After a nice day on the water, you notice the sky darkening and clouds building. Then you hear a few rumbles of thunder in the distance. It's clear a thunderstorm is headed your way. And with thunder comes lightning. Boat owners have a variety of ways of dealing with lightning. Some try to ground everything to copper plates on the keel. Others have odd-looking fixtures atop their masts that might dissipate lightning in their vicinity. Some boats just have their masts grounded to the keel. And still others either don't know or don't worry about lightning strikes. What has been your experience with this scary phenomena? Have you ever been in a lightning storm? Ever been hit by lightning or seen it hit something nearby? If so, what was the result? Share your experiences with lightning then take the quick quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
- Status
Mast grounded to keel...
...but nothing else. Whatever happens, happens. Lightning has severely damaged boats with the most elaborate and state-of-the-art protection systems; lightning and its path is totally unpredictable. I wouldn't waste my money. While I don't intentionally venture out in this type of weather, if it happens while I'm out there, there is nothing to do but ride it out and don't sweat it. Cheers, Bob
...but nothing else. Whatever happens, happens. Lightning has severely damaged boats with the most elaborate and state-of-the-art protection systems; lightning and its path is totally unpredictable. I wouldn't waste my money. While I don't intentionally venture out in this type of weather, if it happens while I'm out there, there is nothing to do but ride it out and don't sweat it. Cheers, Bob
Sunk!!!
Two years ago a Cal28 a few slips up from my boat was struck by lightning. There was a problem with the ground path from the mast and the lightning ended up going through the hull. It "pepered" the hull with thousands of tiny holes. Unfortunately it also destroyed the electrical system and the bilge pumps did not come on. the boat went to the bottom. When once salvaged and out of the water it was determined that the boat was totaled because of the damage to the hull. I since read a lot on the subject and there are diverging opinions. I bellieve there are ways to help the lightning pass to the water, but to do it right would be very expensive(i.e. grounding plate running the length of the boat in the middle of the bottom, additional grounding paths from mast to ground plate without bends in the conductors, bonding systems etc....). When I contacted Hunter about the issue all they would say is that my mast was grounded through the center board bracket. In the end I believe luck has a lot to do with it, but without any kind of ground, we maybe asking for trouble.
Two years ago a Cal28 a few slips up from my boat was struck by lightning. There was a problem with the ground path from the mast and the lightning ended up going through the hull. It "pepered" the hull with thousands of tiny holes. Unfortunately it also destroyed the electrical system and the bilge pumps did not come on. the boat went to the bottom. When once salvaged and out of the water it was determined that the boat was totaled because of the damage to the hull. I since read a lot on the subject and there are diverging opinions. I bellieve there are ways to help the lightning pass to the water, but to do it right would be very expensive(i.e. grounding plate running the length of the boat in the middle of the bottom, additional grounding paths from mast to ground plate without bends in the conductors, bonding systems etc....). When I contacted Hunter about the issue all they would say is that my mast was grounded through the center board bracket. In the end I believe luck has a lot to do with it, but without any kind of ground, we maybe asking for trouble.
Hit at sea
A few years ago my CS36 Merlin was struck during the worst electrical storm I've seen. Lightning was hitting the water all around us and I figured it was just a matter of time before we got it so I got our position off the GPS, wrote it on a slip of paper and tucked it in my pocket. A minute later I heard this hissing sound and found that it was all the masthead gear going into the water behind me, it was red hot! All the electics went out (of course it was just getting dark). Lucky I had a hand held vhf which survived the strike and called the coast guard. I gave them my position, told them I was checking for damage, and would call again in ten minutes. They contacted SAR and had them on standby. We were not holed so I told them I was continuing to Toronto, about 70 miles to go. They said to call them every half hour until I got safely home as sometimes the damage is not immediately apparent such as keel bolts nearly burnt through! They were extremely helpful and said if I missed a call they would contact SAR. I had to keep the handheld off except to call to conserve the battery. Anyway I got home safely but had to go through another two hours of the electrical storm. We didn't dare touch the wheel, just put the brake on and turned it occasionally. Yes, the autopilot was shot too. When we hauled the boat for inspection the following week we could see burnt bottom paint (treeing)at all the through hulls and at the rudder where the gudgeon is. My keel stepped mast was grounded to the keel but none of the through hulls are bonded. The charge went right through the boat from stem to stern. Luckily burnt bottom paint and the electronics and mast wiring was the extent of the damage.
A few years ago my CS36 Merlin was struck during the worst electrical storm I've seen. Lightning was hitting the water all around us and I figured it was just a matter of time before we got it so I got our position off the GPS, wrote it on a slip of paper and tucked it in my pocket. A minute later I heard this hissing sound and found that it was all the masthead gear going into the water behind me, it was red hot! All the electics went out (of course it was just getting dark). Lucky I had a hand held vhf which survived the strike and called the coast guard. I gave them my position, told them I was checking for damage, and would call again in ten minutes. They contacted SAR and had them on standby. We were not holed so I told them I was continuing to Toronto, about 70 miles to go. They said to call them every half hour until I got safely home as sometimes the damage is not immediately apparent such as keel bolts nearly burnt through! They were extremely helpful and said if I missed a call they would contact SAR. I had to keep the handheld off except to call to conserve the battery. Anyway I got home safely but had to go through another two hours of the electrical storm. We didn't dare touch the wheel, just put the brake on and turned it occasionally. Yes, the autopilot was shot too. When we hauled the boat for inspection the following week we could see burnt bottom paint (treeing)at all the through hulls and at the rudder where the gudgeon is. My keel stepped mast was grounded to the keel but none of the through hulls are bonded. The charge went right through the boat from stem to stern. Luckily burnt bottom paint and the electronics and mast wiring was the extent of the damage.
Lightning....
A few years ago, I got caught in a thunder-bumper a few miles from Poplar Island in the mid-Chesapeake. I knew I couldn't get into a safe harbor fast enough, even under power. We shut off everything and tried to unplug or disconnect all the electronics aboard, but some were hard wired by the PO. We were sure we were going to get hit by lightning as it was striking the water all around us. At one point, it hit the water directly in front of the boat and it was like being in sci-fi movie. Water turned red and was actually boiling. Why that bolt hit the water and not our mast I'll never know. We were just plain lucky. You just can't plan for or figure lightning.
A few years ago, I got caught in a thunder-bumper a few miles from Poplar Island in the mid-Chesapeake. I knew I couldn't get into a safe harbor fast enough, even under power. We shut off everything and tried to unplug or disconnect all the electronics aboard, but some were hard wired by the PO. We were sure we were going to get hit by lightning as it was striking the water all around us. At one point, it hit the water directly in front of the boat and it was like being in sci-fi movie. Water turned red and was actually boiling. Why that bolt hit the water and not our mast I'll never know. We were just plain lucky. You just can't plan for or figure lightning.
Damaged without being hit
My Freedom 30 was apparently too near a lightning strike while tied up in its slip. The electromagnetic pulse from the nearby strike fried everything electronic (including the diodes on the alternator) without leaving any obvious signs of other damage.
My Freedom 30 was apparently too near a lightning strike while tied up in its slip. The electromagnetic pulse from the nearby strike fried everything electronic (including the diodes on the alternator) without leaving any obvious signs of other damage.
Hit at sea
A few years ago my CS36 Merlin was struck during the worst electrical storm I've seen. Lightning was hitting the water all around us and I figured it was just a matter of time before we got it so I got our position off the GPS, wrote it on a slip of paper and tucked it in my pocket. A minute later I heard this hissing sound and found that it was all the masthead gear going into the water behind me, it was red hot! All the electics went out (of course it was just getting dark). Lucky I had a hand held vhf which survived the strike and called the coast guard. I gave them my position, told them I was checking for damage, and would call again in ten minutes. They contacted SAR and had them on standby. We were not holed so I told them I was continuing to Toronto, about 70 miles to go. They said to call them every half hour until I got safely home as sometimes the damage is not immediately apparent such as keel bolts nearly burnt through! They were extremely helpful and said if I missed a call they would contact SAR. I had to keep the handheld off except to call to conserve the battery. Anyway I got home safely but had to go through another two hours of the electrical storm. We didn't dare touch the wheel, just put the brake on and turned it occasionally. Yes, the autopilot was shot too. When we hauled the boat for inspection the following week we could see burnt bottom paint (treeing)at all the through hulls and at the rudder where the gudgeon is. My keel stepped mast was grounded to the keel but none of the through hulls are bonded. The charge went right through the boat from stem to stern. Luckily burnt bottom paint and the electronics and mast wiring was the extent of the damage.
A few years ago my CS36 Merlin was struck during the worst electrical storm I've seen. Lightning was hitting the water all around us and I figured it was just a matter of time before we got it so I got our position off the GPS, wrote it on a slip of paper and tucked it in my pocket. A minute later I heard this hissing sound and found that it was all the masthead gear going into the water behind me, it was red hot! All the electics went out (of course it was just getting dark). Lucky I had a hand held vhf which survived the strike and called the coast guard. I gave them my position, told them I was checking for damage, and would call again in ten minutes. They contacted SAR and had them on standby. We were not holed so I told them I was continuing to Toronto, about 70 miles to go. They said to call them every half hour until I got safely home as sometimes the damage is not immediately apparent such as keel bolts nearly burnt through! They were extremely helpful and said if I missed a call they would contact SAR. I had to keep the handheld off except to call to conserve the battery. Anyway I got home safely but had to go through another two hours of the electrical storm. We didn't dare touch the wheel, just put the brake on and turned it occasionally. Yes, the autopilot was shot too. When we hauled the boat for inspection the following week we could see burnt bottom paint (treeing)at all the through hulls and at the rudder where the gudgeon is. My keel stepped mast was grounded to the keel but none of the through hulls are bonded. The charge went right through the boat from stem to stern. Luckily burnt bottom paint and the electronics and mast wiring was the extent of the damage.
Lightening ended a nice charter for us
A couple of years ago we were in the second day of a week-long charter on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I belive the boat was a lovely 36 or 37' late model Island Packet. We had just anchored for the evening when we saw a thunderstorm approaching. Went below as the storm kicked up and I insructed the family to not touch anything metal. As I watched the panel, we were hit, and I saw a puff of smoke in the voltmeter on the panel. When it cleared, the needle was lying in the bottom of the meter. With ears ringing we sat tight until the storm passed, and then went on deck to look for damage. The windex mounting post was lying in the cockpit, bent and burned. All electronics in the boat were fried, including the VHF, GPS, air conditioning, cabin and navigation lights, etc. The starting circuit on the engine was not hurt and the next morning we were able to motor out of the anchorage and sail back to the charter base. When I called the charter operator to ask about what next, and how long he thought it might be before we could get underway again, he told me that they'd get us out as soon as we produced another security deposit, as we had forfeited ours due to the damage. When I (and subsequently my lawyer) tried to challenge this, he indicate that the charter contract makes the charterer the owner of the boat during the charter period, and the deposit is the equivalent of the deductable on the boat's insurance. Ergo, we lose! We explored south Florida by rental car and motel for the remainder of the week!
A couple of years ago we were in the second day of a week-long charter on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I belive the boat was a lovely 36 or 37' late model Island Packet. We had just anchored for the evening when we saw a thunderstorm approaching. Went below as the storm kicked up and I insructed the family to not touch anything metal. As I watched the panel, we were hit, and I saw a puff of smoke in the voltmeter on the panel. When it cleared, the needle was lying in the bottom of the meter. With ears ringing we sat tight until the storm passed, and then went on deck to look for damage. The windex mounting post was lying in the cockpit, bent and burned. All electronics in the boat were fried, including the VHF, GPS, air conditioning, cabin and navigation lights, etc. The starting circuit on the engine was not hurt and the next morning we were able to motor out of the anchorage and sail back to the charter base. When I called the charter operator to ask about what next, and how long he thought it might be before we could get underway again, he told me that they'd get us out as soon as we produced another security deposit, as we had forfeited ours due to the damage. When I (and subsequently my lawyer) tried to challenge this, he indicate that the charter contract makes the charterer the owner of the boat during the charter period, and the deposit is the equivalent of the deductable on the boat's insurance. Ergo, we lose! We explored south Florida by rental car and motel for the remainder of the week!
I was hit with little damage
I was hit and only the SSB and TV where damaged. Cheoy Lee CLipper 33 ketch with mast mounted VHF ant. The lighting hit the mast top VHF ant. and came down the RG8U coxial cable. It did not damage the VHF or cable but Exploded the fiberglass wip at the top of the mast. It then jumped from the VHF connection to the SSB which was well grounded to the keel/motor. There was enough of it left to jump to the TV. We saw the ball of lightning jump between the vhf and ssb and then jump to the TV. I installed a new VHF ant and the VHF was good as new. SSB and TV were a total lost. My guess is the great SSB ground disapated it to the water by the external iron keel and engine shaft.
I was hit and only the SSB and TV where damaged. Cheoy Lee CLipper 33 ketch with mast mounted VHF ant. The lighting hit the mast top VHF ant. and came down the RG8U coxial cable. It did not damage the VHF or cable but Exploded the fiberglass wip at the top of the mast. It then jumped from the VHF connection to the SSB which was well grounded to the keel/motor. There was enough of it left to jump to the TV. We saw the ball of lightning jump between the vhf and ssb and then jump to the TV. I installed a new VHF ant and the VHF was good as new. SSB and TV were a total lost. My guess is the great SSB ground disapated it to the water by the external iron keel and engine shaft.
I knew Better
After many years of 'driving' my 1986 Hunter '34 and replacing all of the ship's electronics, except the original stereo, I had used in-line fusing in both the positive and negative leads to each item as it was added. I knew that I should have gone back to the old stereo and fused the negative lead (the road to hades is paved with good intentions). On an otherwise hot and humid summer day, while sitting out a rain squall at my mooring and playing my favorite tape on the stereo, lightening struck the top of the mast - the air in the cabin actually 'glowed blue' and the stereo went silent and began to emit smoke. No other damage was caused by the strike but, now, "Chalet" has a new ultra modern stereo system.
After many years of 'driving' my 1986 Hunter '34 and replacing all of the ship's electronics, except the original stereo, I had used in-line fusing in both the positive and negative leads to each item as it was added. I knew that I should have gone back to the old stereo and fused the negative lead (the road to hades is paved with good intentions). On an otherwise hot and humid summer day, while sitting out a rain squall at my mooring and playing my favorite tape on the stereo, lightening struck the top of the mast - the air in the cabin actually 'glowed blue' and the stereo went silent and began to emit smoke. No other damage was caused by the strike but, now, "Chalet" has a new ultra modern stereo system.
Afternoon Squall
My wife and I used to sail south out of Ft. Pierce, FL. On one occasion we were in Jupiter, moored up, had lunch and were returning to homeport in FP in a Hobie 16. Half the way through, the afternoon skies over the mainland darkened and I could see the afternoon storms building. At one point I released the main and moved the jib traveler all the way out. We soon found ourselves on the leading edge of a summer squall. First the drop in temperature, then the building wind and sea (we were on a broad reach moving away from the storm) the jib was socked down, and we were pelted with hail and close lightning strikes. WOW! We made it back and lived long enough to make this post.
My wife and I used to sail south out of Ft. Pierce, FL. On one occasion we were in Jupiter, moored up, had lunch and were returning to homeport in FP in a Hobie 16. Half the way through, the afternoon skies over the mainland darkened and I could see the afternoon storms building. At one point I released the main and moved the jib traveler all the way out. We soon found ourselves on the leading edge of a summer squall. First the drop in temperature, then the building wind and sea (we were on a broad reach moving away from the storm) the jib was socked down, and we were pelted with hail and close lightning strikes. WOW! We made it back and lived long enough to make this post.
Danger Scale
Several summers ago we were trapped between two Chesapeake Busters, with no escape. The lightning was bad, the thunder was exciting, the rain horizontally challenging, but the WIND was the worst. From 0 to 50 knots in seconds, then quickly gone. Cost me a traveler and a mainsail, but no other damage.
Several summers ago we were trapped between two Chesapeake Busters, with no escape. The lightning was bad, the thunder was exciting, the rain horizontally challenging, but the WIND was the worst. From 0 to 50 knots in seconds, then quickly gone. Cost me a traveler and a mainsail, but no other damage.
Jumper cables???
I have heard stories of some who clip jumper cables to each of the shrouds with the free end in the water to act as a ground. Is this safe? is it effective??
I have heard stories of some who clip jumper cables to each of the shrouds with the free end in the water to act as a ground. Is this safe? is it effective??
Charlie, are you in
the Great Lakes marina??? Oh, I don't know about the jumper cables, but it's better then nothing. Tom s/v GAIA Great Lakes.
the Great Lakes marina??? Oh, I don't know about the jumper cables, but it's better then nothing. Tom s/v GAIA Great Lakes.
Charged air
We were sailing in a high mountain lake just as some thunderstorms were rolling by. Although the lightning was sparse and far off, we began to hear a buzzing sound. We eventually realized it was coming from the rigging which was becoming charged with static electricity. We got a few nasty shocks as we took down the sails (to reduce static buildup) and started the motor to head for shore. I had everyone else go below while I steered and stayed clear of the rigging. I believe some type of grounding here might reduce the risk of shock.
We were sailing in a high mountain lake just as some thunderstorms were rolling by. Although the lightning was sparse and far off, we began to hear a buzzing sound. We eventually realized it was coming from the rigging which was becoming charged with static electricity. We got a few nasty shocks as we took down the sails (to reduce static buildup) and started the motor to head for shore. I had everyone else go below while I steered and stayed clear of the rigging. I believe some type of grounding here might reduce the risk of shock.
Charlie, if it makes you feel better
go ahead but I don't think it'll actually do anything. You need a big surface area to dissipate the charge and the jumper cables will not do that. Also the charge will move faster through the aluminum mast rather than the stainless rigging albeit nanoseconds. When I got hit it went throughout the boat without any wiring or bonding connecting it.
go ahead but I don't think it'll actually do anything. You need a big surface area to dissipate the charge and the jumper cables will not do that. Also the charge will move faster through the aluminum mast rather than the stainless rigging albeit nanoseconds. When I got hit it went throughout the boat without any wiring or bonding connecting it.
LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES ONCE
Recently a reliable publication stated that lightning only strikes six out of one thousand boats. Apparently the odds are in your favor. To improve your odds, check your weather radio before you leave the dock. If the sky looks funny or dark while you're sailing, check it again. Head for the nearest safe harbor if you have the least inkling that a storm is coming. Keep the odds in your favor.
Recently a reliable publication stated that lightning only strikes six out of one thousand boats. Apparently the odds are in your favor. To improve your odds, check your weather radio before you leave the dock. If the sky looks funny or dark while you're sailing, check it again. Head for the nearest safe harbor if you have the least inkling that a storm is coming. Keep the odds in your favor.
Never been hit
Never been hit directly, but I have seen some damage done by strikes. On the Gulf Coast of Alabama, we have almost daily summer thunderstorms, and it makes me kinda nervous to be out in the middle of them. I have asked around about grounding or other lightning protection, and the answers are either; (1) your boat should be grounded through the mast to the keel; or (2) the odds are so high that you shouldn't even worry about it. Well, I do worry enough that while sailing, I try to avoid any storms, and if we do get caught in one, I prefer to anchor and send everyone below.
Never been hit directly, but I have seen some damage done by strikes. On the Gulf Coast of Alabama, we have almost daily summer thunderstorms, and it makes me kinda nervous to be out in the middle of them. I have asked around about grounding or other lightning protection, and the answers are either; (1) your boat should be grounded through the mast to the keel; or (2) the odds are so high that you shouldn't even worry about it. Well, I do worry enough that while sailing, I try to avoid any storms, and if we do get caught in one, I prefer to anchor and send everyone below.
How about a Capri 16.5 ?
I read with interest about the lighting strikes. Being somewhat new at this sailing game, and starting out with a nice little Catalina/Capri 16.5 day sailor I have been wondering what if any would be the results of a lightening strike on my boat. Here in Georgia thunderstorms are an eveyday feature from July to Sept. Does the Capri 16.5 have any built-in resistance to lightening damage, or would we just be "toast" if hit? I would appreciate your tips and comments.
I read with interest about the lighting strikes. Being somewhat new at this sailing game, and starting out with a nice little Catalina/Capri 16.5 day sailor I have been wondering what if any would be the results of a lightening strike on my boat. Here in Georgia thunderstorms are an eveyday feature from July to Sept. Does the Capri 16.5 have any built-in resistance to lightening damage, or would we just be "toast" if hit? I would appreciate your tips and comments.
Informative paper on Lightning
There is a very informative article that contends that several of the commonly accepted norms for marine lightning protection are not adequite. I suggest anyone seriously seeking to minimize their exposure to this threat at least read the paper. It is by Ewin Thompson, an electrical engineer and is posed in PDF at http://www.thomson.ece.ufl.edu/lightning/IEEE.pdf
There is a very informative article that contends that several of the commonly accepted norms for marine lightning protection are not adequite. I suggest anyone seriously seeking to minimize their exposure to this threat at least read the paper. It is by Ewin Thompson, an electrical engineer and is posed in PDF at http://www.thomson.ece.ufl.edu/lightning/IEEE.pdf
- Status