[C320-list] Lightning

[Tom Grass]

Thanks for all of the replies regarding lightning.  What are your opinions
regarding a lightning dissipator mounted to the top of the mast?

Tom Grass
Bucket List

On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 10:20 AM John morrison <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
wrote:

> I read something awhile ago that Catalina made a deliberate decision not
> to electrically bond all of the metal components. It basically said that
> lightning in the order of a Brazilian V will do whatever it bloody well
> pleased. Bonding is expensive producing no benefits. This came up during my
> recent survey whereas the surveyor stated that all metal components needed
> to be bonded. I discussed the issue with him and he withdrew the
> requirement. I have two heavy jumper cables which I attach to the shrouds
> and then dangle in the water. Evidently it doesn’t help but it gives me
> peace of mind……..sort of.
> JohnM
> 1999#574
> > On Dec 13, 2020, at 11:39 AM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Tom:
> >
> > My 1998 320 has a thick cable bolted to the mast support and connected
> to a keel bolt. In theory, the mast is the lightning rod and the massive
> keel is the ground stake. However …
> >
> > Lightning is kazillion volts and basically does what it wants to. It
> might run straight down through the keel, or maybe it does a side flash to
> other metal such as the oven. We are lucky to have Marelon through hulls
> because they won’t attract side flashes and melt, the way bronze could.
> >
> > I live in Florida, the lightning capital of the world, and I have had
> two close brushes with lightning in 40 years of off and on sailing. That
> should tell you something about where it should be on your list of worries.
> >
> > In the first, I was in my 19-foot sailboat about three miles off Fort
> Lauderdale, making a late return at night from the Keys. I pulled down the
> sails and lit a cigarette (I smoked back then) while lightning bolts struck
> all around me for about 30 minutes. I could see them hitting the water, but
> none hit me. Scared the hell out of me.
> >
> > The second was about seven years ago. My wife and I were scrambling in
> as a summer thunderstorm arrived in Hillsboro Inlet from the Everglades. I
> was dropping the anchor in 30-knot gusts when a bolt struck about 40 yards
> from us in the harbor. It knocked out random electronics in my Bristol 30,
> but I didn’t feel anything.
> >
> > So my rules are take down the sails, anchor if you are in restricted
> waters, lock the wheel to protect the rudder, go below and stay away from
> metal. I also shut off the electricity and put all cellphones, computers,
> portable GPS’s, handheld radios, etc., in the oven.
> >
> > The reason for that is something called the Faraday Cage. Anything
> enclosed in metal won’t be affected by lightning. It’s why the 747 doesn’t
> go down when it is struck by lightning. If it does get bad, you have the
> ability to call for help.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > Jack Brennan
> > Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> > Tierra Verde, Fl.
> > Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> >
> > From: Tom Grass
> > Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2020 10:12 AM
> > To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> > Cc: Tracy Grass
> > Subject: [C320-list] Lightning
> >
> > Wondering about lightning protection on Catalina 320 boats?  I don't
> > believe they come grounded (mast to keel) from the factory - wondering
> what
> > the members of this forum have done in an attempt to minimize the impact
> of
> > a possible lightning strike?
> >
> > Also what is the collective opinion of installing a Forespar Performance
> > Products Forespar Lightning Master™ - Static Dissipater
> > on your mast?  We're planning on sailing down to the Chesapeake Bay and
> > perhaps to the Bahamas in 2021 - just preparing in advance.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Tom and Tracy Grass
> > Bucket List
> > 2008 Catalina 320 MK II
> >
>
>