wrote in message
...
Protecting a sailboat from lightning strikes is pretty much a fools
errand. Unless you have witnessed lightning strikes up close and
personal, you have no idea of the forces involved. It beats any
"fantasy explosions" or other special effects mayhem you have ever
seen in the movies.

A 1/2 inch copper wire would vaporize before it could carry the strike
anywhere. You aren't going to steer a lightning bolt, either. It has
no brains and will often jump a long distance, even if already
following what seems to be a path.

The best thing you can do for lightning protection on a sailboat is
anchor near other boats with taller masts than yours, and THAT is also
foolishness and completely useless. It's only benefit is a little
humor.

Some years ago I was caught in a lightning storm while well offshore. My
boat had a metal mast with a pointy VHF aerial on top.
The mast was keel stepped, but the step seemed to be just glassed into the
hull and I could see no sign that it was bonded to the lead keel.
Lightning bolts were hitting the water so close to us that I could
distinctly hear the sizzling noise of water boiling and this happened
several times.
Despite the fact that my mast was the only thing sticking up above sea level
in the vicinity we were not struck although it was a very frightening
experience.
I am afraid that this does not assist in deciding whether earthing the mast
is a good idea or not..