Anyone using the strikeshield CCSB for lightning protection?

[e31]

See the link

http://www.strikeshield.com/cssb.html

I just found this device on the web and was thinking it would be a good alturnative until we haul the boat this winter and put a ground plate in.

Is anyone else using this device, or how are people with deck mounted masts, and no grounding plate, protecting themselves...besides avoidance.

Doug

[aflanigan]

I own a Strikeshield device and have installed it (I leave it stowed low but deploy it when lightning or thunderstorms are about). I am happy to report that I have yet to experience firsthand whether it is effective or not.

There is an ongoing dialogue and competing theories out there about how best to protect boats from lightning strikes; some believe in dissipators and some believe in grounding (using strikeshield or grounding devices to provide a conductive path for lightning), some prefer a combination of both. I think sailnet has an article by the Pardeys on the subject.

Allen Flanigan

Alexandria, VA

[e31]

Thanks Allen-

I have read some of the articles, but now that my family and I are spending more weekends on the boat, the issue seems more relevant.

Grounding systems seems to have worked in farming communities for a hundred years, and if I am the only mast about, I have a hard time believing a dissipator would "convince" lightning to go elsewhere.

Glad to hear you still haven''t tested your Strikeshield.

Doug

[coondogger]

If I''m caught in a lightening storm, I do two things: I clip one end of battery jumper cable to a shroud, and throw the other end overboard. Then I have everyone go below.