Good Question: Why isn’t the Coast Guard using that boat?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) —You had a question about a boat and not just any boat.

It’s a search and rescue vessel for the U.S. Coast Guard. Here’s the thing – it’s not in the water and hasn’t been for a long time.

Eric asked News10NBC’s Brennan Somers: With spring around the corner, I was checking my boat at Shumway Marine and noticed this Coast Guard boat. The boat has been sitting there for over two years. What is going on with this boat since our tax dollars paid for it and it appears to be decommissioned?

So why is it just sitting at a marina by Genesee River on the Irondequoit side? The short answer? It’s old.

Here’s what the Coast Guard told Somers:

The Vessel ID 47285 is a 47’ Motor Life Boat (MLB) that is currently waiting to be overhauled through a process called Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). The vessel is still in the Coast Guard’s possession, and it has been stationary at the lot while other vessels of its class have been sent to shipyards for the outfitting process. Pending further developments, the vessel is scheduled for transport this summer and after completing SLEP, it will receive its new duty station to continue operations.

These boats are getting an overhaul through a contractor. It’s a $10 million order so far. When it’s all said and done, they should be good to use for another 20 years.