b'do for everything from doors to wallpaper to carpets andWith proper maintenance, Lebet said that a vessels lifes-more. It has to do with insulation, and he further recom- pan could seem indefinite. He mentioned a few boats that mended that operators look into what type of structuralhis team has worked on including a Coast Guard certifi-fire protection they have as they start planning.cated wooden boat docked in New York City which was built in 1926. Theyve also worked on a casino boat that Certain work will require that a boat is hauled out of thewas built in 1972, and he thinks could easily run for an-water. Lebet pointed out that if a boat is going to be out ofother 20 years. If youre doing your every two-year dry service for one project, it may be the perfect opportunity todock, youre doing your every year inspection, and keep-tackle a renovation on your wish list, even if those changesing up with all the maintenance and stuff on it. Im not dont themselves require dry dock time. Perhaps its air con- sure there is a limit, he said regarding a vessels life. With ditioning system improvements, removing a closet, or mak- possible decades yet to go in a boat, it makes investment ing aesthetic updates. Doing as much work as possible whilein upgrades and modernizations seem well worth it for a vessel is out of operation can be an efficient use of time.operators of legacy fleets. DeJong & Lebet have worked on many renovations for PVA members existing vessels. The top two photos show the before (top) and after (bottom) of a 160 casino vessel that was converted to hybrid propulsion with a glass enclosure and lengthened to 168 for Hornblower. The Grande Mariner was a 186 100-passenger overnight vessel that was converted to a 600-passenger event/dinner cruise vessel for NYC Water Cruises. On the bottom left is the Georgia Queen, a 196 sternwheeler that was converted from casino boat to a dinner cruise/event vessel with a full galley and service elevator added.PVA 2025 REGION MEETINGSSPONSORSHIPOPPORTUNITIES REGISTRATION INCLUDED SPONSORSHIP BENEFITSWhen you sponsor a PVA regionLogo placement on promotional meeting, your sponsorship will materials with a link to yournow come with one complimentarycompanys siteregion meeting registration to the event youre supporting. Verbal recognition during the meetingSupporting PVA events isnt justRecognition in FoghornPHOTO: DEJONG & LEBET, INC.good exposureits a direct line to vessel operators, industry leaders,and decision-makers across theSPONSOR TODAYmaritime passenger industry.25 JULY 2025'