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Controlling Pest Birds on Boats and Marinas

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you're a boat owner or skipper, you know about pest birds. They're the seagulls and cormorants that perch and poop all over masts, spreaders and those beautiful navy blue canvas covers. If you own or manage a marina, you may have spent countless hours (and big money) cleaning up after the hoards of pigeons that turn canopies and awnings into unsightly, smelly distractions. For marina managers and owners, pest birds also create a huge slip-and-fall liability on walkways and docks—making them literally an accident waiting to happen. Something you don't need in this increasingly litigious society.

As many boat owners have painfully learned, and marina owners know, pest birds create far more than a visual nuisance. The high concentration of uric acid—higher in sea birds—can discolor paint, permanently stain canvases and eventually erode steel. In addition to being pests, these birds can create an inherent health risk. The bacteria and parasites that live and grow in bird droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases.

The bottom line: controlling pest birds and keeping them at bay is a wise investment in time and money. But where to start?

Fortunately, there are a number of effective products to keep pest birds away from boats or marinas. This includes an entire family of bird spikes. Ideal for pigeons, gulls and other large birds, the strong, rigid spikes are often made of unbreakable polycarbonate. Other products in this category have marine grade stainless steel spikes. Both types will discourage pest birds from landing on radar antennas, masts, ledges, or other flat surfaces. Just as effective are bird spiders. Their spider arms move with the breeze, keeping birds from landing. Most are sturdy and stable, come in a variety of diameters, are easy to install and usually maintenance free. Spiders are particularly useful for canvas boat covers, biminis, radar antennas and other similar areas.

For state-of-the-art high-tech bird control, there's a whole new generation of bird chase supersonics. Some let you select a "target" bird and emit any one of a dozen or so distress calls, which will play, pause, then play again with adjustable volume. For marinas, you can connect additional speakers for acres of coverage.

Another high-tech pest bird solution is the repeller. These “repellers with propellers" are motorized whirly-gigs with arms that rotate at a bird-scare speed to whisk pest birds away. Ideal for parapet walls, roofs, signs, or any flat surface, they discourage pest birds from landing and keep them from coming back. Some have batteries, others you plug in, and some are even solar powered.

If you're on a budget (who isn't in this economy), you can opt for inexpensive low-tech visual deterrents. Things like iridescent reflective foil or flash tape, which is easily strung around a boat or turned into pennants around a marina. Inflatable balloons are another economical visual scare device. Ideal for masts, radar antennas and overhangs, rooftops and similar structures, their lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings drive birds away by creating an “Optical Distraction Zone.”

These scare-eye diverters are easy to hang in problem areas. Opt for repellers that have iridescent foil eyes to scare birds by day and glow-in-the-dark backsides to keep them away at night. One tip: since most birds like to land on the high points of a vessel, mount these bird control devices as high as possible. Birds are always on the lookout for predators, food sources, and stable landing perches, so reflective, flapping objects will discourage them from making your boat or marina their next perch or nesting place.

Keep in mind that all these bird control products are humane and will not harm animals, birds or humans.

Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

By: Lance Winslow

Cleaning boat canvas covers is difficult unless you know the secrets. Here are some tips to assist you so you can get out on the water where you belong.

Dodgers, cockpit cushions, sail covers and sails must be cleaned because salt water leaves a residue on fabric that attracts and holds moisture on the surface. Caring for canvas when cleaning boat canvas, they key is to be gentle. Never use detergents to clean canvas. Using a soft- bristled brush to prevent damage, apply a mild solution of Lux, Ivory soap or Borateem in water no hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The soap Boat Books recommends is Sudbury Boat Zoap. It works great on Sunbrella materials. Starbrite makes two products: Vinyl Shampoo for cleaning and Vinyl Polish for cleaning pre-coated canvas. After light scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with cold water.

For more stubborn cases, soak the canvas in a solution of one-quarter cup Clorox, one-quarter cup Ivory soap and one gallon of warm water for about 20 minutes. Again, rinse with cold water to remove all soap. After you’ve washed the canvas, let it line-dry in a well-ventilated area. The material will shrink if heat-related drying methods are used. Never try to fold or store canvas while it’s still wet; this can lead to premature wear and damage. Keep in mind that washing canvas may remove its ability to repel water. Be sure to reapply a water-repellent after. There are several canvas coatings you can buy and they can be easily bought as over the counter canvas coatings or as exclusive marine products. Never use a brush on clear vinyl windows. Use Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze in the white bottle to remove cloudiness and fine scratches. Never roll up canvas covers while they are wet. To remove soda stains use water with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

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Springtime Preparations for a Problem-Free Boating Season

Springtime Preparations For a Problem-Free Boating Season

By: Pierette Domenica Simpson

Spring is finally here, and with it comes increased activity at the docks. Boats come out of storage and boat slips fill seemingly overnight. Unfortunately, some people go from happy to sad, or even mad, when problems crop up following their boat's return to the water. Detailed inspection and spring maintenance of your boat can reduce your chance of problems-from small leaks to full sinking.

A practical, often-overlooked approach is familiarity with your manufacturer's handbook. This one resource can probably answer most of your questions and save you a lot of time. If the handbook has been lost or misplaced, or you never received one from the previous owner, a call to the manufacturer or an online search can probably locate a copy of this vital information.

In general, mechanical maintenance should be your first focus. The engine and other mechanical systems are essential for the safe operation of your boat. Don't forget to check the cabin systems and boat trailer, too, if applicable. After assuring all is in working order, proceed to preventive maintenance. Often considered a messy and unpleasant task, it is vital to keeping your boat in top performance condition. Bottom painting will reduce the amount of growth your boat bottom sees during the course of the season, resulting in better vessel control, higher speeds, and reduced fuel usage. Next clean and prepare all surfaces, including vinyl, canvas, fiberglass, and plastic. Scrub the topside and hull, filling in any cracks, nicks, or holes before restoring the gelcoat. Finally, check the serviceability of all on-board safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers, and all communication equipment. Replace batteries for these devices, replace out-dated items, and repair minor flaws. These items can mean the difference between life and death when you are on the water.

Remember, boats at dock are four times more likely to sink than boats in motion on the water. Thoroughly inspect your vessel and perform the necessary spring maintenance to help avoid finding your boat at the bottom of the water. With a safe, sea-worthy vessel, you and your passengers will likely enjoy a problem-free boating season.

Original Article

Articles

Controlling Pest Birds on Boats and Marinas

Controlling Pest Birds on Boats and Marinas

Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

Springtime Preparations for a Problem-Free Boating Season

Springtime Preparations For a Problem-Free Boating Season

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