[Rhodes22-list] lightning protection

[Wally Buck]

Brad,

I think we all agree that boats can and do get hit by lightning and when 
this happens it is a very bad thing. The real debate seems to center around 
what protective action if any to take. The difference in opinions regarding 
lightning protection for sailboats is not limited to this list. The August 
2002 issue of SAIL magazine had a couple of different articles depicting 
different opinions from so called experts. Some said that a grounding system 
is the way to go, others say a grounding system invites more strikes.

I have seen the same debate on other sailing sites. I have to admit to being 
confused by the conflicting opinions. I think the opinions on this list are 
pretty representative of the debate in general meaning you hear both schools 
of thought. For right now I try to use good judgement when sailing during 
thunderstorm season.

I would love to hear what you come up with.

Wally


>From: brad haslett <flybrad@yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
>To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] lightning protection
>Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 13:11:48 -0800 (PST)
>
>Ladies and Gentlemen:
>
>This discussion reminds me of being a fifteen year old
>kid, apprentice aircraft mechanic, milling around the
>hangar and listening to the "old guys" tell their "war
>stories".  The scientific facts say that lightning
>strikes on sailboats is a real threat.  How big a
>threat it is to you is a function of where you sail,
>how often you sail, and how much time you spend "on
>the hook".  We all have to live with the American
>jurisprudence system based on precedent but just
>because someone said something some time ago on the
>Rhodes list doesn't make it gospel.  Todd has a valid
>point and I challenge anyone to "shoot it down" with
>evidence, not emotion.
>
>Brad Haslett
>"CoraShen"
>--- Todd Tavares <sprocket80@mail.com> wrote:
> >
> >    Thanks Bill,
> >
> >           My only point was that lightning would
> > find the shortest and
> >    probably straightest path to the water.  My
> > terminology wasn't
> >    correct.  I thought you were implying that
> > because of the construction
> >    of the R22 that we were less likely to be hit
> > because of the distance
> >    between the mast and water, and materials in the
> > boat.
> >
> >         I have never been on a boat that has been
> > hit by lightening, but
> >    have seen many ground strikes close up.  My only
> > hope would be to
> >    survive (including making it back or being
> > rescued from a partially
> >    submerged boat).  Boat and electronics can be
> > replaced.
> >
> >    Thanks for the posts.
> >
> >    Todd
> >


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