Mast Grounding on O'day 25?

[Mikesab]

In doing all the re-work on the cabin top and mast hinge, the only wiring I encountered was a 3 conductor wire which was only tied into the steaming light. (I used the other conductor and added a mast top anchor light.

My question... Isn't the mast supposed to be grounded to something? a grounding plate in the hull?

I did see what appears to be a sacrificial zinc in the center of the stern which was bolted thru the hull visible in the rear lazarette, but there didn't appear to be any old wires hooked to it...or a method to do so.

Am I missing something? or is this the non-groundedness the norm for a trailer sailor?

I came across this article, and it seems to advocate not grounding

http://pages.suddenlink.net/arlyn/sailing/lightning2.html

Thoughts? Just want to make sure I am not overlooking something for Lightning Florida. =)

 

[Ward H]

Good timing with this post Mike. Yesterday I moved everything out of the lazarette while getting ready to replace the rudder gudgeons. Found the wire on the stern zinc was not connected to anything on the other end.
From the size of the loop connector, I am guessing it must go to battery ground?
I have seen no indication that the mast is grounded.

 

[RichBone]

Don't worry about grounding the mast. All the boats that I've had never came with the mast grounded.

 

[svchickadee]

A good approach would be to ground a chain plate to the keel. There are two lift rings on the keel that could be used to attach a ground wire. Grounding the boat 12V seems unnecessary.

 

[Sunbird22358]

A good approach would be to ground a chain plate to the keel. There are two lift rings on the keel that could be used to attach a ground wire. Grounding the boat 12V seems unnecessary.

That won't work on the K/CB O'DAYs (except maybe the older 1971-74 23 with the cast-iron keel and fiberglass centerboard) since the keel is molded as part of the fiberglass hull. It sounds like you have the fin-keel 25, but even then the keel is lead and coated with a thin fairing filler, not sure how that affects things.

Here is what O'DAY had to say on hte subject of grounding:

"SAFETY INFORMATION

The mast, the stays, and all other parts of O'Day sailboats under 26 feet, following the general boating industry practice, are not grounded, except inboard models which are grounded. Should your O'Day sailboat be struck by lightning or make contact with electrical power lines, substantial injury may result to the occupants. We recommend that if you wish to be protected from injury resulting from lightning, that you have your O'Day sailboat grounded by an authorized O'Day dealer or other reputable boat yard in the manner recommended by the American Boat and Yacht Council of New York, New York. Under all circumstances, whether or not your boat is grounded, when lightning is present in your boating area, contact with the mast, the stays, and other metallic objects should be avoided.
We do not believe that grounding would be effective to avoid injury to the occupants of your sailboat, if contact is made with electrical power lines.
When operating your sailboat on waterways, charts should be regularly consulted, not only for normal hazards but also for the presence of electrical power lines. In addition, a lookout should be maintained for the presence of overhead electrical power lines, particularly during launching and hauling."