[C320-list] Lightning

[pat reynolds]

 I have had two lightning damage claims in the past ten years on my 25 year old boat,  Both while docked.  The first happened while asleep on the boat fortunately as the wiring started burning.   The battery charger and all wiring running to the batteries were melted.  I don't think this was a direct hit as none of the instruments were affected.  The second was a direct hit as all the instruments were blown off the top of the mast and the ones inside were fried along with the charger etc.   In neither case were the batteries or the hull damaged.  Needless to say I have no trouble finding a slip in my marina.
    On Sunday, December 13, 2020, 09:12:24 AM CST, Tom Grass <tgrass462 at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 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