Muskrat Love, no this isn't a joke.

[SKYCHENEY]

Sky what do you think about making them out of Aluminum? I think I have some aluminum plate here about 3/4 thick. I could mill a star pattern inside the round shape and tap holes around it for stainless bolts.

Aluminum will work in freshwater for many years before corrosion eats them up. Not so long in salt water.

 

[HahnR]

Nothing good will ever come from allowing critters in your exhaust, especially muskrats. I did what Sky did, made mine from 6 in plastic drainage pipe from Home Depot I cut off in 2 1/2 in widths, and stainless carriage bolts, nuts on both sides of the pipe like Sky's pic. Version 1.0 lasted a few seasons, then I lost one. That summer I trapped about 15 of the little B@$t@rds with a body trap I stuck in the exhaust. How so many find it so fast amazes me. Before this spring launch, version 2.0 went in, same setup but I flipped the carriage bolts around & used 3/8 rubber protective feet I got from McMaster Carr. Lots less torque to hold them in and way more solid. These aren't going anywhere. Pascal, I would for sure put something in there, they WILL find your exhaust and they reproduce just like rats

 

[cww]

In Florida we get actual rats and birds that nest in the exhausts. Thankfully we don't have to deal with muskrats. I've had several dock neighbors who put partially inflated soccer balls or what have you in the exhausts and remove them when they start the boat. Speaking generally though, this only seems to be an issue for boats that don't get used much.

 

[Pascal]

Pascal, I would for sure put something in there, they WILL find your exhaust and they reproduce just like rats

great. I m trading hurricanes for muskrats and winterizing !
Will add guards on the exhausts. What about trim tabs hydraulic hoses, do they chew on them too?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

great. I m trading hurricanes for muskrats and winterizing !
Will add guards on the exhausts. What about trim tabs hydraulic hoses, do they chew on them too?

I have never heard of that being a problem.

 

[Pascal]

G

I have never heard of that being a problem

Good.

Someone mentioned termites… I have to get my boat tented when I haul out for bottom paint before the trip to TN. All the wood I bought during the interior refit was contaminated

 

[Captain Ralph]

" All the wood I bought during the interior refit was contaminated "
Oh sheet, can you mention where for us NOT to purchase contaminated wood from??

 

[Pascal]

" All the wood I bought during the interior refit was contaminated "
Oh sheet, can you mention where for us NOT to purchase contaminated wood from??

A great hardware and lumber yard here in Miami. Shell lumber. They have teak, mahogany and every wood specie, both solid and plywood and veneer. But all the termite trails I find come out of the new wood. I guess they can’t get into the old Hatteras 1970 plywood!

 

[Pascal]

Here is my home made version of muskrat exhaust guards… a bit redneckish but about $15 vs $300 . Just some computer fan guards held with SS zip ties. Almost a year old and holding up pretty good. Being in fresh water, no need for SS

 

[Sadey]

Nah, that’s full on red neck. Doesn’t look great but function over form works. Do you get the sucker fish banging your hull on that side of the lake?

 

[Pascal]

Will look better when I paint the waterline around the exhaust at the next haul out

No fish banging on the hull…

 

[Eddieclemons]

Nah, that’s full on red neck. Doesn’t look great but function over form works. Do you get the sucker fish banging your hull on that side of the lake?

Sucker Fish = Carp, and yes if you don't keep your hull clean they will come a knocking.

 

[Eddieclemons]

Otters, Muskrats, and Beaver WILL go up exhausts in Tennessee. It usually is over winter but can happen anytime. Damage can be little to none, or a lot if the exhaust is blocked and the Captain doesn't get it shut down before a hydrolock can cause severe engine damage. Inflated balls, fenders, and or cages are a must over the winter for any extended absences from the boat.

 

[Pascal]

A boat sunk over the winter here in the marina right after the owner left the slip. Don’t know if it was old exhaust hose failure or if a critter had chewed thru it.