Product of the Week- Gullsweep

by Sail-World Cruising on 12 Sep 2010 Seagulls, those beautiful, aggressive ubiquitous seabirds that yachties love to hate, are so smart that they usually see through poor humans' efforts to dissuade them from pooping and nesting all over boats. Yacht owners try nets, old CD's, mirrors, wooden owls and any number of tricks, but according to the fans of Gullsweep, that product is the surest answer.

'They are the only devices I have found to be effective in keeping gulls off my boat when left unattended for weeks at a time.' is the kind of lavish praise that Gullsweep are proud to convey from past customers.

Gullsweep® has been used around the world for more than 40 years now to ward off gulls and any other flying critters that love to roost & mess on one's boat. The primary objective of the product is to make gulls uncomfortable so they will select another roosting sight. There are several different mounting options depending on which part of the boat you want to mount the Gullsweep, and, of course, on the kind of boat.

The explanation as to why Gullsweep works is as follows: Every bird has their predators and so they are always in a survival mode. Gullsweep® by its very unique nature creates that unknown fear that the moving object represents a potential danger. Thus with other alternative locations available, it is more suitable to go elsewhere.

If a gull has been roosting, it is most important to clean up the residue promptly. Mess only creates more mess as it is a strong indication that the location is a safe one. The contraptions are not expensive and can be easily mounted, dismounted and stored quickly when boating so that using several on a boat is very realistic and more effective.

Looking after Gullsweep well is very important to its life. It is made of materials that are resistant to the effects of salt water and sunlight. The arms are bright anodized aluminum and may be cleaned with a damp cloth. An abrasive cleaner should not be used.

All other metal parts are stainless steel. The bearing pin should be kept clean, as an accumulation of salt is very abrasive. Wiping it with an oily cloth will accomplish this, and will provide a little lubrication. Wash out the bearing hole occasionally with fresh water. Tests have been made at wind velocities in excess of 60 miles per hour with no adverse effects.

However, the makers recommend that Gullsweep should be removed and stored away when winds are in excess of 35 mph as birds will not be roosting in such a wind, and the high rotation rate will not improve the life of the GULLSWEEP®.

Gullsweep is available in Australia through http://www.birdsoffboats.com.au!BirdsOffBoats, and to find a retailer that stocks them near you, click http://www.birdsoffboats.com.au/dealers.asp!here.