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The engines are normally good for up to a year being submerged. The electric systems would have to be completely ripped out and rewired. The piping and sewage systems would be fine and the steering cables should be ok. The pilothouse would have to be completely gutted along with living quarters, galley, laundry, etc would need to be replaced. Even the older more rugged equipment from that era could not be submerged for any period of time. I'm sure the winch for the anchors was fine once oiled up.

When they raise a sunken ship, is there much inside that's reusable? Or do they strip everything out and basically start over with an empty hull? What about the big stuff, like the engines?

The top of her pilothouse was only 25-30ft from the surface once she settled. It appears to be ice and wave damage as she spent a good part of a year on the bottom. Waves can cause damage down to a depth of 180ft.

In looking at pictures of the George M. Humphrey being salvaged in 1944 it appears that the pilothouse has been crushed downward. Did this happen during the collision or salvage operation? Or did it result from being exposed to storms while sitting on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac?