Posted by Tony Williams (149.199.62.254) on May 09, 2000 at 13:40:24:
Does anyone have any practical examples of the measures they've taken to protect their boats from lightning strikes? I'm particularly worried because the keel-stepped mast in the '42 isn't actually keel-stepped, but rather, rests on a platform fitted to the hull just forward of the keel. I imagine a lightning strike to an unprotected mast would blow the bottom out of the hull!
I'm thinking of fitting a 3" wide strip of 3/8" aluminum sheet, bent in gentle curves, between the forward keelbolt and the base of the mast.
Would this be any protection? Any pointers on how to fit the strap to the base of the mast? Or how to get the strap out of the bilge to the base of the mast without any sharp bends?
Thanks,Tony.
Posted by Captain Rick (199.46.200.232) on May 09, 2000 at 22:01:42:
Tony, I was also worried about lightning. After researching it a bit, I added a "0" gauge copper cable from the fwd keelbolt to the base of the mast using a copper/aluminum lug. Also added "0" gauge cables from each shroud rod to the keel. Finally, mounted Forespar lightning master at top of mast and put arc supressor in VHF coax line. Haven't been hit yet!
