Critter in the engine compartment

[henningbuus]

I have a 2018 Cutwater 30 CB. During the last few weeks, whenever I visit the boat (every 2-3 days) in the Everett, WA marina and open the engine compartment, I find there are a lot of excrements from some kind of animal. I clean it out, but a few days later there is more crap in the engine compartment. How does that animal get in there? All access covers etc. are closed. Are there some hidden access openings that is not easy to find? The poop is too large to be from a rat or mice. The only animal I can think about, is a river otter I have I have seen on the docks. My next step is to set a trap in the engine compartment.

 

[Full_O_Fish]

There's a bit of room between the gunnels and the deck for engine ventilation and wire running such as behind the aft cockpit speakers. There's also a bit of room in the corners by the wash down connections if you have the rear bench seat option. I don't think any of these are large enough for more than a sizable rat to get in (has happened once so far).

 

[Brian John]

Rodents only need a small hole, like water they can pretty much get into any area they find a small hole and want to get in there. I would be setting traps and try some of the electronic rodent deterrents. I thought the electron deterrents were hoo-doo-voo-doo. I used them in my garage and since installing I have not caught another mouse in my traps.