Are Ground Plates still fitted to new cats?

[YPSILANTI]

My 50 ft Cat is over 10 years old. It is fitted with 3 groundplates although noting is connected to them. The SSB radio was once earthed to one of the groundplates. Are groundplates still fitted in new boats and what is connected to them? Ive searched various sources but the information is very contradictory, subjective and inconclusive. Id appreciate hearing from specialists in this area.Thank you.

[svlamorocha]

Some folks will install plates for lightning ground on cats because they do not have a metal keel to do that job.