new wiring- grounding plate

[osprey]

I'm re-wiring my 23cc and am wondering about a grounding plate or strap as I have heard it called. I can not find one anywhere in the bilge. Just wondering if boats this size should have one. I'm in S.W. Florida and the summer storms get crazy down here. Just replaced my fuel filler hose and there was a wire for grounding the filler going to nowhere. I guess I'll run a new wire and connect it to the sender. Just wonder what eveyone else has done for lightning protection. I also need to put a new vhf anteana up, not sure if I should get regular or extra-crispy

[osprey]

I take that no one else has a grounding plate either!

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I attached my green wire to my brass water pick scoop then ran it to my CC and then attached EVERYTHING to it including the gas tank and the T-Top. Your outboard motor has one as well but I figured that’s not a good idea just incase of a strike.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

[Fr. Frank]

in Florida, the lightening capital of the world, grounding plates are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!!

Here's a link: Grounding Plate 8"

and on ebay: Grounding plate

[GroveGuy]

Someone please elaborate on this setup. No T-Top on my boat, and I have been fortunate enough over the years never to have had any close calls but you never know.


I guess the thunderstorm outside right now is motivating my concern...

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Grounding plate are boat lightning rods. Your wanting to divert the current out of human’s harm way and diffuse the current. The grounding plate is the way to go but on most trailer boats not to many people install them. Your outboard has a wire attached to it to use the lower unit as a exit but that will not keep you or your electronics safe. By attaching everything to the under water bait pump scoop “at least you are directing the potential surge”. You are not diffusing the charge just hopefully directing it from harms way. With a 8’ beam boat having a lot of stuff under the hull that can causing cavitation to the props can be a problem plus you want to allow a fork lift and your bunks free access to the bottom especially if you ever need to have a forklift lift up your boat from your trailer. Another issue is they will cost you approx $100. not that much but I ask my self do I really need it?? kind of like insurance. If you needed it it’s already to late in get it. I don’t like being in thunder storms on boats and I will pull the plug and call it a day if this becomes a issue, plus my re direction of current to a safe exit is just another minor project and makes me feel a little better. I know it’s not the best but if I ever get Zapped my bet God must have a SeaCraft in heaven for me to mess with.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

[osprey]

What gauge wire would you use to divert to the scoop.I don't know the dynamics of the electricl charge of a lightning strike, but all that juice must be able to fry the insulation off . thanks for the responses. I was starting to think no one cared about me

[NoBones]

It is called bonding the hull. Fr. Frank posted several
links to get them. The bigger the better. All metal objects,
IE: Grab rails, T-Tops, rod holders, cleats, etc, etc.
should have an insulated tin coated copper wire (I used 10
guage and a 8 inch bronze plate) attached to every screw
that goes to all of the above mentioned and tied to the bonding plate. It is a lot of work, but at least if I ever
get struck, my chances of survival have been greatly improved. The only thing is when moored and the water is
"Hot" which means someone has a leak in there electrical
system you can get electrolysis real quick. Take your time and do a little wiring at a time. You will be glad you did,if you ever get struck!!!!
See ya, Ken
[image][/image]

[GroveGuy]

Great stuff guys thanks!

I stumbled across a few more good links on this subject:

http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000001...7/d000007.html

ftp://ftp.mdsg.umd.edu/Public/MDSG/lightning.pdf

http://www.marinelightning.com/science.htm

[osprey]

Thanks Guys, You guys do care about me!!! I doesn't look like lightning protection comes stock on small craft. Now that I have the info, I guess I'll have to take my time and do it right. Thanks again! I love this site. Very active.