Seagull strings...

[Iain C]

Mast goes back up this weekend and I want to rig up something to stop the little *******s sitting on my spreaders and ****ting on my boat.

I've seen strings from the spreader tip to the mast...has anyone got any pearls of wisdom on how to get the best results? Distance between the string and spreader? Tight or loose? What's the best string from a UV resistance point of view? Is it worth sticking something on the top of the spreaders themselves that is spinnaker friendly and gull unfriendly?

Any pearls of wisdom gratefully received!

 

[zalophus]

What works for me is 100mm above spreader, any line to hand (currently using some rather fetching flourescent green 4mm), tight enough not to sag onto spreader but not bar taut. No spikes on spreaders. This plus hum line has kept the boat clean on a swinging mooring for 2 seasons, where previously it had been plastered in guano. Mind you, the boat next door is now looking a bit grubbier...

 

[Iain C]

Hum line? Tell me more!

 

[alahol2]

Fairly thick nylon fishing line seems to last OK. About 100mm above spreaders.

 

[zalophus]

Hum line - flat plastic tape (a bit like old audio cassette tape) - sold in garden centres, popular with allotment holders. When leaving boat, tie between eg shroud and backstay reasonably taut, vibrates in breeze and the sound deters birds. A £2.50 reel lasts me a season. NB not advisable if neighbours nearby, as the sound is irritating to humans too.

 

[The Dogs Pollacks Brother]

Not sure if it was on this forum or not, but there was an idea that gulls are terified of big owls!.......possibly true I guess?.......so someone put a large plastic owl up on the side of the cabin on a nice mobo. Then they posted a "before and after" picture.
Week one....nice clean owl and boat.
Week two....picture of gull sat on owl and **** all over the cabin again!

I have seen a gull perched on the center of one of those spinny around jobs too at Dale last year so they don't work either!

 

[Iain C]

Thanks all. Hum line ordered!