Raccoons

[KD8FQM]

This winter a family of raccoons took up residence in my improperly secured R-23. The worst damage is to the plastic coated fabric that covers the overhead and bulkheads. One wall is completely shredded. After the clean up, I'll be looking to re-do the interior. Any advice as to materials and methods would be appreciated. Thanks,

Robert Carr
Presque Isle Harbor, MI

[sailingdog]

Lots of ways to redo your interior. There's a plastic bead board that would be easier to clean and far more durable. You could attach furring strips and put in a wood interior if you're looking to upgrade the appearance.

[Capnblu]

Have you considered doing it out of raccoon hyde?

[KD8FQM]

Mrs. 'Coon abandoned 4 pups. I doubt I could get more than a square foot of hide from them. I'll try the bead board. Thanks for the replies.

Bob

[DwayneSpeer]

This month's Practical Sailor has a small article on a refit of a Beneteau First 235. In the replacement of the headliner they used "thin, flexible, and ribbed carpet". It was thin enough to form fit, but think enough not to print through any adhesive. It was a nylon-polyester blend indoor/outdoor carpet. They spent several days scraping, sanding, and applying solvents to remove the old liner and adhesive. After protecting all other surfaces with newspaper, they sprayed the surfaces to be carpeted with 3M's Car Care General Trim Adhesive (Part 08088) which is reportedly available at most auto parts stores, and carefully applied the cut carpet pieces.
It is now several years later and the carpet is still firmly in place and looks great.

[KD8FQM]

Update: Mrs. 'Coon did not abandon her kits. Over the past day or so, she revisited the (now boarded up) cabin looking for her kids. She broke out the slats from the top hatch board to gain entry. On advice from the vet, we had taken the kits and put them in a box near where the boat was parked. Yesterday, I thought they were dead, however, upon inspection today, they are alive and well. Squalling babies. They appear healthy, so I'm guessing mom is nearby. Now to keep the dog and cat away from the box.

Oh yeah! Great idea about the indoor/outdoor carpet and trim adhesive. Thanks.

[sailingdog]

I wouldn't go with carpet. It tends to trap dust and is a good place for mold to grow if you have any leaks. It is also a PITA to clean.

[KD8FQM]

Ok, tell me about bead board. Is this a paneling type material available at Home Cheapo? Or something more "nautical" (i.e expensive)

Update 2: While pulling out sails, I discovered another baby. Now I know why mom re-visited the boat.

Bob

[RKelsall]

If you store your boat in the same place year after year keep in mind that once a sow has a litter of pups that they will return year after year to the same place. I have seen a sow that was transplanted several miles away return to the the attic of the same house the next year to have another brood. She even ripped the vent out of the roof to gain access. Take precautions next year.

[KD8FQM]

Good advice. I didn't know that. We'll try to lock her up better next winter.

Bob