How safe am I in my 25 foot o'day as far as lightning? We plan on spending weekends in a small cove this summer,we would have good anchorage and waves wouldn't be a problem. Would we be safe enough from lightning by going in the cabin while the 30 to 45 minute storm passes over? I know the best thing is to avoid the situation altogether but lightning is an every afternoon event here in Tampa bay. Shortly after the storm passes the sun comes back out and there are many wonderful hours of the day left including the sunset. Thanks to all that respond. Jack. P.S. I am sure learning alot from this web site.
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- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
lightning protection
Sailboats with metal standing rigging are adequately protected if all rigging is bonded together and connected to a ground. There are a number of ways to ground, not all of them are the solution you may be looking for. Most lightning strikes to the mast will deflect off at a 60 degree angle and divert to the water via a proper grounding plate, which then directs the electrical surge into the water. It should be at least one square foot, and be connected to all electrical and metal components aboard as well as any that protrude through from outside to inside such as chainplate bolts, mast support etc. A simple solution is to hang a chain from the shrouds into the water. None of these are 100% effective in eliminating the effects of a lightning strike, but may increase survivability. The bonding material should have a conductivity equivalent to #8 gauge wire and if this wire is stranded, no strand should be smaller than #17 gauge. Any copper strip should be no thinner than #20 gauge with no sharp bends in its path. With this system, probability of protection is considered to be 99.9% according to Chapman Piloting. Of course in addition to this is common sense: stay inside a closed boat, do not touch metal objects or make a link between two metal objects with your body that may become a conduit, and stay out of the water. See also ABYC Safety Standard E-4.
Sailboats with metal standing rigging are adequately protected if all rigging is bonded together and connected to a ground. There are a number of ways to ground, not all of them are the solution you may be looking for. Most lightning strikes to the mast will deflect off at a 60 degree angle and divert to the water via a proper grounding plate, which then directs the electrical surge into the water. It should be at least one square foot, and be connected to all electrical and metal components aboard as well as any that protrude through from outside to inside such as chainplate bolts, mast support etc. A simple solution is to hang a chain from the shrouds into the water. None of these are 100% effective in eliminating the effects of a lightning strike, but may increase survivability. The bonding material should have a conductivity equivalent to #8 gauge wire and if this wire is stranded, no strand should be smaller than #17 gauge. Any copper strip should be no thinner than #20 gauge with no sharp bends in its path. With this system, probability of protection is considered to be 99.9% according to Chapman Piloting. Of course in addition to this is common sense: stay inside a closed boat, do not touch metal objects or make a link between two metal objects with your body that may become a conduit, and stay out of the water. See also ABYC Safety Standard E-4.
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