Lightning damage?

[Sloopercat]

I just had my boat pulled yesterday after a lightning hit. This is probably a dumb question, but it is the first time I have been hit. The front drain hole for the sink, looks like a bloodshot pattern in the bottom paint radiating in a 4 inch circle. After looking at the digital photos, I also noticed other small pinpoints with the same pattern around them. Also the keel has a chunk out of it, about 1" round, at the aft upper end. Noticed a "smile" radiating around the front of the keel. I can send the photos as documentation. The yard does not seem experienced in this at all.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Smile

The smile at forward end of the keel *probably* is the (in)famous Catalina Smile. Many, many Catalinas have this problem and it isn't considered a structural problem. BUT since you had a lightening hit, don't count on anything *not* being a problem. The thru hulls are probably your biggest concern. There has got to be someone in your area experienced with lightening damage. Try a marine surveyor in your area - they may be able to recommend someone. Good luck!LaDonna

 

[Robert Fischer]

lightning hit

A friends boat was hit this past spring. The current traveled down the shrouds to the chainplates and blew a small hole in the hull above the water line. The current also went down the keel stepped mast and blew a hole in the bottom. try to find the path the current took to get to the keel and sink. It would have traveled along a metal path. You should be able to epoxy and glass over the damaged areas, grind the areas thoroughly first.