Bonded vs Unbonded Boats

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Ewen Thomson conducted an extensive survey on this issue and concluded that grounding a sailboat mast does not increase strike risk, and does reduce damage in the event of a strike.

See also Ewen Thomson’s interesting article from the October 2007 edition of BoatUS's “Exchange”

A final note..

I received a nice mention in the June issue of SouthWinds Sailing Magazine. Rebecca (s/vAngel) did a good article on lightning and boats which mentioned my catamaran S/V Catalpa. You'll find it around page 44 here:

http://www.southwindsmagazine.com/pdfs/southwindsjune2009.pdf


The mention is on the 2nd page of the article. Imagine my surprise when I was reading the article to realize I was reading about myself!!!

Thanks Rebecca, but next time... how about a 'heads up'??

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Tropic Cat

Gord his (sic: Ewen Thomson) study seems to conflict with our little unofficial survey...

Which is why I posted it.

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by Tropic Cat

I received a nice mention in the June issue of SouthWinds Sailing Magazine.

Of all the ways to get your name into a sailing magazine, this would be nearly last on my list! Congrats, anyway! C

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Christian Van H

Of all the ways to get your name into a sailing magazine, this would be nearly last on my list! Congrats, anyway! C

Gee thanks... I think..

Next time I think I'll find a less expensive way for a sailing mag to put me in an article!!

[pacific_voyager]

Static eliminators (bottle-brushes) DO NOT WORK. There is solid evidence that these are "snake oil" devices and many engineers and scientists are actually incensed at the claims of the makers of this device.

I have collected what I consider the best articles oin lightning on small boats on this page Lightning Protection on Sailboats, including some research on static dissipators.

Also, NEVER USE A DYNAPLATE FOR A LIGHTNING GROUND. They are made of sintered metal and contain thousands of voids to increase the seawater contact. They may be of value as an HF radio ground, but are dangerous as a lightning ground. A strip of copper plate is a much better material.

Jeff
s/v Beatrix