[C320-list] When Lightning Strikes

[VenturaC320 at aol.com]

And don't forget to check your fuel tank for pin-hole leaks. Our lightening  
strike took out most electronics and also came down the rudder and to the skeg 
 under the fuel tank. We began to smell diesel and then saw a slow trickle  
of fuel coming into the bilge. The result was a new fuel tank since there  was 
five pin holes in the tank. 
 
Our surveyor showed us how the current went down the bob stay and tracked  
across the VC 17 hull paint. He said it was a good thing that we had VC 17 on  
the hull since the copper content conducted the current. BOAT  US insurance was 
great and paid our several thousand dollar claim without  any problem. J. L. 
Lake Michigan.     
 
 
In a message dated 8/16/2008 8:46:20 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
wupdike at hotmail.com writes:

Keep in  mind that unless you had a direct hit or current entering on the
shore  power line, you may only have damage from the electromagnetic pulse
that  results from a nearby strike in which case the damage is only to  the
instrument, wires, and other electric/electronic devices. 

I  would think you have to involve your insurance co., get a  professional
survey and take that where it leads.

Warren &  Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake  Bay




-----Original Message-----
Sad news - my boat was  hit by lightning in a storm on Mon nite here is Long
Island. Seems to be  limited to electronics but the more people I talk to the
more I am learning  as to what to check for...like hull damage from where the
lightning may  have exited. So, I am reaching out to this group seeking words
of wisdom  from personal experience or that of a fellow sailor. What should I
look  for, tips on dealing with boatyard/insurance agent  etc..

Thanks

Tim  O
Calypso
#603








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