The fire-engine red Edward M. Cotter — believed to be the oldest active fireboat in the world — has been putting out fires and breaking up ice for 118 years.
But while the hardworking, steel-hulled Cotter is freshly painted every year and receives regular maintenance, it is in need of an overhaul.
On Monday, Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, will announce a $500,000 state grant to get the city-owned boat back in tip-top shape.
That will include basic hull repairs, including possibly replacing some of the steel plates and replacing shafts, props, rudder bearings and sea chest valves. A thickness test for the steel will also be conducted.
The maintenance is music to marine engineer John Kelleher's ears.