex at Preston Docks. "Manxman" was to be sailed there under her own steam, a final outing in passenger service. She departed her berth at Birkenhead at 08.28 on 1 October, sailing the short distance to Liverpool Landing Stage where she moored. 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. She berthed at Preston at 12.45 and 'finished with engines' was rung on the ships telegraph at 12.48.