Historic vessel Elsie Evans has returned to Otago Harbour after it was taken out of the water earlier this month for maintenance.
The 123-year-old boat had wood replaced, pipes updated, new paint added and the fender removed during its renovations.
Otago Harbour Ferry Inc chairman Shem Sutherland said doing regular maintenance allowed them to prevent any big problems that could occur with a boat of its age.
"We’re just sort of maintaining her and keeping her in what would you call a state of operation."
All the labour was done voluntarily and Mr Sutherland did 40 hours himself.
"It’s a wooden boat, so you don’t want them to be out of the water too long because they’ll start drying up and it costs money."
The "heritage" chosen reflected the "elegant" lines of the boat, Mr Sutherland said.
"Being an old lady, it’s like a cosmetic makeover for an old girl."
The society had been told by a boat builder that it would last for another 100 years.
"So the society’s aim is to make sure that she lasts another 100 years, and there’s a tangible link to the colourful historic maritime history you have in the harbour," Mr Sutherland said.
