Wildlife Problem

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Pathfinder

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We have a very low swim platform on our Sea Ray. Ducks around the marina like to camp out and s#rb2@gr5tt on it when no one is around. Anyone have a suggestion as to how to keep them off the platform?

Note: They are out of season so a shotgun is not an option. :)
 
When you leave the marina, go one alley way over and leave food in the cockpits of the boats on that side. The wildlife will leave your boat alone.
 
Secure netting over your swim platform and have it draped into the water. Use some weights to keep the bottom edge below the water line.
 
I tie Polly line over my hardtop in an effort to keep gulls from dining on it (and then dumping on it). Make sure you use Polly line so it floats in case it comes off.
 
Hire a swan for security !

Monofilament line is often used as a pretty effective bird deterrent but it has to be a little annoying to the boater as well.

I think I'd try securing a small tub with moth balls back there. You could put the SR logo on the side to make it look like an official accessory.

I don't think just a sign or stern flag saying "DUCK, OFF!" would work as I expect most ducks canardly read at all. But it might be appreciated by your other neighbors.
 
I have heard that cayenne pepper works. Not as a seasoning but sprinkled on the deck.
 
I was gonna mention the snake thingy. You can get rubber Rattle Snake all coiled up and ready to strike.
 
My marina once put out plastic snakes and owls in an attempt at bird control. It was pretty funny watching the birds hop over the snakes and perch on the owls. We don't see a lot of ducks in my area.

The netting suggestion by Flutterby seems like a good thing to try.
 
Tried the netting. They jumped right on it and crapped right through it.
 
Desparate times require desparate actions.

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Also good for pirates and in laws.
 
The owls and snakes ploy seems to be working for a dock mate once host to the mink who's since moved in on me. I've had some luck fending off fowl with a wind-spinner.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Pathfinder

Tried the netting. They jumped right on it and crapped right through it.

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It has to be tight and above the surface you're trying to protect. Installing it at an angle would be best.
 
orchard netting works when strung from the boat over they end of the platform. They have to be trained to go somewhere else.
 
Get one of those blow up gator pool toys. They're terrified of them!
 
quote:
Originally posted by Pathfinder

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have a piece of canvas made to snap on the bottom edge of the swim platform and tie up to the rail on the transom, it will make a sloped surface and they wont be able to stand on it.
 
you don't need the netting for long. just long enough that they learn to prefer someplace else.
 
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