SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - In this photo by the U.S. Coast Guard, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Schiltz works with contractors from Global Mari Tek to repair a 33-foot response boat at Station South Padre Island, on Friday, November 21, 2008. The 33-foot boat is being fitted with a new bra, which protects the bow of the boat from dents. When the bra is damaged it splits at the seam and exposes the foam on the bow, said Schiltz. This piece costs approximately $1,000 to replace, he said. The temperature on Friday dipped into the mid-50s, making the process of replacing the bra difficult, said Schiltz.
"Stretching it to fit is the hardest part. First you have to get it warmed up using a heating tool so it will stretch. Right now with this colder weather the material has a tendency to shrink," said Schiltz. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer Renee C. Aiello)
Subscribe
