Lightning Dissipation

[Ken Shubert]

Do the very expensive, mast mounted, stainless steel brushes really work? There are several manufacturers and models ranging from $70 to $400. The theory seems plausible but the price is a little steep for such a simple gadget. People who have had one fail, probably won't send a reply KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Pete Burger]

Lightning arresters

Ken, Don't know about which model you are referring to, but I have one called a "No Strike". Apparently the navy and lots of the oil rigs use it with apparent success. Also I'm told some of the more expensive yacht manufacturers, such as Hatteras mount them on their boats. Don't know where you live, but we're here in Clearwater, the lightning capital of the world. At 65 feet tall, my mast is the tallest in the marina, and luckily we haven't had a strike in over three years.Good luckPeteS/V KAILANI

 

[Michael Bell]

Or...

Stay close to boats with 65 foot masts

 

[Dakota Jim]

Are they Guaranteed ?

A question you might ask the dealer. Heard that some were once, but have dropped that.On the other hand, my 340 came with one installed by the dealer (Florida Yachts) and I haven't removed it. <grin>

 

[Mark Kissel]

They absolutely work. Maybe.

Ken,Static dissipators rely on the many points to (hopefully) eliminate a voltage potential difference between your boat and the surrounding water. The idea being that your boat now looks electrically "invisible" to a passing cloud. Do they work? I'll give you my best opinion; if you have one installed and you've never been struck, then yes, they do.Mark Kissels/v KittiwakeH240

 

[Wayne Fredrick]

Nothing is Fool Proof

I have used a "No Strike" for years and like someone said, I guess it works since I have had quite a few lightning strikes nearby. However, there was a boat in our area on the Great Lakes that had one and got hit. Using something might often be better than doing nothing. There are so many articles written with varying opinions of "to ground or not to ground". Just look at how all of the different boat manufacturers deal with the issue. Some ground, some don't. As for feeling real safe docked or anchored next to that 65 foot mast, we have twice been in marinas where a power boat was hit that was docked among a bunch of "big sticks" so just because you have a smaller mast does not protect you from getting hit.

 

[Rick D]

Well Of Course, Wayne...

...Neptune would pick out the power boat amoung the sailboats to strike with lightning; Wouldn't you? RD