List: trawlers@lists.trawlering.com
From: GYMKIDD319@aol.com
TWL: Easy Lightning Protection-update
Tue, Nov 26, 2002 2:45 PM
or fifteen years old!! The expert cited now says rounded end rather than
pointed rods are better, and that the bristle brush type haven't been
proven to work. But the pointed ones do work.
Anyway, I'll file off the point to a 3/8" to 1/2 inch rounded end.
Additionally, it turns out that a flat copper sheet near the surface of the
water provides better connectivity than the big zinc I used.....so I plan to
add a sheet of copper and cut indents along the edge to increase edge area
and improve any liughting dispersal. I'll retain the zinc for weight because
the last big boomer I was in had 90 mph winds and I need something to hold
the cable end down.
Michael also cited the same source saying it's dangerous to hook up a
protection system since the "charger front" extends far to the front of the
storm and risks are already high. I could not find a source for this which
would be helpful to understand the context. Meantime, I respectfully disagree
and will continue to connect my system well in advance of approaching storms,
And of course, none of this guarantees protection, but should offer better
odds.
Rob Brueckner.
Hatteras Yachtfish