Swans on boarding platform......

[ced]

I went to my boat yesterday and there was a big mess on my boarding platform. It looked like if a little dog had left his sh.. on the platform, but since a dog is most certainly not the cause of this mess, I believe it was a swan, as there are a lot of them in the harbour. Does anybody know an efficient repellant against these birds, cause I don't want to cover the platform after every use of the boatr....
I know this sounds a bit weird, but any suggestion is welcome
Thanks

[westlake17]

I used to have the same problem with ducks before I got a new boatcover from Overton's. The new boatcover also covers the platform. The ducks cannot sit on the cover, it's too steep. No more ducksh-t on my platform! (Now the ducks ar sitting on my neighbours boat instead)

[TrailInn2]

We have problems with birds here in Wisconsin also, mostly blue herons, seagulls, ducks and geese. Some people put owl decoys on their docks or swim platforms. It seems to help for awhile until they realize that the owl is their friend. After that the only thing I have seen work is a 12 gauge! Could be a problem with the gel coat and the bb`s however. Maybe you could get an owl decoy with a Malibu T shirt , that might scare them. Seriously, the only way I can think of to keep them off is to cover it with something that they don`t like to sit on, or a big towel that can be washed.

[ced]

After that the only thing I have seen work is a 12 gauge! Could be a problem with the gel coat and the bb`s however.

Sorry TrailInn2 , but what is a 12 gauge and a bb...?

[ag4ever]

Shotgun, just shoot the darn birds.

[ced]

Got it.....need silencer for shotgun... :twisted: :mrgreen:

[TrailInn2]

Got it.....need silencer for shotgun... :twisted: :mrgreen:

Milk jug over the end of the barrel

[Baken]

bb gun... not so brutal but effective!

[AirNautique211]

How about giving the birds an alternateperch, like a fake platform in a similar location?

Also, leave the balast tanks full after your ride - the platform will be under water. The debri will wash away or not even exist - birds won't sit on a submerged platform most likely.

[Socbum]

What about turning your boat around and dock it nose out?

[Nates78Ski]

the full ballast tanks would probably work, but im thinking that would be more work cleaning the buildup off of it then cleaning the bird's mess off it

[skijones]

I had the same problem with ducks. Recently got a tarp that covered the platform. Did not like it at first, but it does keep the platform clean. Much better way to start your day than cleaning duck crap off.