I've been looking into making or buying a boom tent or sunshade to help keep our deck cleaner. We have issues with birds pooping and yes, we have many things in place to try to scare them away so I'd prefer to not discuss those in this thread. I'm wondering how effective boom tents are at keeping decks clean. I've also found a sunshade of the correct size for a mere $40 but I'm curious if having something that's a tightly woven mesh would be less effective than a solid piece of fabric
Boom tents to keep deck clean
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
Does anyone know if it will deter birds?
Oh the things I do for sailing... It will take a few extra minutes but overall it will save time as it's going to take 2-4 hours to wash the boat
I don't know what kind of birds you have but, no, it won't deter them.
When I think of birds, where our boat is, the issue is just the random fly-by pooping. It's a small annoyance for us and it is just as much of an issue with them pooping on our sail covers as anything else. So, for us at least, a cover wouldn't solve anything, in this regard.
But, also, we our at the boat really frequently and don't often go more than a couple of weeks without taking her out. So, for us at least, having a cover would be an inconvenience (except over winter when we are out much less).
It sounds like your situation might be different - more bird poop and less frequent outings.
Just to offer another solution, consider a cordless pressure washer (the kind that looks like a cordless drill).
When I think of birds, where our boat is, the issue is just the random fly-by pooping. It's a small annoyance for us and it is just as much of an issue with them pooping on our sail covers as anything else. So, for us at least, a cover wouldn't solve anything, in this regard.
But, also, we our at the boat really frequently and don't often go more than a couple of weeks without taking her out. So, for us at least, having a cover would be an inconvenience (except over winter when we are out much less).
It sounds like your situation might be different - more bird poop and less frequent outings.
Just to offer another solution, consider a cordless pressure washer (the kind that looks like a cordless drill).
"Does anyone know if it will deter birds? "
Depends on where the birds hangout - if at the top of the mast or on the spreaders then no. If they like to be on the deck then possibly - birds like to have a clear flight path so anything that can disrupt that path will get them to go to another boat.
Depends on where the birds hangout - if at the top of the mast or on the spreaders then no. If they like to be on the deck then possibly - birds like to have a clear flight path so anything that can disrupt that path will get them to go to another boat.
"When I think of birds, where our boat is, the issue is just the random fly-by pooping. It's a small annoyance for us and it is just as much of an issue with them pooping on our sail covers as anything else. So, for us at least, a cover wouldn't solve anything, in this regard."
Random fly-by's are not a big deal, it's when one or more birds decides your boat is their dining room. They can make a mess in one day that takes 2-4 hours to clean-up as mayhem says, and it's unpleasant. So a little time spent to avoid that is well worth it.
Random fly-by's are not a big deal, it's when one or more birds decides your boat is their dining room. They can make a mess in one day that takes 2-4 hours to clean-up as mayhem says, and it's unpleasant. So a little time spent to avoid that is well worth it.
Most boats by us have a line of poop under the lifelines. The birds especially like to sit on anything that's elevated off the deck and even the sail cover. I'm thinking that a tent that extends to the lifelines or beyond would keep them off the lifelines but I'm wondering if they would fly underneath. I suspect that even if they do, the numbers would be low.
We're at the boat 2-3 days per week. We're in the process of installing a wash down pump.
The most annoying thing is having to spend 20 minutes before every sail cleaning before we can sit down or put out our cockpit cushions. Bird poop should not be an integral part of the sailing experience
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A boom tent serves multiple purposes in addition to birds. It also provides shade for you, keeps the boat cooler, and protects from rain. A solid, light color, opaque fabric provides the best solution.
I bought a boom tent from Sailor's Tailor for my 19ft Mariner. It's made to an existing template, but was a good fit on my boat. I needed the boom tent to keep the cypress needles, pollen, and other swamp leaves from clogging the scupper drains and making a mess of the cockpit while the boat is on the lift. It does a good job at that. The boom tent significantly reduces but does not eliminate wasp's nests and spiders. It's on its 3rd year with no deterioration. Wash the boom tent once a year to remove the unwanted dirt, debris, and droppings. Well worth the $480 (with shipping).
The boom tent fits nicely over the mainsail cover, so sails are left in place. Remove the boom tent, the sail covers, and I am ready to go.
The joys of living in the swamps of eastern NC.
Fred W
Stuart Mariner 19 #4133 Sweet P
The boom tent fits nicely over the mainsail cover, so sails are left in place. Remove the boom tent, the sail covers, and I am ready to go.
The joys of living in the swamps of eastern NC.
Fred W
Stuart Mariner 19 #4133 Sweet P