Lightening

[offshore40]

I am interested in Grounding my rig. I have a 30 year old sloop and it seems to not be grounded at all. I am leaving for a year cruise in Sept. and would like to have all the lightening protection I can get. Any reccomendations?

[waltzingmatilda]

I would recommend the book "Lightning and Boats" by Michael Huck. It''s a small book, published in 1995 by Seaworthy Publications, 17125C West Bluemound Rd., Suite 200, Brookfield, WI 53008. Cost me ten bucks at the Chicago Sailboat Show a couple of years ago. It goes into various ways of protecting your boat, but essentially says that "Lightning is a common phenomenon. Being struck by lightning is not so commonplace. Unfortunately, that does not help deal with the catastrophic damage associated with the event. Following the systems outlined in this work will not guarantee that you can escape the damage, but it will increase the odds in your favor."
Good luck.
Peter