Keeping Critters Out

mcc272 · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: Keeping Critters Out

On the starboard side of our CD-22 there is an opening in the aft bulkhead of the house through which cables, wires and steering hoses run between the helm and the motor well along the starboard gunnel. There is more space in the opening than there are things in it and I suspect that it would serve as an entry point for mice and other critters that might be attracted to food kept in the interior of the boat. I was wondering what others have done to seal off this opening while still making it easy to run new wiring through it. I had several thoughts -- slices from a foam swimming pool noodle jammed in to fill the void would be relatively easy to remove. Another thought would be a modest amount of spray in insulating foam thorugh which holes could be drilled for new wires. I have ruled out various caulking products such as 4200 or silicone as clinging too tenaciously to the wires, hoses and cables. The reason for my concern is that I live back in the woods and the boat will live beside the garage. I have a hard time keeping random acorns and other nuts out of the engine compartment of my truck so I know there are more then enough critters to completely clean out the boat! On one occasion, the little beasties ate a vacuum hose and I lost the 4WD on the truck! I also figure that if things are held firmly in place, there will be less chance of chafe. What have you done address the issue?

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

Jim-

Most of the insulation materials can be easily eaten or torn through by the hungry little beasts.

Maybe a fairly thick neoprene boot like a transmission boot or collar would do the trick.

Screw down the flat flanges with a stainless flat ring and screws, and cinch the center part of the "cone" up with stainless radiator clamps. Might have to double end it on the outside and inside, and stuff some repellent like "Bounce" fabric softener sheets in between.

You might also talk to the telephone companies that have underground cables. There are insects and other critters that can chew through lead covered cables.

Joe. Teeth

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:40 am Post subject:

The best way to keep mice, etc., out of that type opening is to spray it lightly with a 'medicated' lube spray called "Mouse Out". It has a bit of mothball odor and was designed to keep rats and mice out of aircraft landing gear.

We use it a great deal on our tractors, trucks, motorhomes, etc., to keep rodent from chewing the wiring and hydraulics on our farm equipment.

I last got some from a small town NAPA store.

You don't want to use it in the cabin!

John

Fun Patrol · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:20 am Post subject:

Just stuff one of those copper scrub pads around the wires and cables.

Roy

marvin4239 · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:43 am Post subject:

I considered sealing this hole but thought the small amount of ventilation it provides might help prevent dampness and mildew?

MOOSE · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:44 am Post subject:

I just dampen a sponge and stuff it in the hole. It'll then expand and dry in place and is easily removed. It even keeps mosquitoes out.
Al

mcc272 · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 9:51 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the advice. You have given me a lot to think about!

Jim

Adeline · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:48 am Post subject:

Copper wool or stainless steel wool is an accepted barrier for rodents. A wad can be jammed into the hole and secured with zip-ties to your cables/wires.