Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Like I said, "I have limited knowledge about
In Response To: First.... ()

electrolysis" and I'm just parroting what the surveyor told me. I've read several articles on the subject and I'm still unclear as to the science. The code calls for bonding, my insurance company calls for it, according to my surveyor, and it's worked well on every boat I have had in the past 40 plus years. The one issue I mentioned was a "biggie", I have to admit, but I don't see it as a reason to change. As for a lightning strike, the minimum approach distance for 220KV power lines is 63 inches if my memory serves me. Phase to ground is much less. Lightning can be millions of volts so I figure it's going to go where it's path of lest resistance takes it. If you can start that current path along a good sized ground wire to a dynaplate or about 2 sq feet of copper plate you should be fine. If not, all bets are off and to me, one lone through hull fitting is a good target which could be well within the ability of a strike to jump. Bonding everything might spread the load, sort of speak. But as always this is MHO.

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