Having been hit by a giant bolt of electrical discharge last year, wiping out every electronic device on board, I favour science (electrical eng. and statistics) then remedial options 2 and 3. Much is written on the subject. Google is aglow with articles, as is this forum. Some say that any form of grounding conduit can and may cause additional harm, even sinking the vessel.
Maybe I was lucky. Marina caught the act on security footage. Dock worker observed from no more than 100m away. Spectacular he said !! It was impressive. Wish I had a copy of the video to share.
Hit the top of the stick, traveled all the way down, dissipating via every electrical cable possible, and best guess exited via the motor (tip still in water) or the keel. Best bet was motor as no burn marks on the keel trunk or any fibreglass for that matter. Oddly, did not cause damage to motor or electric start. But fried the stereo, marine band radio, GPS plotter, battery charge controller (melted) and every fuse. St.Fm Insurance covered the whole thing, no questions asked (pictures and receipts helped). $100 deduction. Check your policy.
