I've been concerned about the possibility of a lightening strike on our new Joy-Sea so I searched the archives this evening. I was pretty horrified to read of some of the stories of five (5) figure repair bills and one skipper whose H240 was a total loss. Other then confirming lightening coverage in our insurance policies, does anyone know of the lightening protection built into the H260 or, more importantly, does anyone have any ideas on how to lightening protect our vessels. Thanks!
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M
Mark
Perhaps some protection
I have spoken to Greg at Hunter and he has said that Hunter do not say that the 260 has protection however the manual does show that there is a lightning protection zone? Because the mast compression post does extend through the hull into the water I guess there is some protection. The trick is that you have to provide an efficient path for the bolt to "ground" with the water. My thoughts are that additional protection might be provided by fixing a copper cable from the shrouds and over the side to hang in the water might provide a path. The other theory is that providing such a path may indeed attract lightning. We drop the mast if we think there is any chance just in case.
I have spoken to Greg at Hunter and he has said that Hunter do not say that the 260 has protection however the manual does show that there is a lightning protection zone? Because the mast compression post does extend through the hull into the water I guess there is some protection. The trick is that you have to provide an efficient path for the bolt to "ground" with the water. My thoughts are that additional protection might be provided by fixing a copper cable from the shrouds and over the side to hang in the water might provide a path. The other theory is that providing such a path may indeed attract lightning. We drop the mast if we think there is any chance just in case.
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Ray Bowles
My thoughts about this type of accident followed
this theme. "If this was enough of a risk then Ralph Nader would have passed some type of bill to protect us all." Boat prices would have soared to the heigth of the lightening clouds. We either run to the shore line where the trees protect us, or make new and lasting friendships with all our more prosperous anchor mates. You know, the guys with the tall racing masts. Ray S/V Speedy
this theme. "If this was enough of a risk then Ralph Nader would have passed some type of bill to protect us all." Boat prices would have soared to the heigth of the lightening clouds. We either run to the shore line where the trees protect us, or make new and lasting friendships with all our more prosperous anchor mates. You know, the guys with the tall racing masts. Ray S/V Speedy
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Mark
Thats quick
Hey Ray you msut be on line at the moment. Down here its blowing a gale with 44 foot seas over the next few days. The 260 is parked in a safe mooring (our driveway)
Hey Ray you msut be on line at the moment. Down here its blowing a gale with 44 foot seas over the next few days. The 260 is parked in a safe mooring (our driveway)
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Crazy Dave Condon
Strike
The mast step is grounded to the centerboard bracket which helps to get rid of static electricity only. It is very rare for a direct strike to hit a boat but it does. This is the best way to answer your question base on a discussion with several engineers and expereince. Most boats that sustain lightnign damage comes from stikes that hit in the water and the charge findss it way to the boats. Damge occurs but it depends on the intensity. figure electonics is shot to begin with. To deflect a direct strike on the boat, a big cable would be needed but that would be impossible as the thickness would be larger than any cable I have ever seen plus it would bprobably blow the keel off. Everuone has an opinion and mine is just one of many crazy dave Condon
The mast step is grounded to the centerboard bracket which helps to get rid of static electricity only. It is very rare for a direct strike to hit a boat but it does. This is the best way to answer your question base on a discussion with several engineers and expereince. Most boats that sustain lightnign damage comes from stikes that hit in the water and the charge findss it way to the boats. Damge occurs but it depends on the intensity. figure electonics is shot to begin with. To deflect a direct strike on the boat, a big cable would be needed but that would be impossible as the thickness would be larger than any cable I have ever seen plus it would bprobably blow the keel off. Everuone has an opinion and mine is just one of many crazy dave Condon
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Al
first and foremost
Rather than damage to the boat, what about passengers/crew. If a lightening storm comes in quickly while on the water, where on the H260 is the "safest" place to run for cover (aft bunk, v-berth, on deck, etc)?? Or are we in the hands of God if this happens?
Rather than damage to the boat, what about passengers/crew. If a lightening storm comes in quickly while on the water, where on the H260 is the "safest" place to run for cover (aft bunk, v-berth, on deck, etc)?? Or are we in the hands of God if this happens?
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Doug T.
Cone of protection
The mast will actually protect the people from a direct hit -- the lightning will hit the mast before it ever hits the people on the boat. I'd either stay in the cockpit or go below. The key thing is to not allow your body to provide a conductive path from one metal object to another. For example, I wouldn't hold onto the wheel and to the backstay at the same time.
The mast will actually protect the people from a direct hit -- the lightning will hit the mast before it ever hits the people on the boat. I'd either stay in the cockpit or go below. The key thing is to not allow your body to provide a conductive path from one metal object to another. For example, I wouldn't hold onto the wheel and to the backstay at the same time.
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Pete Albright
Best Information by Ewen Thomson
Follow the link below to a recent thread on lightning. Read what professor Thomson has to say, and watch his video "Lightning Protection of Sailboats". This is the most informed source you will find, and He's a sailor too.
Follow the link below to a recent thread on lightning. Read what professor Thomson has to say, and watch his video "Lightning Protection of Sailboats". This is the most informed source you will find, and He's a sailor too.
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Mike
article link problem
I would very much like to find this information you refer to, but the link provides only a mostly blank page. Any idea of where I can find this? Thanks
I would very much like to find this information you refer to, but the link provides only a mostly blank page. Any idea of where I can find this? Thanks
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