I would like to elaborate on a sensible protection on the water, if
there is such animal.... Googling gives me all kinds of opinions and
the different explanations by various firms that offer lightning
protective systems still keep me puzzled.

We (alu sloop, 60 ft mast deckstepped and no further cables for
grounding mast to the hull) connect copper cables to 4 stays (2 top,
one fore- and back) and let them hang in the water, while cruising and
at anchor. At anchor I let a few feet more in the water cause there is
no risk of the prop getting in the way. I think this to be of use
cause I'm offering a less resistant "faraday cage" instead of just an
ungrounded mast but I can't help thinking the power of lightning is so
overwhelming that it doesn't discrminate much....

Interested in other views, experiences,
Should I ground my mast to the alu hull for instance? At this moment
there is a 1" fibre part between the deck and the mast...

Len.
S/v Present


On Mon, 08 Aug 2005 17:57:59 -0400, Larry wrote:

----------------------snip---------------
Makes one think of all those UNGROUNDED metal masts at the marina.....