Electical Grounding/Winterizing Boat on the Hard

[Cheetie]

I think I''ve seen this discussed before, but I really can''t remember where...any advice appreciated!

I am delivering my 40'' sloop to Norfolk VA next week. I will be leaving the boat relatively unattended for the next 3 months (I will be in California). I have the option of pulling the boat and leaving her on the hard until I return and move aboard in February. This seems like a good option, as long as the boat is properly supported, security looks good, etc. However I''m not sure how to ground her (her rig will be up) and I''m not sure if there are any special preparations that should be made (the temperature can drop below freezing for a few days at the time, but the *average* low temperature is above freezing. Any thoughts?

[Sailmc]

If the temperatures are really as you say there should not be a need to winerize.The water temp should keep things from freezing. You shouldn''t leave water in your tanks for that lenght of time though. Top off your diesel to prevent condensation and put a biocide in to prevent growth. I''m not sure what your concern is as to grounding the rig.

[petercra]

If the boat is going to be out of the water I would definitely winterize it. Without water around it to average out the variations in temperature the boat will relatively quickly take on the average temperature of the surrounding air. Whether that average is over a few hours or days doesn''t matter. It''s certainly not weeks as it might be if you have water surrounding the hull. If there''s a cold snap all water aboard will be frozen sold.

With regard to grounding, I''ve never heard of anyone grounding a boat on the hard. I suppose that you are vulnerable to lightning; when the boat is in the water lightning is conducted from the mast through the keel (if external lead) to the water. To help the connection would need to be very heavy wire and direct, with few twists and turns. I''d suggest something like a battery jumper cable attached to a bare spot on the keel and to grounding stake driven into the ground next to it if you''re worried. Also, you want to take all of the electronics off if you can (also to avoid theft).