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A tour boat on Lake George, known as the Adirondac, is expected to resume operations in 2026 after a fire damaged it earlier this month. The fire, which started on December 8, affected the top deck of the 400-passenger vessel but was contained before reaching the first deck or hull. The boat's owners, Will and Katie Carson, plan to work with Scarano Boat Builders in Albany to repair the damage and get the Adirondac back on the water by next summer.
The goal is to have the boat operational with two decks by summer 2026, allowing it to host public cruises and private events. A third deck will be added later in the fall, with the aim of having the ship fully restored in time for the 40th annual Frostbite Cruise in January 2027.
Will Carson expressed his optimism, saying, "Next summer, 2026, a perfect world would be we have our first deck enclosed with a second deck canopy allowing us to operate our public cruises that we normally do along with the private events that we have scheduled."
The community has shown strong support for the restoration efforts, with many praising the dedication to bringing back a piece of Lake George history. A "Frostbite on Land" event is planned to keep the tradition alive and support the ship's journey back to the water.
Early assessments suggest that the hull can be saved, and the owners are committed to salvaging as much of the boat as possible. The Adirondac's return is seen as a significant milestone for Lake George, marking the revival of an iconic vessel.