Ep 9. P.A. Denny Riverboat

The Salvage Dawgs are at it again in season 4, episode 9, as they head to Virginia to take on their latest project - the P.A. Denny Riverboat. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical preservation and restoration as the team tackles the challenge of bringing this 1890s steam-powered riverboat back to life.

The P.A. Denny Riverboat was originally built in 1890 and operated as a cargo vessel, transporting everything from grain to coal up and down the Ohio River. In the 1940s, it was converted into a floating restaurant and served delicious meals to patrons for over 50 years before being retired in 2007. Since then, it has been sitting idle and deteriorating in the water.

The Salvage Dawgs are no strangers to taking on large and complex projects, but the P.A. Denny Riverboat poses a unique challenge because it's in the water. The team has to navigate the working conditions on the river and deal with the constant threat of strong currents and unpredictable tides. But the Dawgs are up for the challenge, and their first order of business is to remove the paddlewheel, which is no easy feat given its size and weight.

Once the paddlewheel is removed, the team turns their attention to the boat's interior. They discover that many of the original features of the boat are still intact, including the steam engine and original woodwork. The Dawgs are determined to salvage as much of the original material as possible and incorporate it into their restoration plans.

As they work, the team learns some fascinating history about the P.A. Denny Riverboat, including that it was named after a prominent businessman in the area who would use the boat to transport his own personal goods up and down the river. They also discover a hidden compartment on the boat that was likely used during prohibition to smuggle illegal alcohol.

The Salvage Dawgs are a tight-knit team, and their personalities and camaraderie shine through in this episode. They face some unexpected setbacks along the way, but they work through them together and never lose sight of their ultimate goal - to bring the P.A. Denny Riverboat back to its former glory.

Fans of Salvage Dawgs and restoration projects alike won't want to miss this episode. It's a fascinating look at the challenges involved in restoring a piece of history that has been neglected for decades. The team's dedication and determination are truly inspiring, and their work on the P.A. Denny Riverboat serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our past for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.