Goldang Muskrats!!!

[WillyBWright]

A customer brought his boat for the second time this year for bellows damage from something (presumably muskrats) chewing holes in them. Anybody know of a product available to prevent this? Perhaps a spray that clings and tastes really bad! It's in freshwater and moored. MerCruiser Alpha.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Goldang Muskrats!!!

they recommend keeping the drive trimmed all the way down... all I've ever heard. Omc used to make a muskrat gard for the stringers- plastic affair.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Goldang Muskrats!!!

You gotta be kidding! How about slathering it with spline grease or 2-4-c? That's gotta taste real bad.......How about a muskrat trap?.....JK

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Goldang Muskrats!!!

hahahah<br /> man they sunk my cousins boat twice. ate holes in all the rubber. only cure is to leave it trimmed down and get an aggressive lab.<br /> good luck. they used to coat the inside of the bellows with a white powder years ago. the instructions warned not to eat,drink or smoke after handling them due to the poisons on it.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Goldang Muskrats!!!

Originally posted by rodbolt:<br /> they used to coat the inside of the bellows with a white powder years ago. the instructions warned not to eat,drink or smoke after handling them due to the poisons on it.

wow that really sounds like DDT or something..<br />I wonder what genius engineer decided it should go on the INSIDE!! HAHA that's is so typical... <br />"man that last bite tasted horrible" - Muskrat Sam<br /><br />maybe it was to protect the muskrat, so he'd leave before he was swimming in gasoline...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Goldang Muskrats!!!

I take a couple of handfuls of marine grease and rub it all over the 3 bellows to preserve and prevent against friction every fall.I have never had one fail nor have I had any bites taken out of them.I would recommend that and hand a few stockings filled with mothballs around there.Charlie

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Goldang Muskrats!!!

Thanks, gents. I'll pass along the advice.