Complex sentence: The two cruisers were in "deplorable" condition, able to make only and in desperate need of new condensers and boiler tubes, but with repairs both were able to participate in the war as part of Brazil's main naval contribution to the conflict.
Split into simpler sentences: The two cruisers were in "deplorable" condition, as they were in desperate need of new condensers and boiler tubes and able to make only. With repairs, though, both participated in the war as part of Brazil's main naval contribution to the conflict.