Lightning ground plates or strips

[dobermanct_dave]

Hello all-

I'm interested in what other people have done for lightning grounds on
their Vegas. Also interested in finding a good source of materials for
same. Have been reading that you should use either a copper strip or
plate affixed to the hull below the waterline to ground the mast from
lightning strikes. Here on the east coast of the US, thunder storms can
get pretty nasty, and I want to take care of this while the boat is on
land for refit.

Dave Bachand V2917

 

[ellenbostwick]

Hello Dave,
Do not apply a plate for lightning grounding. If you do suffer a direct hit, the lightning will blow the plate off, which will leave you with a nice hole in your bottom.

You are better off bonding all your through hulls, and engine, together. You may or may not decide to put a lightning rod (bristle is best) at the top of the mast, with a large ground wire to your grounding system. Some feel this rod may actually attract lighting! Even the "experts" disagree on this.

I also carry jumper cables which I clamp to the shrouds, throwing the other end in the water. Makes me feel better, anyway.

Doug

Doug

 

[dobermanct_dave]

Hi-

Do you bond the shrouds or mast plate to the common ground? I've read
that the lightning will blow a through hull out of the hull, so I would
believe that it would also blow the plate off.

Years ago I worked as an electrician in a factory. We had a 500' deep
well with steel case and a 120' water tower connected via the iron
sprinkler pipes. I've seen lightning follow the pipes 10' from my head.
It's REALLY scary, so I'm trying to err on the side of caution here...

Dave