Mounting Lightning Ground Strip?

[Beausoleil]

When mounting a ground strip to the bottom of the hull, what should I use to waterproof the mounting bolts? A lightning strike should overcome any insulation caused by a bedding compound/waterproof caulk, but a conductive grease like NOOXID would be preferable.

We're in Grenada, and we'd trying to meet our launch dare of Monday 1 October, and I doubt I could find the grease that quickly, so would LifeSeal caulk be OK?

[Viking Sailor]

Below the waterline I would go with 5200.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Beausoleil

When mounting a ground strip to the bottom of the hull, what should I use to waterproof the mounting bolts? A lightning strike should overcome any insulation caused by a bedding compound/waterproof caulk, but a conductive grease like NOOXID would be preferable.

We're in Grenada, and we'd trying to meet our launch dare of Monday 1 October, and I doubt I could find the grease that quickly, so would LifeSeal caulk be OK?

It should be possible to waterproof the bolt passing through the hull without the sealant interfering with the electrically conductivity between the bolt and the plate.
The high voltage lightning will easily jump any sealant, but smaller eddy currents will be of a much lower voltage and there is evidence that conduction of these can (slightly) reduce the risk of lightning strike.
Also a good electrical path will ensure a high power lightning strike will follow the safe path as much as possible.