War on birds

They make a noise, poop all over and peck at rubber seals and cable coverings. Their excrement is usually the biggest problem – it looks horrible and smells fishy. Being acidic it can also permanently damage paintwork, the gel coat and any wooden fittings.

From the bird’s perspective a boat’s a great resting spot as well as a good vantage point to keep an eye out for potential food. Other pests sometimes found on boats include rats, mice and feral cats. Even possums have been known to take up residence on boats stored in backyards.

With birds, gulls and terns are the main culprits on the tops of cabins or sitting on the superstructure. But ducks, which like huddling in covered areas like an open cockpit under an open hardtop, can produce a massive amount of poop. Other possible