Arrrggg! I have a rat on board.
At least I think it’s a rat, some kind of rodent for sure. It must have swam and climbed the anchor chain while I was gone.
I’ve set two snap-traps, and a glue trap. It keeps taking the food without triggering the traps, and stole food from the glue trap. I can also see from the glue trap footprint that it is fairly large?
If I weren’t allergic to cats I’d have one onboard. I just read an article about 10 cat breeds that although are not “hypoallergenic”, are much easier on the allergies. I’d love to have one.
I’ve been sick most of the past week and haven’t put the hunt into full swing but it is getting annoying. A friend of mine a few years ago had a large possum-type creature on the boat which really surprised him when he opened a cupboard. I fear for all the wiring he is chewing on. When I got up this morning I found that it bored through a thick plastic container to get at my oats.
He doesn’t have a problem taking easy food so I’m starting to think poison! _2.jpg "sailboatbalance-(1)")
Even with the addition of a rat It’s nice to be home after battling with the other boat for so long.
I’m feeling a bit better today and I’m excited to install my new windlass and chain, I’m going to jump on the project ASAP.
I’m going to install a pipe in the v-birth to channel the anchor chain from the anchor locker to underneath the v-birth. It will make a separation in the forward bed, but having all that weight 8’ off the bow will help shift Splendid’s weight back to center.I was heavy in the bow before but now I’m adding a much bigger windlass and more weight as I’ve upgraded to 3/8bbb chain from 5/16bbb.
It’s nice to be blogging again!
Cheers friends.
Peace from Splendid.
Alex
Try a rat trap baited with penut butter with a little dab of caro syrup
RATS!! Good Luck.
Those guys can be pretty illusive. Maybe give him a name and put out food and water for him/her. Then the wiring may be safe. Just don’t shoot at it.
Glad your back home. I’m sure Splendid missed you guys and is now much happier to have you aboard. It’s the way of boats.
In MN selling some garlic for a Renaissance Festival. The charter season in SW FL has ground to a halt. Every year is the same. Hot, muggy and buggy with no wind. Maybe 70kts for 15 minutes and then right back to flat and still. I guess it’s called “Tropical.” so projects are being done and plans are being made.
All is good.
My best to Carla and enjoy the hunt!
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
Try to catch it in a trap.If you use poison it might crawl into some inaccessible area on the boat and die.Not good
That sounds like one smart rat! I would trap him and keep him in a cage for a while. Then take him to shore and set him free. Unless you guys start to become fond of him!