[mepsnbarry]

I've been re-working lots of stuff on my boat (currently on the hard) and one thing I've noticed is that there was ground wire which had previously bonded together all the through-hulls (and engine, dynoplate, mast conductors, etc.)

I'm guessing that the prior boat owner disconnected the through-hulls when he replaced them. I'm trying to figure how important it is to re-connect them, and if so, what I need to connect. I know that salt water can conduct a little, so there could be an electrical connection through the water in hoses.

Just the same I'm trying to remind myself what I'm actually grounding them to (other than the shore-power safety ground and DC ground), and how this will really help galvanic corrosion. Since there is a plastic isolation coupler on my shaft, the prop shaft probably isn't bonded to the engine/boat ground anyhow.

I DO intend to make sure that my masts are grounded for lightning protection. No questions there.