Suspected Lightning Damage on Centerboard Pin

[macr]

I replaced my centerboard pin a while back, but the pin damage was a mystery.

Based on damage from lightning described at the following link in figure 6-1, I now think it was due to lightning by the evidence of several small pin holes (and split), which would be caused by the lightning exiting the pin. Pin is heavy solid stainless and appears to be the original.
http://www.marinelightning.com/Informat ... ncepts.htm

If this is the case, removing the metal to metal conduit created with the original steel cable centerboard lifting wire to mast base and replacing with rope would likely reduce chance of a hit along this path.

Link to mod
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1680

[Divecoz]

This subject comes up every so often.. There is a lot of Theory to substantiate the idea or product sales. ...I like this from your link...::It is better to do nothing than attempt a fix that might not work." The manufacturer was Ken Fickett, CEO of Mirage Manufacturing.
I now live in SW Florida , and with it being the Lightening Capital , should try and find out how many boats actually get hit down here.
I was a Union Trained and schooled Electrician for 37 years .. Commercial and Industrial.. I saw Theories change and morph for most of that time. I guess my biggest issue is the size of the braided copper cable I installed or saw installed during those years. 37 years and I saw very few " Hits" ..
IMHO its much like the Multi-billion dollar Radon Industry.. Sold on Hype Fear and in the end a Scam..But they have saturated the Internet..

[macr]

Agreed...Lightning is looking for the path of least resistance to ground and any contraption to attract or attempt to channel that path on a boat seems insane to me.

It may not make a bit of difference, but for me, the idea of removing the centerboard wire cable path between the mast and the water makes sense, especially when you have an energized vhf antenna mounted on top of mast like I do. I think it is rare a sailboat gets a strike because while away from the dock power, there is no direct path to ground, just difference in potential.

From what I have read on sailboats hit by lightning, they were either docked and connected to dock power or anchored with full chain rode to ground. If there is a hit at sea, my guess it would be less intense due to vhf antenna generating a small potential.

I have no experience with a lighting strike...just thought I would put the idea out there.

[Divecoz]

I believe your mod is excellent for its desired purpose.. Longevity of the cable , it also has a by-product of reducing a path to ground. JSYK salt water is an excellent conductor of electricity.. The greater salt content the great its capacity to conduct electricity... Hence a salinometer.. an electrical current is used to measure the salinity of water.. Stronger the current the higher the salt content. So a rope soaked with / in salt water would be a potential source of ground. Now include in this scenario, an electric windless, with an on board charging system, and you may now have included your entire electrical system.. both AC and DC..and everything hooked up to either system. Holy Smokes Batman now we are discussing isolators and the list just never stops.
I did several Web Hosting complexes and as many Cell Service Complexes and my boss LOVED IT... when we got to talking about Lighting and Surge Protection with the customers.... $$$$$$$$$

[mastreb]

Sounds like a perfect application for Dyneema rope to me.

[macr]

Yes...I used a similar product 1/4" Amsteel and very pleased with the mod.