Birds & Squirrels in My Boom

[DougM]

Stuff a beer can into the end of the boom when you put the boat in winter storage. The birds only try to nest there in the spring when the winter cover comes off. Take the can out in the when ready to launch and return it for the ten cent deposit.

Fortunately, I haven’t had mouse or squirrel problems where I store.

 

[Rich Stidger]

One of the problems of sealing the ends of the boom is that you must seal every small hole. Small birds (and mice too) can enter through spaces that you would not expect them. And the sealing material needs to be robust enough so that they can't peck their way in. Shrink wrap material seems to be particularly good for sealing. And so far I have had good luck with my Sunbrella end cap.

I think that stuffing rags, steel wool, and other objects may not work. In fact they may just provide the birds a ready source of nesting material.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I think that stuffing rags, steel wool, and other objects may not work. In fact they may just provide the birds a ready source of nesting material.

Those would have to be some badass birds to use steel wool for nesting.
I would let those alone!