T&T: Lightning

[Scott Bulger]

Having just brought our boat from Seattle to the East Coast via the
Panama Canal, I have to admit that Lightning was one of THE biggest
concerns we had (next to an irrational fear of pirates).  When we
approached Drake Bay and Isla de Cano (the area of most lightning
strikes in Costa Rica) we anticipated the worst.  Fortunately we only
experienced minor lightning and never closer than a few miles.

However, once we started north from Florida we began to experience
thunder storms every afternoon.  At least a dozen times in the last
few months we have arrived at our destination and tied up or anchored
only to be overrun by a fast moving storm within minutes.  In Georgia,
N. and S. Carolina and now VA we have had lightning strikes as close
as 100 yards from the boat.  We have yet to experience any damage from
lightning, and I continue to marvel at it's beauty and power.

Regarding engines, for a coastal boat I don't think I'd limit my
choice of trawlers to those equipped with non-electronic engines.
There are just too many wonderful boats out there that would be
eliminated.  Seriously, with Boat US or Towboat protection if you
encounter a lightning strike that kills the engine you can most likely
get a tow to someplace the boat can be repaired.  On the other hand,
if I was cruising outside the US and needed a completely reliable
system, I'd still consider electronic engines, BUT I'd spare all the
electrical components required to make the engine run.  Bob Sentor of
Lugger did a demonstration at the factory in Seattle.  He
systematically removed every electronic sensor in the system until the
computer was only getting information from one component, which I
believe was a TDC or camshaft position sensor.

Each of us must make these decisions for ourselves, I for one wouldn't
rule out all the new boats simply because lightning might disable
them.  I would spare the components necessary to restore service after
a strike, and I'd consider having a wing that could be completely
isolated from the boat electrical system.

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA
Boat currently at Zimmerman Marine in Mobjak Bay VA