[paulk]

You may not notice damage to the mast if you''re hit by lightning, but chances are that the tangle of melted or missing instruments at the masthead will provide clues to any exciting events that may have taken place, even if you''re not aboard. Then you can have the mast checked.

If you worry about lightning-damaged masts suddenly giving way later, think about getting a hit with a wooden mast . The electric charge, not conducted by the wood overly well, superheats the moisture in the wood cells and interior into steam after about .004 seconds, and blows the mast to bits. No surprises later!