Hi Guys,

Has anyone taken steps to lightning proof their boat (ground the rigging)? I must have taken a hit or a near hit the other day at the dock sometime during the week as there was a strong static charge in the mast. One of my crew touched it twice and got a discharge each time of a level similar to walking across a carpet. In addition, the fuse was blown to my instruments. I replaced the fuse and blew again. I replaced it a second time and the instruments came on, but they were displaying a speed about half of what it should be. I haven’t had a chance to try to recalibrate it yet. It could be fried. I can’t believe that both events are coincidental.

We get a lot of wind here and I do not think it was a wind generated charge from the rigging. The fuse in the instruments should not have been affected if it were. I know there are many of points of view on the subject of grounding. Some say if you provide a good ground you have a higher probability of being hit. I am thinking of buying a new upper end VHF radio and would like to minimize the potential for lightning related problems. I would also like to do something with the VHF coax to my masthead antenna to get some surge protection. Any suggestions?

Bill Brock