>>52374Realistically, months, if not years. Same goes for the United States (above), HMS Plymouth (also above) and any other old steam ship. Look how much effort went into the old Rotterdam, just to get her into display condition. And she was TOWED home. The restoration of Maid of the Loch is expected to be finished in 3 years, and that's an optimistic timetable. With a full-time professional crew and unlimited funds it wouldn't take so long, but there is much work still to be done.
Firstly, the biggest problem is the boilers. If the boiler inspector says everything is OK, no problem. If they need re-tubing, not such a big problem, but it will take a lot of work. If any of the boilers are beyond repair, then you have to start cutting holes in the deck to replace them. This was the case with maid of the Loch, which had the old boiler removed. Funding is being sought to buy a new one.
The engines: Turbines are fairly simple things, but no doubt all the bearings will need looking at.
Ancilliary equipment: Steering gear, pumps, lifesaving equipment, refrigeration plant, ventilation will all need looking at. The longer the ship has been out of commission, the more likely there will be work required.