lightning protection C22

[Peter]

My C22 is not grounded against lightning. What are recommendations about doing this, if, indeed, any effective measures can be taken? As always, thanks for any help.

 

[Tom]

Lighting Protection

Check out the National Fire Protection Association publication entitled: NFPA 78 Lighting Protection Code. In appendix D you'll find all the info you need for lighting protection for sailboats.. To provide an adequate ground conducter the mast must be connected to the keel bolt with a copper wire no less the 8 AWG and the path should be as straight as possible. There is more to this so be sure to check out the publication. Your library might have it or even a local fire marshall may be able to get a copy for you.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Lightning

Even with a good ground, be careful. If caught out on the water and lightning is about, be sure that people stay as far away from shrouds, stays, and especially the mast as possible. If struck, maybe the bolt will then pass around but not thru anyone. When docked, or when there is lightning danger while I'm out, I wrap a metal cable around the mast, and drop it over the side into the water--and hope. Safe sailing!

 

[Tom]

Beware

The advice to avoid anything metallic is sound and good. Your best bet in a lighting storm is to drop anchor and get below deck. However., The advice to wrap a cable around your mast and drop into the water sounds good, but unless you have at least a square foot of metal attached to the cable to dissipate the charge it could be a fatal error to you or anyone on your boat. If you check you home's lightning protection you will see that there is a large gauge copper wire attached to a ground rod that is at least 1/2 wide and eight feet long. By dropping a cable into the water without an adequate ground connection there will be a good chance of side flashes to jump from the cable to any metalic surface that is closest to the cable. To adequately ground your boat, it must be attached to something such as a keel that will give you the ground to safely dissipate the charge into the water.I hate to refute someone's advice in this forum but this is a life safety issue where a live or lives are at stake.