The trust receives $60,000 per year from council for operations funding. But the five-yearly survey is a major extraordinary expense.
Ms Petherick said local businesses either discounted their services, or did not charge at all in some cases. "Thier generosity was beyond belief."
Funding was also forthcoming from the Powerco Community Trust, the Sovereign Trust and the Lion Foundation.
The boat's crew was also singled out for high praise. They worked as volunteers on the project, which itself became something of an historic event.
The survey was carried out on the banks of the Whanganui River near Kowhai Park using steam traction engines and methods similar to how boats were surveyed in the days when riverboats were operated under Alexander Hatrick.
The survey became a community focal point for several weeks and the Waimarie's relaunch in early November was watched enthusiastically by thousands of spectators and produced a viral video, which had over 160,000 views within days of going online.
Trust vice-chair Christine Jones credited volunteer and former engineer Ian Chamberlain for the idea, and project manager Richard Sheppard for carrying it out without a hitch.
The survey found a few issues with the boat - some dents incurred during floods, and a bit of corrosion of the steel hull above the waterline.
The boat is now using less coal, 14-16 bags a trip instead of 20, due to the cleaning of the hull and other maintenance, she said.
And despite a lacklustre summer weather-wise sailing numbers are up with over 3000 passengers so far since November. Even on wet and windy days the boat has carried between 50 and 70 passengers, and about 120 passengers on fine days. Only one sailing needed to be cancelled due to bad weather.
"Happiness is a full boat, we always want more. But that is a fantastic result and we are very pleased," Ms Jones said.
The Waimarie is sailing six days a week this season compared with five days a week last season and that would have helped sailing numbers.
"But we're also incredibly fortunate that the council does some very good marketing. We always benefit from that," Ms Jones said.
Waimarie Centre manager Evert van Reenan also credited the many volunteers involved and contractors for bringing in the survey under budget.
Mr van Reenan said he was stepping down next week to persue "an active retirement."
Ms Petherick would take over as acting manager and recruiting for a new manager would take place later in the year.