Thanks, this is very helpful. I'd planned on the flanges being arranged so
that the nut of the through bolt is sort of in the end of a box. By
extending the flange against the hull and making the top and bottom edge
flanges triangular, I could get in two or more bolts. My problem is that
this all has to be done from one side so I can't put bolts forward of the
mast strut or main vertical plate.

If I keep extending the bolt flange along the hull back to add additional
bolts, do I run into a situation of diminishing returns?

It would be nice to simply duplicate the arrangement on the other side but I
have wires and plumbing running through that side of the bilge.

I know I'll still have a lot of damage in event of a major strike but I'd
like to be figuring out my next move sitting aboard the boat than swimming
or sitting in a dinghy waiting for the next bolt. Most boats that I have
heard of being struck in this part of the world had only electronics damage.
even without good protection, so something like this should heavily weight
the odds in my favor.

Is there any advantage or downside to making this conductor out of multiple
laminations of 1/16" copper sheet?

--
Roger Long