[PUP] Being prepared (for everything ?)

[Scott E. Bulger]

Bob asked:  I wonder just what the statistics are on being struck by
lightning at sea. I
would guess the chances are small, sure everyone "knows" a
person/boat/story,
but what is the mileage per strike ratio for cruising powerboats.

Scott replies:  Found this statistic, in the context of overall lightning
strikes, FL is the highest in the nation, of those strikes, quoting now:

Florida averages more than ten deaths and thirty injuries from lightning per
year. Approximately fifty percent of the deaths and injuries occur to
individuals involved in recreational activities, and nearly forty percent of
those are water-related: boating, swimming, surfing, and others.

So about 25% of the deaths related to lightning in FL are water-related.

More reading for the interested:
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000001-d000100/d000007/d000007.html

Just like Piracy, something to consider, not keep you off the water.  This
is relevant for me, because I'm installing several thousand dollars in
electronics right now.  I've just decided to install them in a way I can
disconnect the power and peripheral leads quickly and easily.  This gear is
my backup navigation and communications computer, backup VHF radio,
Nauticomp Display, and FLIR camera.  A few purpose built cables, bulkhead
connectors and grommets and I'll have a way to physically isolate the whole
works in seconds.  I believe I can do this without adding significant
complexity and cost.

And by the way, If I was keeping the boat in the Pacific Northwest, I would
NOT be doing this.  The only reason I believe this is prudent is I will be
spending at least 1.5 years in the tropics where lightning is more
prevalent.  For the PNW it's a rare event to get lightning, and there are
service facilities everywhere (or within a days towing).

Thanks, scott bulger, Alanui, N40II, seattle wa