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> I'm no "lightning" expert but I do have a degree in electronics and know some
> of the principles of ultra high voltage.  I would think that the steel hull
> would be of great advantage.  When lightning hits a typical fiberglass boat it
> has a low resistance path almost all the way to the water. (assume aluminum
> mast).  If the boat is not properly grounded the lightning will experience a
> high resistance due to the nonconductivity of fiberglass.  This will sometimes
> cause the lightning to "blow" through the hull, leaving a hole.  Note, this
> doesn't always happen.  I was hit last year and the hull experienced little
> damage.  A steel hull should have nearly infinite low resistance paths to the
> water.

I know of some sailors that will carry heavy duty automotive jumper cables,
and attached one end to the rigging? and let the other end drag in the water
when electric storms come up.  Any feeling of whether this is
safe/practical, or would help?

Bill

   

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