Wasp Nest Prevention

I've had my H14 for around 20 years. It has always had paper wasps. The visible nests were often hanging from a frame casting or inside the rudder bracket. I would usually knock off the nests I could see (or use the hose to spray them off before heading to the lake) but there would still be wasps randomly appearing and getting washed away while sailing. I found out (after disassembling the boat) that the frame castings are hollow between the side rails and the front/back rails. Apparently, wasps had been entering all four castings from the side rail trampoline track and building nests in the rails (about 6" into the ends of the side rails and at least 12" into each end of the the front and back rails). As of today, I have removed all (dozens) of the wasp nests from the frame. (I had to snake the front and back rails to break up the nests enough to get them out.)

I would like to prevent this from happening again. My current plan is to spray some expanding polyurethane foam into the castings before assembling the frame. Then (after the foam has cured and the frame has been put back together) caulk the trampoline track that extends inside the castings (as well as the track on the four pylons) so that there is nowhere for wasps to hide or build.

Are there any issues with this idea? Or any better options? Thanks

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Sam

'84 Hobie 14 Turbo
'84 Hobie 18 Magnum

I would not fill the castings (or anything on a boat) with expanding foam. It absorbs moisture.
Caulking the outside openings will stop them.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

Good point. Thanks.

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Sam

'84 Hobie 14 Turbo
'84 Hobie 18 Magnum