Bats in the mainsail

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Jul 31, 2009
165
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I have a recurring problem... bats taking up residence in my mainsail. Does anyone know an effective way to deal with this issue? The only success I have had is to remove the sail and store it below, but this adds to the hassle of using the boat. I've tried wrapping the mainsail cover tightly with docklines. This helps but not 100%.
 
Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
Sounds like you'll need to modify your sail cover to include zippers under the boom and tie a line around the clew. Moisture and mildew may become a problem so adding some mesh on the bottom panel may be needed too.

Whatta creepy problem(no offense to those who love bats;).

Mike
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,093
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
uuuuhhhh.. I have been accused of having bats in my belfry, but I have not had them in the mainsail.. I have had birds nesting in the boom end and in the furled mainsail, and wasp nests (surprise!) .. but not bats (yet).. I dunno.. they are mammals and might be put off by pepper or its active ingredient, capsaicin .. Maybe try some dog/cat repellant in a fine mesh bag?? Snakes will eat bats, but they might be worse in the mainsail..
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
We have had "some" success with dryer sheets like Downy. Place those in the cover to see if they help. Our success has been for insects and birds. They don't last too long, but it is a cheap solution. IF IT WORKS!
 
Aug 5, 2009
333
Hunter h23 Dallas Tx.
Try moth balls, wrap several in a wash cloth and place them in several different locations.
It keeps bothersome squirrels, cats and dogs away. Never had a bat problem but it doesnt cost much to try. Goodluck, Charles
 
Jul 4, 2011
4
Snark 14' Super Snark Mach 5 Lake Lanier, GA
Ok, I realize I'm wrong for this...

But have you tried a wreath of garlic and holy water?
 
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