Lightning strike

G'day All, I'm talking from GBR Australia and regularly subscribe to Cruising & Sailing. My current interest is the situation aboard my boat in regard to lightning.
The vessel is 32 tonne , all aluminium catamaran ,running (2) Yanmar 4JH4HTE. My theory , which I'm seeking comment upon -Am I living in a Faraday Cage ? I have a hinged copper rod connecting Mast compression post to below w/l . Is this an earth ? Great Forum ,Guys ; lots of interesting stuff here , once I find me way round !!

The Cruising Forum has conversations frequently on lightning. I think there are conversations here as well but I think there are more on Cruising Forum. Anyway, here is a reading list from a recent discussion on Cruising Forum.


Some excellent on-line resources on ‘Lightning & Boats’ - Goto:

“Lightning And Sailboats” - by Ewen M Thomson, Univ. Fla. 1992. Sea Grant Publication
The best basic lightning primer for boaters

“The Applicability of Lightning Elimination Devices to Substations and Power Lines” - by Abdul M. Mousa, BC Hydro, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Oct 1998.
Read this one if you believe lightning eliminators (static dissipaters) really work.

“Structural Lightning Safety” - NLSI

”Marine Grounding Systems” - by Stan Honey

“Understanding Lightning Protection” - by Bill Laudeman

“Boating And Lightning Protection” - by William J. Becker. Univ of Florida Extension

“Cone Of Protection From Lightning” - Boatsafe

“Lightning Protection 101" - by Sue & Larry (Sailnet)

From Bolt Lightning Protection:
“ABOUT LIGHTNING”
“Elemental Faraday Cage” (FC/LPS)
http://www.boltlightningprotection.c...raday_Cage.htm

Welcome aboard.

Thank you dannc , I'll study those connections . In the past ,it has been difficult to come to a reasonable answer, but I will study . Cheers, Bob

BobFord said:

Thank you dannc , I'll study those connections . In the past ,it has been difficult to come to a reasonable answer, but I will study . Cheers, Bob

Click to expand...

You are welcome. Lightning is a complicated subject. Studying lighting, there are things one can do on a boat to offer some protection, and being on a metal boat is a good start, but the one thing I have learned is there are not absolute prevention or protection from lightning.

I have seen lightning hitting close by ground, trees, and power poles. Tis impressive to say the least. Lightning is my biggest worry on a boat. There is only so much one can do to prevent a strike, and if it happens, minimize the damage. While the crew can survive the strike, the lightning can sink a boat at one extreme, but more likely, loose many, or all, electrical devices. Given modern engines require power to run, and have computers to allow them to run, a lightning strike can just kill the boat without sinking it.

Good point ,dannc , loss of control ! I know the chance of a 'hit ', is remote but I have suffered , shall I say , 'field effect ' , on a GRP craft. No serious damage , an antenna and a refrigerator . It was a simple boat .Planning is clearly important . Here on East coast ,Australia , the storm / lightning season , Oct to Dec , is building.