Hello Gordon and M-Boat Gang, I deal with UPS/battery back up systems and have seen many units that have taken a lightning hit. Some survive, some are turned into burned junk. The UPS system usually does it job by sacrificing itself to protect the expensive load equipment. However, what I see in the field, is that lightning will do whatever it pleases. You think it will follow one path and it takes another. It is completely unpredictable. Is a grounding system a good idea on a sailboat? I would say absolutely. I have read of sailors that will clamp heavy jumper cables to standing rigging and drag the ends in the water. Could that save you and your boat? Maybe. I'm thrilled to watch thunderstorms as well, but I'd also like to be around long enough to spend my IRA. Summer has arrived in Mn. Later, Bones ____________________________________________________________ Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat! http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210