Struck by Lightning

[paul_doolan]

I shortly plan to buy a boat which has recently been struck by lightning. This has knocked out all of the electronics, which are being replaced by the insurance. Does anyone have experience of a lightning strike and do I need to have any concerns for the engines and the generator? Thanks, Paul

[boatman61]

I think I'd check all rigging points carefully as well....

[SailFastTri]

Check hull and deck integrity too. Especially look for pinholes and crazing along waterline and near chain-plates and mast base. The boat needs a full survey with an eye toward this. Anything electrical anywhere should be checked.

[Mark1977]

I am not sure if this is true but, i heard a boat that has been hit by lightning can be magnetized and therefor never giving a proper reading on a compass again......might want to check it out...

[rourkeh]

I got struck in august off north carolina and it blew up the battery charger, also check all 12v pumps and motors, guages for engine gen, and electronics/stereo equipment. We did not have any structural issues or rigging problems, but it blew all the antennas etc off the top of the mast.

[paul_doolan]

This seems to be the same level of damage as indicated on the boat I am looking to buy. This boat is currently out of the water (where it was struck) and I am concerned that there will be damage to the engine electronics, but I can't test these until she is relaunched.

[Mark1977]

Another thing to look at closely is the thru halls lightning has tendency to exit threw them.

[paul_doolan]

Sorry, what are "thru halls"?

[Cotemar]

This info may help.

Lightning damage so far totals $15,000. It took out all the elctronics, lights, engine panels and two exit spots in the hull.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post432314

Mark

[SailFastTri]

You're right to expect damage to engine controls. Make sure there is a hold-back in escrow to cover that plus other issues that might show up during sea trial. Escrow should be with your attorney or indifferent 3rd party, not seller's agent.

[fnelson]

I had a lightning strike 2 yrs ago. It basically fried all ac and dc electronics. Also in regard to your concern about engine electronics, that is a real possibility. I lost both alternators, fuel solenoid switch, gage sending units, and warning systems. Also check for halon discharge.

[paul_doolan]

My deposit of 10% is held in an escrow account with the sellers agent! However, there is a commitment to fix everything and I have no intention of providing the 'closing' payment until everything is shown to be working satisfactorily and we have arranged a test sail. I am just trying to gen myself up in preparation for what to look for.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by paul_doolan

Sorry, what are "thru halls"?

Thru halls are what a sailor types when his fingers are moving faster than his brain. Read "through hulls" ie the holes in the bottom of the hull where water, waste, etc comes in or out. Usually made of bronze, sometimes Marlon. Either way, a place where lightening may exit into the water.

Friend had a lightening hit which melted a quarter size hole in the hull so I would closely examine the entire underwater parts of the boat, espeically around any fittings, prop shaft, etc but even the fiberglass areas.

You might also want to check the wiring in the boat. If the hit traveled through any part of the boat wiring that could be fused or the insulation melted.

[btrayfors]

I would be hesitant to buy ANY boat which had been hit by lightning, based on the fact that there can be a great deal of hidden damage. It may not show up for some time, even with a careful survey. Anything with electronics can sustain latent damage, since solid state devices (transistors, diodes, etc.) are subject to incremental damage effects.

This is in addition to the types of physical damage which may be sustained by the hull, thru-hulls, rigging, wiring, etc.

Be very careful and be very sure that the surveyor you choose is well qualified and well informed re: the effects of lightning.

JMO,

Bill

[Mark1977]

[QUOTE=skipmac;620712]Thru halls are what a sailor types when his fingers are moving faster than his brain. Read "through hulls"



DARN BRAIN NEVER CATCHES UP:banghea d: