[Rhodes22-list] lightning protection

[Al Miller]

Hi all,
 
I have a keen interest in the subject at hand.  Unlike some others,
every time that Michelle and I go out on Mishka, it is for at least an
overnighter, usually 2-3 days.  We have to sail on the high tide, so we
can't run from the storms.  We usually ride one or two out per month on
the hook during the summer storm season.  I read all of the arguments,
for and against, and I still don't have a firm answer for myself, yet.
I do tend to favor some sort of protection, though. 
 
 A tree in my yard was hit 4 summers in a row.  Each time in August,
each strike within 7 or 8 days of the strike date the summer before.
The 2nd year, my ham rig was damaged. The 4th year's strike dropped my
long wire ham antenna into the yard.  The charge followed the coaxial
cable to my shack entrance and then jumped to the heavy copper ground
wire where their proximity was the closest and disappeared into the
ground on an 8 foot copper rod.   The 4th year only damaged the antenna
and charred a window frame.  I have a healthy respect for the juice! 
 
Have any of you heard the electrical charge crackling in your rigging?
Michelle and I were anchored just off Anclote Key this last summer.  We
were grilling steaks when a t'storm approached.  Of course, the steaks
were sizzling and Michelle was preparing the side dishes in the galley.
I thought that the 'sizzling' was pretty loud and it appeared to be all
around me.  I got closer to the rigging and I could hear the electrical
discharge!  It was nearly dark, so I started looking for St. Elmo's
fire.  I figured that not many people have seen it and well, I couldn't
leave, so I may as well experience something new!  Many cloud to cloud
flashes occurred as the storm passed overhead and I thought that I
noticed that the crackling sound increased as a flash fired.  I
confirmed this by getting closer to the rigging and sure enough, when a
flash occurred, the sizzling was louder!  I even braved touching the
rigging, expecting a mild shock, which did not occur.
 
I opened a beer and chatted with the first mate for an hour or so until
the storm passed.  We just watched the storm, talked and tried to remain
calm.  Michelle is able to do that for me.  She has no fear!  We
couldn't leave or do anything else anyway.  I guess my faith in the
ungrounded Rhodes was reinforced that night, but my radio experience and
the literature I've read makes me lean towards bonding and grounding.
 
Michelle and I have not missed a sail because of thunderstorms.  No
sailing would happen for us if we tried to wait for clear weather.  We
pay attention to the weather channel for storm cells and for Small Craft
Advisories.  We really aren't as foolhardy as this must sound.  But when
the Small Craft Use Caution Advisories are up, we can hardly wait to
head out.  Great winds and exciting sailing!  It's fun to have a
fearless 1st mate.
 
Well, that's my story.  Hope to see some of you at the St. Pete Boat
Show.  I know Bob and Kathy will be there.  Looking forward to seeing
Stan and Elton and all the rest.
 
Fair winds,
Al/Michelle
S/V Mishka
Tampa, FL