Otter Deterrents

[River Bank]

I go to the boat almost everyday and find that the otters have been there during the previous night.

They crap and pee liberally all over the cockpit and swim grid.

Has anyone been successful in deterring these little ....... pests?

I've tried netting, but they simply tear it up.

Now thinking seriously about installing a 12 volt electric fencing system around the cockpit/swim grid.
Any electric fencing success stories out there?

Failing that, does anyone know what otter taste like?

Just kidding, relax now!

Bob

 

[dalee62]

There is a Grady White about 8 boats from me who had a bad time with otters. He installed an electric fence that was a bit on the sparky side shall we say for the marina so was asked to tone things down. His fence is still there and I see no sign of otters so maybe it works. Maybe your otters are related to ours. I bet we could get a government grant to study that. Good luck.

Dave

 

[Lobo]

I've had good results sprinkling bleach on the dock around the boat.

Hint: wear pants that you don't mind getting bleach spots on, whether you spray a mix (@ 50/50 with water) or dribble from the jug, it gets on your pant legs.

Dave
Lobo

 

[Pete]

While researching rodent protection I saw and article from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that recommended an electric fence to deter otters.

You said they tore up netting but if you aren't using the boat for a few days you it might be worth trying a high strength fishing line strung in various directions across the cockpit and swim platform. Less visible and not as easy to get their teeth into.

Pete

 

[SlackwaterJack]

One thing I'd try is deer repellant (Home Depot garden dept...smells like predator pee).
spray a few areas around the boat (dock, pilings)...not the boat itself!

Some straight from the bottle "Dawn" drizzled on the boat surfaces they frequent will make their grooming really unpleasant and they may find another spot to visit that doesn't make them smell like a "spring morning" and taste funny.

 

[River Bank]

Well, I went directly to the manufacturer for a definitive answer about using a small electric fencer in the cockpit of my "otter" plagued boat.

Here is what they said ........................
QUOTE:
Thank you for contacting Zareba®. We are happy to provide more information on our products. With electrical fencing, we do not recommend using an energizer on a boat or near water in this manner as water and electric fencing typically do not mix well together. There would be no sufficient way to ground the system if the boat is in the water.

We do apologize for this inconvenience and hope you are able to find something that will work for your needs. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Consumer Relations Team at 1-855-5-ZAREBA (1-855-592-7322).
UNQUOTE:

Will now go back to using netting to keep the little beggars off of the boat.

Bob

 

[Tug@myHeart]

Dont know how they taste....but they sure make a swell Jacket, kinda small so you may need a few. Good Luck

 

[kim&tim]

Boats in our marina that have this "problem" seem to think that leaving a radio on deters the otters. They claim that this works. This stops the otters from leaving a mess all over your boat.....however some don't care for their dancing....

Tim & Kim
Hermitage-R29
Gibsons, B.C.