b'Dan Yates at Portland Spirit worked with Andy Lebet and his team to lengthen an 80 vessel to 98 in order to seat larger wedding parties together on a single deck. The photo on the right shows the vessel after work was completed.Converting to a system weight would have a greater impact on performance for fast, aluminum boats regularly traveling at higher speeds. utilizing lithium-ionConverting to a system utilizing lithium-ion batteries would batteries would bring bring considerations beyond weight and space needs. Lebet pointed out that an operator would also have to look at fire considerations beyondprotection systems and insulation of spaces with this type of battery on board. Vessels like dinner boats also have sig-weight and space needs.nificant hotel loads that require large generators. For cruises suchasanopen-airsightseeingtourwithoutagalleyor without the need for much air conditioning, this wouldnt Lebet pointed out that anbe as big of an issue. The dinner boats could consider using operator would also havelithium-ion batteries only for the propulsion system. Instead of converting to alternative propulsion systems, its to look at fire protectionmore common to repower with the latest EPA (Environ-mental Protection Agency) tier engines that a vessel requires. systems . with this type Pudlo explained that modern electronically controlled die-sel engines are quite efficient. Operators with conventional of battery on board.propulsion systems may also be able to use alternative fuels. 21 JULY 2025'