Bird spikes on radome?

[hlev00]

I searched the forums and didn't find this topic, though I can't imagine it hasn't come up before, so apologies if it is a repeat...

Our Raymarine radome is mounted on a Questus backstay mount. Seagulls have found it as a convenient place to land and poop on our bimini. We were going to mount two short strips of SS bird spikes on the top of the radome to at least keep them away from there. I am going to use short SS sheetmetal screws at each end of the strips and seal with 4400. I decided to ask Raymarine and naturally the could not recommend "modifying the radome from its natural state." And further that "It is possible that the metal spikes could have an effect on the operation / performance of the Raydome." Why they would anymore effect than the backstay that is directly in front of it, I can't imagine.

I was thinking of epoxy or 5200 directly to the top of the radome to avoid penetrating it, but ours is about 5 years old and a bit chalky so I was concerned that adhesive alone might not be sufficient.

Has anyone else had success or problems with the metal bird spikes attached to the radome?

[capn_billl]

I would reconsider the metal spikes. The wavelength of radar is .3 to 3 inches depending on band used. The metal spikes will act as a reflector. The backstay does affect the radar, but only in a small line.

Look for non metal spikes, plastic cocktail stirrers, straws etc. If the plastic radome is crumbling you might want to replace it. If not a good adhesive should hold.

[tager]

Did you try reflective mylar deterrents? Old CDs?

[Hud3]

Find a way to stretch a monofilament line or two over the spot where they like to land. Very effective!

[Wotname]

I am using a plywood disc (about 3/8 " thick) with the spikes inserted into drilled holes in the plywood.
The disc is placed on the radome and held in place with some bungy straps when I am not on board.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Wotname

I am using a plywood disc (about 3/8 " thick) with the spikes inserted into drilled holes in the plywood.
The disc is placed on the radome and held in place with some bungy straps when I am not on board.

This is what I did also. Except I used Velcro to attach, so it was removable.

[travler37]

RedHead® Owl Decoy | Bass Pro Shops



Has worked in every building i have seen one in.No reason it wont work on a boat that i see.And a good conversation piece.
Mark

[LeaseOnLife]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Find a way to stretch a monofilament line or two over the spot where they like to land. Very effective!

+1

the fishing line trick works well. If needed, use some hot glue to mount the line the radome, run it higher up to the backstay, then back to the radome. Birds seem to hate it, getting tangled, not seeing the lines. Works on spreaders too. From time to time we have to replace the line.

Dirk

[boden36]

Check out birdsoff.com.au . They make a sticky gel which is a deterrent.
I have not used it, but it may be your answer. Certainly pretty cheap and easy.

Regards,
Richard.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by travler37

RedHead® Owl Decoy | Bass Pro Shops



Has worked in every building i have seen one in.No reason it wont work on a boat that i see.And a good conversation piece.
Mark

A neighbor has one attached to the top of his mast. I've seen a crow perched atop it, but never a gull.

[Cheechako]

The radar beam is very narrow in the horizontal plane. Anything on top shouldnt effect it. However, I would be hesitant to pentrate to cover in fear of leakage....

[David M]

A radar beam is also very tall in the vertical plane where metal could affect it.

Plastic bird spikes....
https://www.google.com/search?q=plas...w=1056&bih=978

[Free Agent]

Tackless strip for laying carpets works great.
Coats it in Thompsons water seal and you're good to go.

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by David M

A radar beam is also very tall in the vertical plane where metal could affect it.

Plastic bird spikes....
https://www.google.com/search?q=plas...w=1056&bih=978

After seeing a bird impaled through it's wing, hanging from the steel spikes and thrashing around, I would go the plastic....

[Sailor g]

Originally Posted by LeaseOnLife

+1

the fishing line trick works well. If needed, use some hot glue to mount the line the radome, run it higher up to the backstay, then back to the radome. Birds seem to hate it, getting tangled, not seeing the lines. Works on spreaders too. From time to time we have to replace the line.

Dirk

I don't think it has to be or even should be clear line. If they can't see it why won't they try to land, get scared, leave a big bird doo before they fly off. Friends use white string to keep blue herons from even trying to fly into their cockpit & it works. We also use string to 'hold gates' on the dock which keeps the sea lions off as well. They see it & don't try. Of course that is an accidental happening. It would still be probably hard for you to see from on deck so won't be unattractive.