Kendall There is no good protection for lightning strikes. Nothing is built into the layup for grounding. On my 27s we did have an option for a Dynaplate that was a gold plated bar that was a thru bolt mount (2 Studs) and we ran #4 battery cable from the 6 chainplates, the stainless mast compression post etc to one of the Studs inside the boat. The plan was a lightning bolt would follow the mast/rigging down the wires to the DynaPlate into the water. But the main purpose of the Dynaplate was a SSB Grounding source (Radios) so any lightning strike would also be certain to fry your radios ($). One source for a dynaplate is : http://www.boatersworld.com/product/196830145msk.htm A grounding for radios, RF etc and a better source for lightning protection. One cruiser I met carried some Jumper Cables and lightweight aluminum plates. When a thunderstorm was approaching, he clamped the plates and threw them overboard, and attached the other end of the Jumper Cables to his Mast. I don't know if that would work and I don't ever want to find out..! Fair winds Bob (949) 489-8227
From: kdocter@bellsouth.net> To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:45:48 +0000> Subject: M_Boats: lightening strike> > > > Jerry, > Can you weigh in on this please?> I have a 1981 M-15 that I am thinking about making an open water trip of 100 or so in the Gulf of Mexico. Is there any protection built in the layup for grounding a lightning strike? I don't wish to go hunting for a storm, but it could happen while I'm out there. Doubtful that I can outrun a thunderstorm in my M-15! So what is the best advice? Anyone ever taken a strike?> > Kendall> _______________________________________________> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats