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Sailing in lightning: how to keep your yacht safe

  • In partnership with Katy Stickland
  • July 22, 2022

How much of a concern is a lightning strike to a yacht and what can we do about it? Nigel Calder looks at what makes a full ‘belt and braces’ lightning protection system

Yachts moored under dark skies

Storm clouds gather at Cowes, but what lightning protection system, if any, does your boat have for anchoring or sailing in lightning? Credit: Patrick Eden/Alamy Stock Photo

Most sailors worry about sailing in lightning to some extent, writes Nigel Calder .

After all, going around with a tall metal pole on a flat sea when storm clouds threaten doesn’t seem like the best idea to most of us.

In reality, thunder storms need plenty of energy, driven by the sun, and are much less frequent in northern Europe than in the tropics.

However, high currents passing through resistive conductors generate heat.

Small diameter conductors melt; wooden masts explode; and air gaps that are bridged by an arc start fires.

A boat Sailing in lightning: Lightning is 10 times more likely over land than sea, as the land heats up more than water, providing the stronger convection currents needed to create a charge. Credit: BAE Inc/Alamy Stock Photo

Sailing in lightning: Lightning is 10 times more likely over land than sea, as the land heats up more than water, providing the stronger convection currents needed to create a charge. Credit: BAE Inc/Alamy Stock Photo

On boats, radio antennas may be vaporised, and metal thru-hulls blown out of the hull, or the surrounding fiberglass melted, with areas of gelcoat blown off.

Wherever you sail, lightning needs to be taken seriously.

Understanding how lightning works, will help you evaluate the risks and make an informed decision about the level of protection you want on your boat and what precautions to take.

Most lightning is what’s called negative lightning, between the lower levels of clouds and the earth. Intermittent pre-discharges occur, ionising the air.

Whereas air is normally a poor electrical conductor, ionised air is an excellent conductor.

These pre-discharges (stepped leaders) are countered by a so-called attachment spark (streamer), which emanates from pointed objects (towers, masts, or lightning rods) that stand out from their surroundings due to their height.

A lightning strike touching a field

Summer is the season for lightning storms in the UK. Here, one finds early at Instow, Devon. Credit: Terry Matthews/Alamy Stock Photo

This process continues until an attachment spark connects with a stepped leader, creating a lightning channel of ionised air molecules from the cloud to ground.

The main discharge, typically a series of discharges, now takes place through the lightning channel.

Negative lightning bolts are 1 to 2km (0.6 to 1.2 miles) long and have an average current of 20,000A.

Positive lightning bolts are much rarer and they can have currents of up to 300,000A.

Preventing damage when sailing in lightning

A lightning protection system (LPS) is designed to divert lightning energy to ground (in this case the sea), in such a way that no damage occurs to the boat or to people.

Ideally, this also includes protecting a boat’s electrical and electronic systems, but marine electronics are sensitive and this level of protection is hard to achieve.

Lightning protection systems have two key components: First, a mechanism to provide a path with as little resistance as possible that conducts a lightning strike to the water.

This is established with a substantial conductor from an air-terminal to the water.

A diagram showing the Components of an external and internal lightning protection system

Components of an external and internal lightning protection system. Credit: Maxine Heath

This part of the LPS is sometimes called external lightning protection.

Second, a mechanism to prevent the development of high voltages on, and voltage differences between, conductive objects on the boat.

This is achieved by connecting all major metal objects on and below deck to the water by an equipotential bonding system.

Without this bonding system high enough voltage differences can arise on a boat to develop dangerous side flashes.

The bonding system can be thought of as internal lightning protection.

Rolling ball concept

Lightning standards, which apply ashore and afloat, define five lightning protection ‘classes’, ranging from Class V (no protection) to Class I.

There are two core parameters: the maximum current the system must be able to withstand, which determines the sizing of various components in the system, and the arrangement and number of the air terminals, aka lightning rods.

Let’s look at the arrangement of the air terminals first. It is best explained by the rolling ball concept.

A lightning strike is initiated by the stepped leaders and attachment sparks connecting to form the lightning channel.

The distance between the stepped leader and the attachment sparks is known as the breakdown distance or striking distance.

If we imagine a ball with a radius equal to the striking distance, and we roll this ball around an object to be protected, the upper points of contact define the possible lightning impact points that need to be protected by air terminals.

Lightning protection theories and classifications rely on a 'rolling ball' concept to define requirements, areas of risk and protected areas.

Lightning protection theories and classifications rely on a ‘rolling ball’ concept to define requirements, areas of risk and protected areas. Credit: Maxine Heath

The air terminal will theoretically provide a zone of protection from the point at which the terminal connects with the circumference of the rolling ball down to the point at which that circumference touches the water.

The shorter the striking distance, the less the radius of the rolling ball and the smaller the area within the protection zone defined by the circumference of the rolling ball.

The smaller the protection zone, the more air terminals we need. So, we use the shortest striking distance to determine the minimum number and location of air terminals.

Class I protection assumes a rolling ball radius of 20m; Class II assumes a rolling ball radius of 30m.

Continues below…

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Boat building standards are based on a striking distance/rolling ball radius of 30m (Class II).

For masts up to 30m above the waterline, the circumference of the ball from the point at which it contacts the top of the mast down to the water will define the zone of protection.

For masts higher than 30m above the waterline, the ball will contact the mast at 30m and this will define the limit of the zone of protection.

If Class I protection is wanted, the radius of the ball is reduced to 20m, which significantly reduces the zone of protection and, on many larger recreational boats, may theoretically necessitate more than one air terminal.

Protection classes

With most single-masted monohull yachts, an air terminal at the top of the mast is sufficient to protect the entire boat to Class I standards.

The circumference of the rolling ball from the tip of the mast down to the surface of the water does not intercept any part of the hull or rig.

However, someone standing on the fore or aft deck might have the upper part of their body contact the rolling ball, which tells us this is no place to be in a lightning storm.

Some boats have relatively high equipment or platforms over and behind the cockpit.

Protection classes to protect your boat while anchored or sailing in lightning

Protection classes to protect your boat while anchored or sailing in lightning

These fittings and structures may or may not be outside the circumference of the rolling ball.

Once again, this tells us to avoid contact with these structures during a lightning storm.

Ketch, yawl, and schooner rigged boats generally require air terminals on all masts, except when the mizzen is significantly shorter than the main mast.

The external LPS

The external LPS consists of the air terminal, a down conductor, and an earthing system – a lightning grounding terminal.

The down conductor is also known as a primary lightning protection conductor.

All components must be sized to carry the highest lightning peak current corresponding to the protection class chosen.

In particular, the material and cross-sectional area of the air terminal and down conductor must be such that the lightning current does not cause excessive heating.

The air terminal needs to extend a minimum of 150mm above the mast to which it is attached.

A graph depicting NASA's record of yearly global lightning events. The Congo once recorded more than 450 strikes per km2

A graph depicting NASA’s record of yearly global lightning events. The Congo once recorded more than 450 strikes per km2

It can be a minimum 10mm diameter copper rod, or 13mm diameter aluminum solid rod.

It should have a rounded, rather than a pointed, top end.

VHF antennas are commonly destroyed in a lightning strike.

If an antenna is hit and is not protected by a lightning arrestor at its base, the lightning may enter the boat via the antenna’s coax cable.

A lightning arrestor is inserted in the line between the coax cable and the base of the antenna.

It has a substantial connection to the boat’s grounding system, which, on an aluminum mast, is created by its connection to the mast.

In normal circumstances, the lightning arrestor is nonconductive to ground.

When hit by very high voltages it shorts to ground, in theory causing a lightning strike to bypass the coax – although the effectiveness of such devices is a matter of some dispute.

Down conductors

A down conductor is the electrically conductive connection between an air terminal and the grounding terminal.

For many years, this conductor was required to have a resistance no more than that of a 16mm² copper conductor, but following further research, the down conductor is now required to have a resistance not greater than that of a 20mm² copper conductor.

For Class I protection, 25mm² is needed. This is to minimise heating effects.

Let’s say instead we use a copper conductor with a cross-sectional area of 16mm² and it is hit by a lightning strike with a peak current corresponding to Protection Class IV.

A cable on the side of the yacht designed to ground the boat if sailing in lightning

Sailing in lightning: This catamaran relies upon cabling to ground from the shrouds but stainless steel wire is not a good enough conductor. Credit: Wietze van der Laan

The conductor will experience a temperature increase of 56°C. A 16mm² conductor made of stainless steel (for example, rigging ) will reach well over 1,000°C and melt or evaporate.

Shrouds and stays on sailboats should be connected into a LPS only to prevent side flashes.

The cross-sectional area of the metal in aluminum masts on even small sailboats is such that it provides a low enough resistance path to be the down conductor.

Whether deck- or keel-mounted, the mast will require a low resistance path, equivalent to a 25mm² copper conductor, from the base of the mast to the grounding terminal.

Grounding terminal

Metal hulled boats can use the hull as the grounding terminal. All other boats need an adequate mass of underwater metal.

In salt water this needs a minimum area of 0.1m². In fresh water, European standards call for the grounding terminal to be up to 0.25m².

A grounding terminal must be submerged under all operating conditions.

An external lead or iron keel on monohull sailing boats can serve as a grounding terminal.

A yacht out of the water on metal stilts while work is being done on it

This owner of this Florida-based yacht decided to keep the keel out of the equation when is came to a grounding plate. High electrical currents don’t like sharp corners, so a grounding plate directly beneath the mast makes for an easier route to ground. Credit: Malcolm Morgan

In the absence of a keel , the cumulative surface area of various underwater components – propellers, metal thru-hulls, rudders – is often more than sufficient to meet the area requirements for a grounding terminal.

However, these can only be considered adequate if they are situated below the air terminal and down conductor and individually have the requisite surface area.

Metal through-hulls do not meet this requirement.

If underwater hardware, such as a keel, is adequate to be used as the grounding terminal, the interconnecting conductor is part of the primary down conductor system and needs to be sized accordingly at 25mm².

Propellers and radio ground plates

Regardless of its size, a propeller is not suitable as a grounding terminal for two reasons.

First, it is very difficult to make the necessary low-resistance electrical connection to the propeller shaft, and second, the primary conductor now runs horizontally through the boat.

The risk of side flashes within the boat, and through the hull to the water is increased.

A hull and keel on a yacht showing damage from a lightning strike while sailing in lightning

Sailing in lightning: GRP hull, fairing filler and iron keel will have carried different voltages during the strike – hence this damage

An engine should never be included in the main (primary) conducting path to a grounding terminal.

On modern engines, sensitive electronic controls will be destroyed in a lightning strike, and on all engines, oil in bearings and between gears will create resistance and therefore considerable heat which is likely to result in internal damage.

However, as it is a large conductive object, the engine should be connected to the internal lightning protection system.

Internal lightning protection

On its way to ground, lightning causes considerable voltage differences in adjacent objects – up to hundreds of thousands of volts.

This applies to boats with a functioning external lightning protection system but without internal protection.

Although the lightning has been given a path to ground along which it will cause as little damage as possible, dangerous voltages can be generated elsewhere, resulting in arcing and side flashes, threatening the boat and crew, and destroying electronic equipment.

We prevent these damaging voltage differences from arising by connecting all substantial metal objects on the boat to a common grounding point.

A lightning strike hitting a yacht' mast while the boat is sailing in lightning

One of the holy grails of marine photography – a direct lightning strike on a yacht’s mast. Credit: Apex

The grounding terminal is also wired to the common grounding point.

By tying all these circuits and objects together we hold them at a common voltage, preventing the build-up of voltage differences between them.

All conductive surfaces that might be touched at the same time, such as a backstay and a steering wheel, need to be held to the same voltage.

If the voltages are the same, there will be no arcing and no side flashes.

The bonding conductors in this internal LPS need to be stranded copper with a minimum size of 16mm².

Note that there can be bonding of the same object for corrosion prevention, lightning protection, and sometimes DC grounding.

We do not need three separate conductors.

Electronic Device Protection

With lightning protection systems, we need to distinguish electric circuit and people protection from device protection.

Even with an internal LPS, high induced voltages may occur on ungrounded conductors (such as DC positive) which will destroy any attached electronics.

A mechanism is needed to short high transient voltages to ground.

This is done with surge protection devices (SPD), also known as transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) or lightning arrestors.

Marine-specific surge protection devices with a blue and black case. They are few in number and domestic models are not suitable for boats

Marine-specific SPDs are few in number and domestic models are not suitable for boats

In normal circumstances these devices are non-conductive, but if a specified voltage – the clamping voltage – is exceeded they divert the spike to ground.

There are levels of protection defined in various standards depending on the voltages and currents that can be handled, the speed with which this occurs, and other factors.

This is a highly technical subject for which it is advisable to seek professional support.

Most SPDs are designed for AC circuits.

When it comes to DC circuits there are far fewer choices available to boat owners although there are an increasing number for solar installations that may be appropriate.

There is no such thing as a lightning-proof boat, only a lightning-protected boat, and for this there needs to be a properly installed LPS.

Nigel Calder is a lifelong sailor and author of Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. He is involved in setting standards for leisure boats in the USA

Nigel Calder is a lifelong sailor and author of Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual. He is involved in setting standards for leisure boats in the USA

Even so, in a major strike the forces involved are so colossal that no practical measures can be guaranteed to protect sensitive electronic equipment.

For this, protection can be provided with specialised surge protection devices (SPDs).

The chances of a direct lightning strike on a yacht are very small, and the further we are north or south of the equator, the smaller this chance becomes.

It’s likely your chances of receiving a direct lightning strike are very much higher on a golf course than at sea.

‘Bottle brush’-type lightning dissipators are claimed by sellers to make a boat invisible to lightning by bleeding off static electrical charge as it builds up.

The theory rests upon the concept that charged electrons from the surface of the earth can be made to congregate on a metal point, where the physical constraints caused by the geometry of the point will result in electrons being pushed off into the surrounding atmosphere via a ‘lightning dissipator’ that has not just one point, but many points.

It is worth noting that the concept has met with a storm of derision from many leading academics who have argued that the magnitude of the charge that can be dissipated by such a device is insignificant compared to that of both a cloud and individual lightning strikes.

It seems that the viable choices for lightning protection remain the LPS detailed above, your boatbuilder’s chosen system (if any), or taking one’s chances with nothing and the (reasonable) confidence that it’s possible to sail many times round the world with no protection and suffer no direct strikes.

Whichever way you go, it pays to stay off the golf course!

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Yachting World

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Expert sailing advice: How to handle a lightning strike on board

Pip Hare

  • August 21, 2019

Pip Hare shares advice from sailors who have experienced a lightning strike on how to avoid getting hit by an electrical storm

sailing-in-lightning-strikes-credit-brian-carlin-team-vestas-wind-volvo-ocean-race

The 2015 Volvo Ocean Race encountered electrical storms. Credit: Brian Carlin / Team Vestas Wind

Lightning is the thing that scares me the most at sea. Having never experienced a lightning strike I think this is mostly a fear of the unknown, coupled with a sense of helplessness.

My lightning strategy has always been to sail in the opposite direction and hope for the best. The following is a combination of my own practice and observations from sailors who’ve experienced a lightning strike first-hand.

Avoiding lightning

Thunderstorms are created in conditions where there is great instability between the upper and the lower layers of the atmosphere. Typically, thunderstorms follow an extended period of warm, still weather , but lightning can also form along very active frontal systems – this tends to follow a sustained period of average pressure, with little gradient breeze when the new front moves in quickly.

Forecasters can predict where there will be increased potential for lightning to form, but not its actual occurrence or exact location.

Specialist forecast models such as the CAPE (convective available potential energy) and the LI (lifted index) show storm potential by highlighting areas of atmospheric instability.

CAPE and LI forecasts are available via specialist weather sites and CAPE GRIBs can be obtained through some providers. Satellite images can also be useful for spotting intense areas of cumulonimbus clouds.

If planning a sailing voyage in areas where lightning could be expected, include a CAPE forecast in your daily GRIB run.

Article continues below…

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Flashes on the horizon

If you get caught out or have to sail through an area where electrical storms are expected, it’s important to prepare for all the weather a thunderstorm can dish out, not just lightning.

Thunder claps can be heard for around 25 miles, so if the sky on the other side of the horizon is alive with light but you can hear no noise then stay vigilant but don’t panic – the storm is still a way off. Keep moving.

Keep a 360° look-out: due to the immense height of thunderclouds they are pushed along by upper atmosphere wind, not the sea-level breeze. This makes it difficult to predict which way a cloud is moving, they can sneak up behind you while you are sailing upwind. The best way to track thunderclouds is using the radar or a hand-bearing compass.

Prepare for a squall: wind associated with thunderclouds can reach in excess of 40-90 knots in a matter of seconds, this will often be combined with torrential rain and drastically reduced visibility. If there’s lightning around it’s best to keep on-watch crew in the cockpit so make sure you reef early.

Preparing for a strike

Lightning can strike up to ten miles away from the cloud that generated it. Just because you are in the midst of a thunderstorm doesn’t mean you will get hit – I’ve spoken to two sailors who reported lightning striking the water next to their boat but not touching them.

Others that were struck reported varying damage to electrical equipment and none experienced structural damage or fire. Here are some of their recommendations:

  • Unplug all masthead units, including wind instruments and VHF antennas and ensure ends of leads are kept apart to avoid arcing.
  • As the storm gets closer turn off all electronics – modern kit has increasingly efficient internal protection, but manufacturers still advise turning it off.
  • Take a fix and plot it on a paper chart. Update your log using dead reckoning.
  • Avoid touching metal around the boat, such as shrouds and guardrails.
  • A nearby strike will be blindingly bright. Sit in the cockpit until your night vision returns.
  • Expect masthead units, VHF antennas and lights to be destroyed, so make sure you carry a good quality spare VHF antenna.
  • Fluxgate compasses can lose calibration following a strike. Check all electronic compass readings with a handheld compass.

Maximising protection

By providing a direct route ‘to ground’ down which the lightning may conduct you may be able to minimise damage.

Among my small sample of interviewees, only one had a lightning protection system: this was a sloop with a deck-stepped mast on which the chainplates were bonded to the keel bolts. The masthead unit on this boat was still totally destroyed by the strike but the remaining electronics suffered no ill effects. The same sailor had experienced a strike two years earlier with no extra protection installed – in that instance all electronics were destroyed.

The remaining sailors were all in boats of less than ten years old and reported varying degrees of damage to electronics and 100% destruction of masthead units.

The simplest protection system is bonding an aluminium mast to the keel bolts. On a keel-stepped mast this is easily done as the mast heel and keel bolts are close to each other. For deck-stepped masts this can be achieved by running an adequately sized cable through the deck head and down a bulkhead or supporting pillar.

Most modern boats have the mast bonded to the keel by manufacturers – if you’re not sure lift the soleboards to check. Masts made of less conductive materials such as carbon would require a conductor cable as well.

Air terminals at least six inches higher than any antennas at the top of your mast may save your masthead units. There is also considerable debate over the need for dedicated grounding plates – this appears to be more relevant to older boats as none of my interviewees suffered ill effects through grounding to the keel bolts.

Faraday cage

There is a theory that the oven on a yacht can act as a Faraday cage, protecting anything inside it from the effects of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Handheld or portable electronics can be temporarily placed inside a metal oven to protect them during a storm.

I have no conclusive evidence this works, but I’ve always done it, reckoning it can’t do any harm – just remember to take them out before dinner!

  • SAFETY TIPS
  • SAFETY QUIZ
  • Safety Tips

How to Survive Lightning Storms While Boating

  • By Mike Telleria
  • July 7, 2017

Powerful, dangerous, highly unpredictable — all are common descriptions of lightning storms. A direct strike that results only in ringing ears and a few roasted electronics would be considered lucky. Unlucky would be through-hulls blown out, a sunk boat or worse — possibly serious injury or death.

Many powerboaters like to think that they’ve got the speed to simply outrun or get out of the way of lightning storms, or they figure they’re safe if they go boating only when it’s clear and sunny. That’s an attitude aided by the low odds of a boat being struck by lightning, which BoatU.S. pegs at about one out of 1,000 boats in any given year. No worries, right, mate?

Wrong. Engines can malfunction; big lightning storms can leave no room to escape; sunny mornings can turn into dark, threatening afternoons. If yours is the only boat in the area during a lightning storm, the odds of being struck go way up, leaving you and your crew vulnerable to millions of volts raining down from the skies. While manufacturers can build in a degree of protection, lightning protection begins with boaters being informed and prepared to take action in the event of a thunderstorm or actual strike. You should know the following techniques and strategies.

Timing A strategy of boating only on sunny, cloudless days may work well in places like Idaho and California, but that would mean almost never using the boat in places such as Florida, Louisiana and much of the Midwest. For example, most of Florida — the Sunshine State — has at least 70 to 80 thunderstorm days per year, with some parts having more than 100 thunderstorm days per year (with increased activity during the summer months).

Absolutely, boaters should track VHF, Internet and television weather reports and make responsible decisions about whether to go boating depending on the likelihood of lightning storms. Short-term forecasts can actually be fairly good at predicting bigger storms, but small, localized storms might not be reported. This is when knowing how to read the weather yourself can come in handy. (The U.S. Power Squadrons offers great weather courses for boaters, and there are many books that cover the basics.)

Lightning strikes typically occur in the afternoon. (Florida estimates 70 percent occur between noon and 6 p.m.) A towering buildup of puffy, cotton-white clouds that rise to the customary flat “anvil” top is a good indication to clear the water and seek shelter — or move out of the storm’s path if possible. That’s if the storm is at least somewhat off in the distance (most storms are about 15 miles in diameter and can build to dangerous levels in fewer than 30 minutes). If lightning and thunder are present, just count the seconds between the lightning and corresponding thunder and then divide by 5 — this will provide a rough estimate of how many miles away the storm is.

A storm that builds directly overhead might be less obvious until those pretty white clouds that were providing some nice shade moments ago turn a threatening hue of gray as rain dumps on you and the wind starts to howl or, worse yet, boom with thunder and lightning that are right on top of each other. Now is the time for a mad dash to the dock and shelter if close by. Like the National Weather Service says: “When thunder roars, go indoors!” If out on open water or too far from shore and shelter, it’s time to hunker down and ride it out.

Caught! Boaters who have been struck by lightning often begin their stories with “I was caught in this storm … ” before they share their miraculous or harrowing tales of survival and destruction (BoatU.S. has a number of first-person storm stories archived online: boatus.com/seaworthy/swthunder). Even though getting caught in a storm is not always avoidable, there’s still plenty that boaters can do to minimize the chance of a strike and lessen injury and damage if there is a strike.

We all learn in grade school that lightning seeks the highest point, and on the water that’s the top of the boat — typically a mast, antenna, Bimini top, fishing rod in a vertical rod holder or even the tallest person in an open boat. If possible, find a protected area out of the wind and drop anchor. If the boat has an enclosed cabin, people should be directed to go inside and stay well away from metal objects, electrical outlets and appliances (it’s a good idea to don life jackets too). Side flashes can jump from metal objects to other objects — even bodies — as they seek a path to water.

Lowering antennas, towers, fishing rods and outriggers is also advised, unless they’re part of a designated lightning-protection system. Some boaters also like to disconnect the connections and power leads to their antennas and other electronics, which are often damaged or destroyed during a strike or near strike.

Under no circumstances should the VHF radio be used during an electrical storm unless it’s an emergency (handhelds are OK). Also, be careful not to grab two metal objects, like a metal steering wheel and metal railing — that can be a deadly spot to be if there’s a strike. Some boaters opt to steer with a wooden spoon and keep their other hand in a pocket if forced to man the helm during a storm, while others like to wear rubber gloves for insulation.

An open boat like a runabout is the most dangerous to human life during lightning storms, since you are the highest point and most likely to get hit if the boat is struck. If shore is out of reach, the advice is to drop anchor, remove all metal jewelry, put on life jackets and get low in the center of the boat. Definitely stay out of the water and stow the fishing rods.

If all goes well, the storm will blow past or rain itself out in 20 to 30 minutes. It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes until after the last clap of thunder to resume activities.

Hit! Knowing what to do in a storm and having the best lightning-protection system installed on the boat is by no means a guarantee that lightning won’t strike. The immediate checklist for a direct hit is very short:

1. Check for unconscious or injured persons first. If they’re moving and breathing, they’ll likely be OK. Immediately begin CPR on unconscious victims if a pulse and/or breathing is absent — there’s no danger of being shocked by someone just struck by lightning.

2. In the meantime, have someone check the bilges for water. It’s rare, but lightning can blow out a transducer or through-hull — or even just blow a hole in the boat. Plug the hole, get the bilge pumps running, work the bail bucket — whatever it takes to stay afloat. An emergency call on the VHF is warranted if the situation is dire. If the radio is toast, break out the flare kit.

If there are no injuries and no holes or major leaks below, just continue to wait it out. Once the danger has passed, check the operation of the engine and all electronics. Even a near strike can fry electronics and an engine’s electronic control unit, cutting off navigation, communication and even propulsion. Some boaters stash charged handheld VHF and GPS units and a spare engine ECU in the microwave or a tin box for this very reason. These makeshift Faraday cages have saved equipment.

Obvious damage will need to be assessed and set right. Even those lucky enough to come away completely unscathed after lighting storms, with no apparent damage should have a professional survey done just to be sure. Minor damage to through-hulls can result in slow leaks, and all manner of electrical wackiness can emerge — sometimes much later. It’s best to catch these issues right away and get that information to the insurance folks for coverage.

Write the Check! On many levels, robust insurance coverage plays a huge role in your lightning-protection plan. Knowing how to avoid lighting storms and read the weather are certainly important, being ready for action in the event of a storm or strike is crucial, and an upfront investment in lightning protection can lessen destruction. When it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a damaging strike, however, extensive lightning strike coverage can’t be beat.

Take it from a luxury trawler owner who sustained more than $1 million in damage from a strike: “Boat insurance turns out to be the best investment we have made in the past 10 years!” he said. “We will never again grumble about writing a check for an insurance premium.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI); successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons(r), or your state boating agency’s Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org .

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How Likely Is Your Boat To Be Struck By Lightning

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Spring and early summer are the most active times for thunder and lightning storms. Here's the good news and the bad.

Thunderstorm

Photo: David Keen

According to reports from our BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files, the odds of your boat being struck by lightning in any year are about one in 1,000. Some states, such as Idaho, have no lightning claims (no surprise). But for those of you with boats in Florida, nobody has to tell you that the odds there are greater. Much greater.

Thirty-three percent of all lightning claims are from the Sunshine State, and the strike rate there is 3.3 boats per 1,000. Not surprisingly, the majority of strikes are on sailboats (four per 1,000), but powerboats get struck also (five per 10,000). Trawlers have the highest rate for powerboats (two per 1,000), and lightning has struck houseboats, bass boats, and even PWCs. Lightning-strike repairs tend to be expensive and time-consuming, but there are things you can do to lessen the damage after a strike.

You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

Volumes have been written about methods to mitigate damage or even avert a lightning strike. Lightning, however, doesn't seem to read them. As an example, one boat, fitted with a popular "fuzzy" static dissipater at the top of the mast, was struck twice in one year. Ironically, the second time the bolt hit the dissipater, it happened even though the VHF antenna right next to it was higher. Lightning is unpredictable. While you can mitigate the damage from a lightning strike, there is nothing you can do to prevent one. So here we'll focus on what to do if your boat is hit.

The Extent Of Damage Isn't Immediately Apparent

The first thing you should do if your boat is struck is call your insurance company and get your boat short-hauled as quickly as possible for a quick hull assessment. The reason is that when lightning exits your boat, it can leave via a thru-hull fitting or even through the hull itself. Even if the force of the bolt doesn't blow out a thru-hull or cause hull damage, it may cause a gradual leak that could go unnoticed and sink your boat. As part of its "sue and labor" provision, BoatUS Marine Insurance will pay to have your boat short-hauled to check for damage. The short-haul is not subject to a deductible.

Damage Is Determined By How The Strike Exits

In a properly bonded system that follows American Boat & Yacht Council standards, the strike should follow a low-resistance path to a boat's keel or an installed grounding plate, though few boats are equipped this way from the factory. While no two lightning strikes are exactly alike, examining a typical claim can shed some light on the possible damages your boat might have if it's ever struck; some may not even have crossed your mind. Example: Priority , a 33-foot sailboat, was struck in North Carolina during a July thunderstorm. Sailboats are nearly always struck on the mast — and this one was no exception. A damaged or missing VHF antenna is typically the first sign that an unattended boat was struck. Sometimes bits of a melted antenna are found on the deck.

It's no surprise that electrical devices are susceptible to strikes; NOAA estimates a strike contains around 30,000,000 volts, and a quick zap to a 12-volt device will certainly destroy it. But lightning is like horseshoes: "Close" counts. There can sometimes be collateral damage when a nearby boat gets hit, either the result of the lightning's powerful electromagnetic field or the current induced by the field running through the boat's shore-power cord. This can create strange problems; some electronics may work fine, others that are adjacent might not, and still others may only work partially. In some cases, compasses have been off by 100 degrees.

Keel damage from lightning strike

Lightning strikes can cause hull damage. If your boat has been struck, have it hauled to inspect for damage. (Photo: BoatUS Marine Insurance)

In one instance, the owner of a 28-foot sailboat noticed an amber LED on his battery charger that he'd never seen lit before, and his depth sounder had quit working. He couldn't figure out what had happened until his neighbor told him his boat had been struck. On another boat moored next to a struck boat, the compass readings were 50 degrees off and slowly returned to normal after a few weeks. But a direct hit usually causes more obvious and substantial damage.

When a boat gets struck, lightning is trying to find its way to ground, typically the water around and under the boat. When a sailboat like Priority gets struck, one of the paths the lightning takes is down the mast; typically, anything that happens to be close by on the way down can be destroyed: wind instruments, TV antennas, radar, lights, and so on.

Fortunately, aluminum is a very good conductor and allows the strike free passage. However, wood and carbon-fiber masts can get damaged because neither one is a good conductor. Thankfully, damage to the rigging is rare. Though mast-mounted components are the most likely to be destroyed, anything on the boat that is electronic can be damaged. As a general rule, if the equipment works OK after the boat was struck, it probably wasn't damaged; it's unusual for electronics to fail months later.

Often the first sign owners have that their boat was struck is that some of the boat's electronics don't work. Look for fuse failures, and if you have more than a couple of blown fuses, look to lightning as a possible cause. Powerboats are typically struck on the VHF antenna or bimini top, and though electronics are often destroyed, passengers are fortunately rarely injured. Sometimes, however, the engine electrical system is damaged. This underscores the need for nonelectronic signaling devices, such as flares, in case your boat is struck at sea and is taking on water or, worse, if someone is injured.

Lightning Can Be Brutal To Fiberglass

In the case of Priority , the lightning traveled down the mast in addition to the VHF coaxial cable. The cable had been disconnected and was resting against the hull inside the boat. When the strike exited the cable, it had no easy way to get to the water. After traveling a quarter of a mile through air, lightning has no trouble going through a fiberglass hull, and this is exactly what it did, blowing a 3-inch hole on the way. Fortunately, the hole was above the waterline, and the boat was saved from sinking.

Powerboats are also susceptible to hull damage and are less likely to have been fitted with a lightning-protection system. Fortunately, the strike usually exits the boat through the props and rudders, and aside from damage to the bottom paint, the running gear is not often damaged (although electronic engine controls sometimes are). Need another good reason to replace a leaking fuel tank? A 25-foot fishing boat with a small amount of fuel in the bilge exploded at the dock when it was struck, sending the contents of the boat's cockpit nearly 100 feet away. Rarely, the claims files show that lightning enters a boat's electrical system and creates enough havoc to start a fire.

Strike By Type Of Boat

Look for minor damage.

One component that is often destroyed is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This can easily be overlooked after a strike. Though it may still power appliances, the protection circuit is often nonfunctional. A GFCI can be easily checked by pushing the test button on the cover. Other small items to check are handheld radios and GPS, bilge pumps, inverters, lights, and fans. It should be noted that lightning is fickle and boat damage varies enormously; one owner saw his boat struck on the mast and yet none of the electronics were damaged. The only evidence the surveyor could find of the strike was a blackened area on the masthead.

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Charles Fort

Contributing Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Charles Fort is BoatUS Magazine's West Coast Editor. He often writes local news items for BoatUS Magazine's Waypoints column and contributes to Reports, in-depth tech features in every issue written to help readers avoid accidental damage to their boats. He is a member of the National Association of Marine Surveyors, he's on ABYC tech committees, and has a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard license. He lives in California.

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How Often Do Sailboats Get Struck By Lightning?

How Often Do Sailboats Get Struck By Lightning? | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

April 26, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

  • A lightning protection system can help mitigate a lightning strike.
  • Lightning storms can form anytime when offshore sailing so prepare the best you can.
  • If you see lightning strikes nearby you should move to the middle of the boat.
  • Multihull sailboats attract lightning more than other types of boats.
  • Perfect lightning protection does not exist so plan accordingly before sailing.

‍ Sailing during rough weather can be a dangerous situation. But how often do sailboats get struck by lightning?

Sailboats are hit with lightning strikes at a rate of four per 1,000 on average. Various boats in Florida on average have a rate of 3.3 out of 1,000, so location matters. The chance of any boat being struck by lightning in a given year is one in 1,000.

According to insurance claims for places like Florida that get hit with lightning strikes often every year, these numbers only reflect reported damage to sailboats. Marine surveyors warn that these numbers could be slightly higher so the chance of your boat being struck by lightning is still dangerous no matter how little or significant the risk is.

Table of contents

‍ The Chances of Sailboats Being Hit by a Lightning Strike

Some will argue that the size and type of your boat do not matter when it comes to lightning strikes. This is not true since some boats have been reported to be more susceptible to lightning strikes than others.

Lighting strikes are not your fault but there are some things you can do to help lower the chances of your sailboat being struck by lightning. While there is no guarantee in a lightning protection plan, having all materials and actions ready beforehand could save you money and someone’s life.

Multihull Sailboats

Multihull sailboats like catamarans or trimarans have a 6.9% chance of lightning strikes a year out of 1,000. Multihulls lack keels and with more exposed surface area face a greater risk of lightning strikes. Modern multihulls come with complex electronic systems that usually lead to costly damages from a lightning strike.

Monohull Sailboats

Monohull sailboats have a slightly lower occurrence of lightning strikes than multihull sailboats at 3.8% out of 1,000 per year. Just because they are less likely to be hit with lightning than multihulls does not mean you are in the clear.

Other Types of Boats

Other boats such as trawlers, bass boats, and even pontoon boats are at lower risk individually. These boats have less surface area and some are not even designed to be offshore where storms are intense. When combining those and all other boats besides sailboats, the risk of being struck by lightning is 0.9 out of 1,000.

Length of Sailboat

Your mast is an extension of your boat so you should sit and wait for the weather to pass before heading out to sea. According to Martin Uman, who leads the Lightning Research Group at the University of Florida , sailboats with 20 to 30 feet taller masts are almost three times more likely to be struck by lightning. This is due to the nature of electrical charge transfer between clouds and the ground despite lightning bolts being typically five miles long and one inch wide.

Sailing in the Rain

Rain clouds hold water and thunderstorm clouds carry electric charges. Interestingly enough, sailing in the rain is fine, but the accumulation of storm clouds is dangerous. Your focus should be on Nimbostratus and Cumulonimbus.

Nimbostratus clouds are flat, large, and closer to the ground. They can produce precipitation and span vast areas at a time. Safe boating in these conditions requires proper measures such as adequate rain protection, safety gear, GPS, and lighting for navigation and anchoring.

Why Are Sailboats a Target for Lightning Strikes?

Lightning strikes can hit boats during a lightning storm since some have metal masts and antennas. You are more susceptible to a lightning strike due to conductive material and turning your boat into a giant lightning rod.

This is especially true for sailboats with high aluminum masts since lightning can hit the mast before anywhere else on the boat. Fiberglass boats sitting low on the water are less likely to be struck by lightning.

How to Prepare for a Potential Lightning Strike

Boaters must be familiar with essential safety guidelines for thunderstorms. A practical approach to lightning protection is providing a safe discharge path for lightning. No technology currently exists to prevent lightning strikes so preparing for the worst is all you can do.

Update Insurance or Check the Policy

Ensure your sailboat has adequate insurance. If you do not have any or want to change you could always check out what BoatUS Marine insurance can do for you.

Seek Weather Updates

Equip modern weather detection gear and check the forecast before sailing. If thunderstorms are predicted you should stay in the harbor until the weather clears.

You can always tune into the VHF radio weather channel that is typically found on channels one through nine depending on your area. This gives you timely storm updates and critical information if you are out while a storm arrives.

If Stuck in the Middle of a Storm

Storms that will likely produce lightning strikes can pop up at a moment's notice at sea. If you are unable to outrun the storm, here are a few tips to consider:

  • Wait it out and keep your shoes on while avoiding metal objects.
  • Hold onto non-conductive items like fiberglass but beware that water can conduct electricity.
  • Keep a hand in your pocket for safety and ensure no metal is inside.
  • Use a vital piece of wood or rubber to control the steering wheel and set the throttles at idle or low throttle.
  • Lower the antenna, outriggers, and any fishing rods.
  • Stay close to the middle of the boat and remove any metal jewelry.
  • If lightning strikes the boat you should immediately ask if everyone is okay and look for a hole that the lightning went through to ensure you are not taking on water.

Keeping Electronics Safe

It would be best to use transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) to safeguard crucial and lightning-sensitive equipment such as ECU/ECM, chart plotters, and instruments. These semiconductor devices suppress lightning-induced voltage spikes and are widely used in aviation, wind power, and telecommunications.

TVSSs function like voltage-sensitive fuses and redirect excess voltage as heat. Using TVSSs is a wise investment in preventing lightning damage to equipment even though this heat may damage them.

Ground Your Sailboat

For a grounding system, you should install lightning rods or terminals on top of the mast and connect them to the grounding plate to protect it from lightning. Use cable as a down conductor for wood or carbon masts and retrofit the grounding plate during haul out.

Monohulls require one plate, while ketches, yawls, and schooners need a path for each mast and a strip under the hull. Catamarans need two plates but a more extended plate outline is better for current dissipation.

Internal Bonding Circuit

A bonding system is a circuit inside a boat that links main metal objects to the grounding plate with cables. This reduces the risk of internal side strikes caused by current jumping between objects towards the ground.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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How to Prepare for Lightning Strikes

  • By Ken Englert
  • Updated: January 24, 2012

Lightning will always take the most direct conductive path to earth by striking the highest object in the area. Unfortunately, on the water, the highest and most attractive object to a lightning bolt just might be your boat. Be advised that when lightning strikes your boat or even near your boat, your electronics are vulnerable to damage. Here’s how to be prepared.

Create a Short Circuit There is no absolute protection against lightning aboard a boat. But there are steps you can take to avoid or minimize damage. The most likely targets are antennas, fishing rods, towers, T-tops or any elevated electrically conductive surface. You can’t prevent a lightning strike, but you can create a safe path for lightning to travel.

To conduct a strike safely to “ground” (on a boat this means to the water), create a low-resistance path from the highest point on your boat to a metal grounding plate in contact with the water. Start with a solid half-inch-diameter steel or bronze rod elevated six to 12 inches above every other object on the boat. The tip of that rod should be pointed, not blunt. Run a conductor made of at least a No. 8 gauge wire from the rod in as straight a path as possible to the water-grounding point.

The recommended water ground is a metal ground plate mounted outside of the hull. It can be copper, monel, naval bronze or other noncorrosive metal and should be solid, not the porous type used for radio antenna grounds, and be at least one square foot in area. Check with the manufacturer to see if this already exists. Also know that factory-installed lightning rods and grounding conductors are sometimes unwisely removed or disconnected by boat dealers or unknowing buyers.

Ground, Ground, Ground Ground all electronics and large metal objects on board, including metal cases or grounding studs on electronics and electrical equipment. Not to be overlooked are the engine(s), stove, sink, tanks, refrigerator, air-conditioner, metal railings, tower, arch and Bimini top. When running grounding conductors, don’t attempt to neatly bundle grounding cables together with the rest of the electrical wiring. Keep them separate from all other conductors, including antenna wires. Also, do not run the ground conductors in close proximity to or parallel to existing wire runs to prevent arcing.

More Detailed Lightning Protection Tips and Strategies

Storm Safety Tips – Lower all antennas and downriggers.

– Disconnect all power, antenna and interconnection cables to the electronics and electrical gear.

– Do not touch two metal surfaces at the same time (engine controls, a railing, helm, etc.) or you may become a convenient conducting path yourself.

– Do get out of the area and head for shore, and send the crew belowdecks.

Check out more tips on how to protect yourself and your boat during a lightning storm: 3 Crucial Tips to Avoid Lightning Strikes

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Is It Safe To Be On A Sailboat During A Lightning Storm?

Is It Safe To Be In A Sailboat During A Lightning Storm

Are you considering sailing during the nighttime during lightning storm season?

And you want to know how safe it could be if one experiences a lightning storm while on a sailboat.

Lightning storms can occur all year round but they are common during spring or summer seasons.

While storms are not entirely safe, it safer to be in the boat in this case a sailboat especially one with lightning protection on its mast when any type of lightning strikes.

Additionally, it is safer not to be or jump inside the water during a lightning storm as you can get electrocuted and you may not survive it.

In this guide, you will learn how safe it is to be in a sailboat during a lightning storm, what to do during a lightning storm while at sea, and the best lightning protection for boat masts.

How safe is it to be in a sailboat during a lightning storm?

It is quite safe however It is not as dangerous as you are imagining but only if you take necessary precautions beforehand.

Being in a sailboat during a lightning storm is almost safer than being on top of a very tall building or in your car during a storm.

It would be a good thing if you already have lightning protection also known as lightning conductors that extends from your masthead to the water.

Read: How Fast Do Sailboats Go?

This is because lightning storm strikes usually go straight down the mast, and then take the fastest route to the water.

So if the lightning protection doesn't extend to the water, the strike might go through the bottom of the boat and you would certainly get struck too.

Strikes from lightning storms are somewhat dangerous, statistically, 9 people out of every 10 people usually survive it.

However, the survival rate depends on the immediate medical attention administered as soon as the strike occurs.

What to do during a lightning storm while at sea

There isn't much one can do during a lightning storm, however, some precautions have to be taken to stay safe.

One of the few precautions to take during a lightning storm is to remain in the boat , never jump into the water.

The second one is to try not to get struck directly, this is rare but it can happen.

Thirdly, try not to panic so much as fear can make you jump overboard.

The fourth, avoid touching any kind of metal and electricals during a lightning storm.

It is also important to travel with a partner in case of any need for immediate medical attention like CPR before calling for medics.

A fire extinguisher is also necessary as fires are not uncommon during a lightning storm.

Finally, try to cover your ears as lightning storms could be detrimental to your hearing.

As I mentioned, there isn't much anyone can do during a lightning storm as it is a natural occurrence however you can take the aforementioned precaution to minimize damages.

The best lightning protection for boat masts

Lightning protection is also known as conductors is very important for minimizing damages caused by lightning storms.

Although it majorly protects the boat, it could protect you too from getting injured form the strike too.

One thing to keep in mind is the length of the conductor, a tall one is always recommended.

And EvoDis make the best lightning conductors at affordable rates and also with a 100% protection rate.

On a normal, sailboat masts look like they are most likely to get hit all the time during a lightning storm.

It depends on the size of the sailboat as the larger the sailboat, the less likely it will get zapped.

However, acting quickly will save you A LOT of trouble even though you do not have to do much during a lightning storm, just follow a few precautions that you can follow which I have listed above.

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Is It Safe to Sail in a Thunderstorm?

Is It Safe to Sail in a Thunderstorm?

As a matter of fact, a mariner’s worst nightmare is thunderstorms. They can form quickly, resulting in hazardous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms can bring gusting winds, lightning, waterspouts, and torrential downpours, turning a pleasant day of sailing into a nightmare. If you’re already at sea, lightning strikes, like collisions with whales or floating cargo, can’t be avoided, and thunderstorms are among nature’s most powerful forces. So, in this article, I’m going to examine if it’s dangerous to sail during a thunderstorm. If you want to know more about it, keep reading!

General Info about Thunderstorms

Squall line thunderstorms that have developed over land also occur at sea. Thunderstorms that originate at sea are most common in the early hours of the morning, around sunrise. Tropical thunderstorms, on the other hand, can strike at any time, often on a daily basis. This is because of the strong heating over land and an endless supply of moist tropical air from the sea. Note that a lightning bolt is the result of thunder. Lightning is a powerful current that lasts only a few seconds. In general, bolts of lightning can destroy electrical and navigation systems, vaporize antennas, create holes in the hull, and cause fires.

Although there are no special lightning warnings or advisories, all thunderstorms create lightning. A vessel struck by lightning can be disastrous, especially if it causes a fire or damage to the electronics. It’s advisable to stay in the interior of your boat and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. And, stay as low as possible in the boat if your boat doesn’t have a cabin. When thunderstorms are present, boaters should exercise extreme caution and have a plan of escape. Keep in mind that sailors are particularly vulnerable since they may not be able to reach port on time. It is therefore strongly advised that you do not go outside if thunderstorms are expected.

So, if you’re sailing and notice thunderstorms approaching, get to a port or a safe shelter as soon as possible. Finally, note that planning and training ashore are essential for boating safety. Remember that thunderstorms are usually only a few minutes long, so waiting it out is preferable to riding it out.

Is It Safe to Dangerous in a Thunderstorm

>>Also Read: Are Sailboats Safe?

Lightning Protection on a Sailboat

The following system must be installed on your boat to provide lightning protection: A sharp-pointed rod (lightning rod) must be attached to a good conductor of electricity at the boat’s highest point. Note that in case the mast is from metal you can use it. Run a thick copper wire (#8AWG) from the rod or mast to a metal keel. Without any bends, this wire should be straight. Mechanically, all connections must be sturdy. Metal keel plates must be bolted through the hull and have strong electrical contact with the water.

In theory, a properly grounded mast (lightning rod) will provide a protective cone. The rod’s point should extend at least 6 inches above whatever it is protecting. The cone then makes a roughly 60-degree angle with the vertical, with a radius of 1.5 to 2 times the height of the lightning rod at the waterline. If the entire boat is within this cone, the protection will be at least 99 percent of potential strikes. Note that the protection is 99.9% when the temperature is below 45 degrees.

If you’re caught in a thunderstorm, everyone should stay in the middle of the boat. Also, in case you have a microwave, put your hand-held VHF or GPS in there. If not, keep it at least a few feet away from anything metallic. In addition, don’t allow anyone to enter the water. Lastly, note that you shouldn’t touch or approach anything metallic.

How Possible Is It for a Sailboat to Get Hit by a Lightning?

When in the thick of a lightning storm, sailboat masts appear to be hit all the time. However, it is not true that they do. Many times, sailors caught in the middle of a thunderstorm are completely unaffected. At the same time, the water in their immediate vicinity is impacted dozens of times. When you’re sailing on a monohull sailboat, you have a 0.4 percent chance of being hit. And, the bigger the boat, the more lightning is likely to strike. That may not seem like a lot, but it’s still one out of every 1000 boats.

Okay, so the lighting isn’t the main problem. However, if you are hit, you will have serious problems, and it might be extremely dangerous. In case you have to change the position of your boat you can do it. However, make sure you’ve sailed in bad weather and can deal with it before attempting this. Also, have some contingency plans in place in case the worst happens.

Consequences of Lightnings on Sailboats

There’s no need to worry every time there’s any lightning nearby. Although it is possible, impact does not frequently result in fires. It is important to note that each impact is unique. Every time a lightning strike occurs, the intensity of the impact varies. However, in the vast majority of cases, the same thing occurs. To begin with, your rigging may be fried, perhaps completely destroyed. Damages to your electronic equipment are also possible. Moreover, bolts of lightning can remove parts of your wiring which will cause a fire or explosion of the batteries. Lastly, damages on the hull or blowing out thru-hull fittings are also possible.

Even if a lightning strike misses you, if the impact is close enough and powerful enough, damages to your electronics are likely to happen. This is because of the peak voltage and it’s possible to occur even if your devices are off. Furthermore, a full-fledged impact could bring your mast down, but this is quite rare. And, note that damages to your rigging will make it impossible to handle the sails.

During most thunderstorms, sailors are already below decks, seeking shelter from the rain. Lightning is still a concern for ten minutes or more after the rain stops and even when the sun comes out. As the storm approaches, lightning can also pose a risk. Note that the storm could be a long way away and the sky could be clear. And, it’s still feasible that a lightning strike would occur.

Preventing Damages Caused by Thunderstorms

In order to prevent damage to your sailboat caused by bolts of lightning and thunderstorms, you can use a piece of anchor chain to prevent the lightning. Wrap it around the mast like a cap shroud, then drop the end into the water. This causes a form of earth return, which is supposed to keep lightning strikes at bay. Note that an electrical charge dissipator can be installed in the masthead. This will prevent the mast from being dragged down by the impact.

Finding yourself without a means of navigation is one of the most likely and worst things that can happen after an impact. Lightning has the potential to ruin your GPS and even flip your compass. So, consider investing in a battery-powered backup GPS receiver. Note that you have to keep it away from any metal parts. It’s practical because you can use it in order to save waypoints such as the harbor entrance and shallows.

What to Do in a Thunderstorm

In case your batteries are dead and you can’t use your sails, you can start the engine. And, even if the mast and batteries are lost, you should start your engine to ensure that you maintain full control of your sailboat. But, on the other hand, you won’t be able to start your engine in case your batteries are fried. And, the worst-case scenario is if there are strong winds and you can’t use your sails. Also, you won’t be able to maneuver the bow into the wind so as to avoid capsizing. You should reef your sails immediately in the event of strong winds or unpredictably changing conditions. Don’t wait for the storm to really get going. Acting quickly will save you a great deal of time.

Bear in mind that you shouldn’t hold anything made of metal. When securing the boat avoid touching any metal pieces throughout the duration of the storm. This lowers your chances of being hit by an impact. Of course, you should have a fire extinguisher onboard. And, note that it’s safer for anyone to be below deck during a thunderstorm. In the event of an impact, this will be the safest location. Don’t forget that you should unplug all electronic devices. Remove all electronics’ wires and consider putting them in the oven. Many people say that this trick works.

Preparation

It’s possible for lightning to strike up to ten miles away from the cloud that caused it. Keep in mind that just because you’re in the middle of a thunderstorm doesn’t imply you’ll get struck. However, some sailors who were hit reported varying degrees of electrical equipment damage, but no structural or fire damage. Here’s what you should do in order to prepare yourself and your boat in the event of a thunderstorm:

  • Turn off all electronics as the storm approaches. Modern devices and equipment have increasingly effective internal protection, but makers still recommend shutting it off.
  • Touching metal on the boat, such as shrouds and guardrails, is never a good idea.
  • In most cases, the light from a nearby strike will be blinding. So, consider sitting in the cockpit until you regain your night vision.
  • Make a fix and write it down on a piece of paper. Use dead reckoning to update your log.
  • Masthead units, VHF antennas, and lights are likely to be destroyed, so bring a good quality spare VHF antenna.
  • Unplug all masthead components, including wind instruments and VHF antennas, and keep leads separate to prevent arcing.
  • Following a strike, fluxgate compasses might lose their calibration. With a portable compass, double-check any electronic compass readings.

can you sail in a thunderstorm

>>Also Read: Are Waterspouts Dangerous to Boats?

Storm Strategy

Once you’re in the middle of a thunderstorm, storm strategies can assist you to deal with it. There are a few tried-and-true options for reducing strain and motion by directing one of the boat’s ends (bow or stern) toward the waves. In all conditions, note that no single technique will work well for all boats.

Sailing with a storm jib and a deeply reefed mainsail or storm trysail is preferable. This method gives you the most control. In the waves, sails provide you the ability to turn and control your boat. Run ahead of the storm, with the stern facing the waves and perhaps a drogue to slow the boat down. Keep in mind that this tactic necessitates a large amount of sea room and active steering of the boat.

Another risk is that you would stay in front of an approaching storm instead of sailing away from it. So, what you can do on a narrow reach, is to heave-to with the jib trimmed to windward. Heaving-to is a good heavy-weather strategy, however certain boats perform better than others. While hove-to or beneath bare poles, deploy a sea anchor. A sea anchor is a miniature parachute attached to the bow by a line. A sea anchor keeps the bow of the boat up into the waves, preventing the boat from becoming beam to the seas.

Note that the load on the rudder when the boat is pushed aft is another source of concern. Another option is to lie ahull, or simply sit with the sails down. Because you lose control of your angle to the waves and may wind up beam to the ocean, this passive option is less reliable than the other techniques. Furthermore, without the assistance of sails, the motion of the boat rolling in the waves can be debilitating.

Facts about Thunderstorms

  • It is a myth that a lightning never strikes the same spot twice. Several strokes of lightning can strike the same location in fast succession in a typical lightning strike. The fact that tall structures are sometimes attacked multiple times every year proves this.
  • It is also a myth that there is no risk of being struck by lightning if it is not raining. Lightning bolts can strike up to 10 miles outside of the main storm’s rain area, and they do so often. According to new data on lightning deaths, the majority of deaths occur when the storm appears to be finishing.
  • When compared to hurricanes and winter storms, thunderstorms only affect a small area. A typical thunderstorm has a diameter of 15 miles and lasts about 30 minutes. Around the planet, around 1,800 thunderstorms are active at any given time. That’s a total of 16 million every year!
  • Thunderstorms are all harmful, no matter how tiny they are. Lightning is produced by every thunderstorm, and it kills more people each year than tornadoes. Some thunderstorms can also bring with them strong winds, hail, and tornadoes.
  • If you’re onshore and lightning is approaching, you should lie down flat on the ground. In that situation, the best thing to do is crouch down, which means putting your feet together, squatting low, and tucking your head. Lightning creates electric currents along the ground’s surface that can travel over 100 feet and be lethal. While lying flat keeps you low, it also increases your chances of being impacted by ground currents. You want to be as low as possible while only touching a little portion of the ground. Getting indoors to adequate shelter would obviously be preferable.
  • Thunderstorms are most common during the spring and summer months, and in the afternoon and evening hours, but they can happen at any time of day or night. Thunder and lightning can even occur during a snowfall!
  • The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm watch when the weather conditions indicate that a severe thunderstorm is likely to form. Winds of at least 58 miles per hour or hail at least three-fourths of an inch in diameter define a severe thunderstorm. When a severe thunderstorm is spotted or indicated by weather radar, a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

sailing thunderstorm

>>Also Read: Is Sailing Dangerous?

Is It Dangerous to Sail in a Thunderstorm? – The Bottom Line

In general, it is dangerous to sail during a thunderstorm. Lightning strikes, on the other hand, are unusual. Unpredictable changes in wind direction and surprise wind gusts are the most dangerous aspects of thunderstorms for sailors. It is generally advised to avoid sailing during storms if at all feasible. As you may know, there are a lot of myths surrounding sailboat masts and electrical storms.

Of course, the true question is whether or not you can set sail when thunderstorms are expected. The basic answer is yes, but I would avoid it if at all possible. The more honest response is that it is entirely up to you. But, once again, I would suggest caution. The likelihood of being struck isn’t as high as most people imagine. Most people believe that in case they get caught in a thunderstorm the complete catastrophe will happen. But, that’s not the case. The most dangerous aspect of the storm is the unpredictable wind that comes with it. Most thunderstorms are accompanied by abrupt shifts in wind direction and speed. In some circumstances, the wind changes direction 180 degrees on a regular basis. It can result in extremely violent gybes, breaking the mainsail, or potentially causing mast damage.

Peter

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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sailboat during lightning storm

Source: Ewen M Thompson.  Lightning and Boats, University of Florida Sea Grant.  www.thomson.ece.ufl.edu/lightning  

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How to stay safe on a boat during a lightning storm.

Posted Jul 9th, 2021 in Boat Insurance , Did You Know? , General , In the News , Insurance Tips , Media

Weather in Ontario can change quickly, which means finding yourself on a boat during a lightning storm is a real possibility. It’s important you know what to do to keep yourself safe in this situation and we’ve shared tips.

When you’re on the water with your boat, it’s important to be prepared for all situations including lightning storms. Throughout the boating season, while you’re exploring Ontario , you’ll want to follow our straightforward lightning safety tips if you ever find yourself in this predicament.

Three easy lightning safety tips for a boat, #1 make responsible decisions.

You cannot always predict the weather, but you can make informed decisions about when the weather is likely to be ideal for boating. Be sure to check the weather reports and VHF to get the best picture of what the day will look like when you’re out on the boat.

Don’t forget to check out our tips on the best techniques to get your boat ready for the season.

#2 Find Land ASAP

If you do find yourself caught in a lightning storm while you’re on your boat, your priority should be trying to get back to land as soon as possible - preferably before it actually starts lightning. If the weather seems to be heading in the rainy, cloudy direction, consider being extra cautious and getting off the boat for the day.  

#3 Go in the Cabin

If your boat has a cabin it is best to go inside of it for full protection. We all know that during a lightning storm it is suggested to stay inside, so this is your best option when on a boat during a storm. Also, try to lower any antennas, fishing rods, or towers as well.

You can enjoy boating in Ontario all summer by being prepared . Although getting caught on a boat in a lightning storm can feel scary, it is best to stay calm and follow these tips to keep everyone as safe as possible. Getting a boat insurance quote in Ontario has never been simpler – use our Captain's Quick Quote today!

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How To Handle A Lightning Storm In A Pontoon Boat

Brian Samson

April 19, 2023

How To Handle A Lightning Storm In A Pontoon Boat | LakeWizard

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Key Takeaways

  • Boating during storming weather can cause serious physical injury and boat damage
  • Avoid storms-especially electrical storms, when boating
  • You can use apps from NOAA, NASA, and other agencies to track weather patterns
  • If caught in lighting, lower high-flying objects, get a life vest on, and head to shore
  • Lightning protection systems can be helpful, but are not foolproof or perfect solutions

‍ Lightning storms can have dire consequences for boaters. In this article you’ll learn what to do if caught in a lightning storm in your pontoon boat.

If you find yourself in the middle of a lightning storm on your pontoon boat, take the following steps: ensure everyone is wearing a life jacket, move towards the middle of the boat, and, if able, start heading towards shore. Lower any highflying objects such as biminis, flags or fishing poles.

I’ve been boating for several decades and one of my largest stressors is inclement weather, so much of this article is born from tough experiences. However, I’ve also looked at official government statistics and consumer research including the information provided by the CDC and the United States Coast Guard.

Table of contents

‍ importance of boating safety.

Do you remember the day you bought your boat? I bet you were so happy to show your kids, or your buddies and could just picture the long summer days, fishing trips, or family picnics. You probably were taking the boat out for a spin before you knew it.

Because you’re responsible you’re probably careful in how you operate the boat, following traffic rules, monitoring your speed, being responsible with alcohol, and watching for other vessels. Good for you for good boating safety. As a conscientious boat owner, you’ll avoid most injuries, at least the ones under your control. But what about factors that aren’t under your control like the weather.

Dangers Of Lightning While Boating

What does thunderstorm research say on the dangers of lightning strikes while boating? Per the CDC , on land or water there are only about 25 deaths per year due to lightning in the United States, and approximately 90% of people struck by lightning survive. Boats do seem to be struck by lightning more than people. Infact, the American Boat Owners Association analyzed insurance claims and revealed  lightning strikes about one in every thousand boats in a given year. Sometimes the damage is significant, while other instances produce little or no effects.

Not all boats are equally likely to be hit by lightning. Multihull sailboats with their multiple, tall masts are significantly more likely (about 70 times) to be hit than a pontoon boat because lightning strikes high objects, typically a mast or lightning rod.

According to a 2020 analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard , about 700 people die and over 4,000 people are injured each year in boating accidents. The use of alcohol was the leading contributing factor in most fatal accidents.  However, storms, much less a lightning storm, also known as an electrical storm, did not play a major factor in boating accidents.

Out of the approximately 5,000 boating accidents in 2020, poor visibility and/or wind in excess of 25 mph were only present in about 200 or fewer incidents (pg. 28 Recreational Boating Statistics, 2020) . And this report doesn’t even mention lighting at all. Still, the presence of lighting can be concerning especially if you are surrounded by a lot of water floating on a metal boat with metal fishing rods.

Next we’ll look at what to do if caught in a lightning storm, how or why to avoid the storm if possible, and what steps of preparation you can take against the eventuality you may be in a storm.

What To Do In The Lighting Storm

As in all emergency situations, it is important to stay as calm as possible. Decisions made in fear are rarely good decisions. There is no sense in rehashing decisions that got you into the storm, or whose fault it was. It is action time.

The first thing you should do if you are on a pontoon boat in big lightning storms is take down any high or vertical items such as a fishing rod or metal objects or gear, vanity flags, and biminis. You’ll want to have maximum control of your vessel and reduce your footprint for being hit since lightning seeks and finds high objects.

Second, ensure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Whether that person is hit by lightning or just falls off with the commotion and increased waves, they’ll want whatever assistance comes with a jacket. Third, make sure everyone knows where the first aid kit is. Hopefully you can complete the above steps in about two minutes.

In lightning storms, you’ll next want to head back in or beach the boat as soon as possible where you can seek shelter. Note you need to avoid technical landings with major rocks because this can complicate an already difficult and dangerous situation. Instead, head into the closest soft landing beach. If the above options are available, you should avoid the temptation to drop anchor and let the weather blow past.

On other, larger vessels, sometimes the recommendation is to stay low and at the center of the boat. While with pontoon boats this may be less possible, you may still wish to maximize every possible strategy in protecting human life.  One on the shore, seeking shelter.

What To Do If Your Boat Was Hit By Lightning

If there were a lightning storm near where you store your boat, you may be concerned it was hit by lightning. If you expect your boat might have been hit by lighting you should follow a number of steps. First review the weather history of that area and ask other boat owners if they have any reports of lightning strikes in that area. Were there any fires or confirmed strikes on another boat?

Second, you should perform a visual inspection of the hull. A lightning strike can damage even metal objects. Third, check all your communication systems and your boat’s electrical system including power leads and electrical outlets. Do any of your fishing rods show damage?

If you were hit, take pictures and notes and contact your boat insurance company to discuss any options.

Avoid Storms While Boating

Every worthy sailor and boat captain cares deeply about the weather, and not just the daily weather forecast or television weather reports. They study patterns, have weather apps, listen to radio chatter and keep weather journals.  No one likes operating a boat in a storm because they can be so dangerous. So the first rule of surviving a lightning storm is to not be in one.

Delay the launch a few hours, head home a bit early, or reschedule the buddy’s trip for another day. You got the boat to have fun, and trust me, no one will have fun with a lightning strike.

Perhaps you aren’t worried about your physical safety, but if you care for your boat, avoiding the storm is still the best policy so your boat doesn’t suffer lightning damage. Lighting can cause havoc to stereo and radio equipment and cause electrical fires.

Resource For Monitoring Weather Patterns

You may consider downloading the app for the national weather service or checking in with the NOAA weather radio. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also has an app to track lightning. NASA also has a lightning tracking app if you want to track a distant storm or better understand the storm’s path. Several other boating safety apps are available.

Preparing for the Unexpected Storm

Even if you try to avoid all inclement weather, if you boat long enough, you’ll likely have a few unintentional run-ins with Mother Nature. Can you picture the following: It was the perfect day for taking the boat out for a quick spin. But that perfect weather didn’t last long, and while you were grateful for the clouds at first, a thunderstorm just rolled in. And just like that, you are on your pontoon boat, surrounded by lightning.

When a storm can’t be avoided, you can still be prepared. There are several things you can do to prepare yourself and your boat from a lightning strike.

First, you may wish to install lightning rods, sometimes called lightning dissipators, or a lightning protection system. A protection system starts at approximately $1,000 and can quickly become more expensive. If you want the best lightning protection system, it can be over $10,000.

It is important to note that because these lightning protection systems often haven’t been tested or proven in lab settings their efficacy is debated within the boating community. Further, to ensure you receive the intended protection, one must install these lightning protection systems perfectly, and some of these systems can be somewhat complicated to install.

Another thing you can do to prepare against lightning strikes is to have a well-stocked first aid kit. You will likely use it for a myriad of other injuries before you ever use it in a lightning strike, but no boater should be without one. If you or someone you are with gets an indirect or direct strike by lightning, you’ll likely need to pursue one of two first aid responses to . First, you may need to start CPR. Second, you may need to treat the person for shock. Delayed medical attention can result in a possibly serious injury.

The third thing you can do is have a functional radio and practice using that radio. You’ll want to know what other boats are doing or experiencing, and where a distant storm may be headed.

Finally, you may also wish to look at your boat insurance policy. What does your boat insurance cover and not cover? Does it only cover a direct hit? What resources or training does it provide? You can consider adding insurance contact information into your phone ahead of time.

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About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

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Are Aluminum Boats Safe In Lightning?

*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

If you live in an area where you get a lot of storms you have probably been caught in one or almost caught in one a few times. If you have an aluminum boat you may have heard that it is safer but wondered if that is true. 

First of all, being on the water in any boat is not at all safe during any storm that has lightning. You should try every means possible to avoid being in a lightning storm including not even stepping out of your house if such lightning storms are predicted or are in the area.

Although the chance of being hit by lightning is around 1 in a thousand that goes up when you are on the water and lightning is very unpredictable. One can only mitigate the damage as there is nothing that they can do to prevent it from happening.

Now, we are coming to the point of this article. 

The aluminum alloys boats are very much safer in the case of lightning as compared to other boats. This is because once the lightning finds your boat, the metal boat provides a very good conductor’s role so as to turn the lightning strike to go to the ground thereby reducing the risk of a person on the boat being struck by the lightning.

Additionally, the aluminum metal boats with some sort of T-tops, Hardtops, etc. tend to be even safer than other ones. This is because those types of boats ensure that the current after the lightning strike is made to follow the metal halo until it is grounded and hence keeps the current from reaching the people on board.

All in all, it is still not safe to be out there on a cruise during a lightning storm but, if in any such case of that uncertain event, you are much safer in an aluminum boat than in other types. 

Now that the answer to the question is addressed, it is time to move onto some other common questions and queries that people tend to ask about lightning and lightning storms. 

Below we will answer some common queries and frequently asked questions that have been asked by people who are facing the same questions about boats and lightning. 

Are boats grounded from lightning?

Metal boats made of aluminum and steel tend to have an automatic grounding set up in their metallic hulls. This causes the current from a lightning strike to go to ground and thereby reduces the risk for people on board.

However, in case of small boats such as those made of fiberglass or wood, the lightning is prevented from getting diverted to go to ground and thereby creates a chance for the current to flow into the electric lines of the boat and then to the very electric system of the boat and finally to the operator! 

So, these fiberglass boats or boats made from wood tend to pose a grounding problem and are less safe during lightning. 

How do you protect a boat from lightning?

Well, it is a fact that you can neither predict when and where lightning is going to strike nor can you prevent it from happening. Moreover, there is no protection from lightning when aboard a boat. However, the only area one can control is to avoid the effect of the damage i.e. you can influence the lightning strike to cause minimum damage to the boat.

How you might ask? 

One possible way is to divert the strike of the lightning by having some likely targets onboard such as T-tops, small towers, antennas, or other such elevated electrically conducting surfaces. These act as the highest points on your boat and hence are more likely to get hit by lightning.

Make sure there is a low-resistance path between the highest point of the strike and the metal grounding plate that is in contact with the water. The lightning, when it strikes, should flow through this path so as to finally get grounded. In this way, one can divert the current from flowing into the electric lines of the boat and hence help ensure the safety of passengers and other equipment on board.

What are some safety tips to consider in case of a lightning storm?

  • Try to lower down the riggers and the antennas.
  • Disconnect all of the power supplies and connection cables (both antenna connections and other inter-connections) that are plugged-in with electric gears and the electronic systems of the boat .
  • Do not touch two different metals at the same time because you may become a conductor yourself if in contact with two different metals. These metals may include the railings, helms, engine controls, etc.
  • Try to be as far away as possible from the lightning protection system and the mast.
  • Be seated with your legs up to minimize the frontal surface area and thereby minimizing the risk of being a conductor for a side flash.
  • If wet, try to dry off and change into dry clothes as soon as possible.

These are some tips that one can consider when stuck in a lightning storm. The best tip, however, remains the same – Try avoiding a cruise or ride when there are hints of a lightning storm anywhere around you! 

What type of damage do boats suffer due to lightning?

Lightning strikes can blow through the metallic hulls right out of the boat and those would be pretty devastating. More commonly though, the lightning passes through the fittings of the metals and totally damages the surrounding fiberglass if any. If such a case is severe enough, the boat is likely to even sink into the water entirely! 

Sometimes, the lightning even finds itself electrocuting the jack stands and chains to such an extent that it leaves proper visible traces of its hit across the hull. 

However, more often than not, it has been noticed that major claims of damage due to lightning strikes have been to the electronic systems of the boats. Often the entire electrical system as well as all the expensive devices connected to it will be destroyed. 

All in all, the damage to a boat be it a fiberglass boat, a metallic boat, etc. will be very drastic and if you aren’t careful your boat could even end up at the bottom of the waterway! So, it is better to avoid having to cruise while there are even hints and predictions of lightning storms anywhere in the area. 

That pretty much sums up the addressing of answers to some common questions and queries that people, in general, tend to ask or look for regarding the effects of lightning on boats. 

Hopefully this article has been helpful to you in staying safe while you are on the water with your boat. 

If you only remember one thing from this entire article make it this, always make sure there aren’t predictions or hints of a lightning storm every single time that you take your boat out on the water. 

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A Persistent Lightning Mystery Has Finally Been Solved

What’s the lightning capital of the U.S.?

Lightning strikes above a small city at nighttime, a Joshua tree in the foreground.

This article was originally published by The Conversation .

It’s been a warm day, maybe even a little humid, and the tall clouds in the distance remind you of cauliflower. You hear a sharp crack, like the sound of a batter hitting a home run, or a low rumble reminiscent of a truck driving down the highway. A distant thunderstorm, alive with lightning, is making itself known.

Every second, lightning in thunderstorms flashes at least 60 times somewhere on the planet, sometimes even near the North Pole .

Each giant spark of electricity travels through the atmosphere at about 200,000 miles per hour. It is hotter than the surface of the sun and delivers thousands of times more electricity than the power outlet that charges your smartphone. That’s why lightning is so dangerous.

Lightning kills or injures about 250,000 people around the world every year, most frequently in developing countries, where many people work outside without lightning-safe shelters nearby. In the United States, an average of 28 people were killed by lightning every year from 2006 to 2021 . Each year, insurance pays about $1 billion in claims for lightning damage, and millions of acres of land burn in lightning-caused wildfires.

Yet estimates of U.S. lightning strikes have varied widely, from about 25 million a year , a number meteorologists have cited since the 1990s, to 40 million a year , reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That complicates lightning safety and protection efforts.

I’m a meteorologist whose research focuses on understanding lightning behavior . In a new study, my colleagues and I used six years of data from the National Lightning Detection Network that we believe has become precise enough to offer a more accurate picture of lightning strikes across the U.S. That knowledge is essential for improving forecasts and damage prevention.

Read: Almost no Americans die from lightning strikes anymore—why?

To get a clearer picture of how often lightning strikes, it helps to define what a lightning strike is.

Imagine looking out a window at a thunderstorm with cloud-to-ground lightning nearby. The lightning appears to flicker.

A lightning flash is all the cloud-to-ground lightning that occurs within one second and a six-mile radius. Each flicker is a lightning stroke. Each stroke can hit one or more ground strike points, and there can be multiple strokes in the same channel .

Lightning is a large electrical discharge trying to dissipate the electricity in a cloud, so if there is a lot of electricity built up, there can be a lot of lightning to get rid of it all.

Using about six years of data from the National Lightning Detection Network , we found that the U.S. averages 23.4 million flashes, 55.5 million strokes, and 36.8 million ground strike points each year.

The basic ingredients for thunderstorms are warm and moist air near the ground with cooler, drier air above it, and a way to lift the warm, moist air. Anywhere those ingredients are present, lightning can occur.

This happens most frequently near the Gulf Coast, where the sea breeze helps trigger thunderstorms throughout the summer. Florida in particular is a hot spot for cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. The Miami–Fort Lauderdale area alone had more than 120,000 lightning strokes in 2023.

The Central U.S. isn’t quite as lightning prone, but it tends to have more thunderstorms and lightning strikes than the North and West of the country, though lightning in the West can be especially destructive when it sparks wildfires .

The cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, meanwhile, tend to mean few thunderstorms along the West Coast.

To be able to count how much lightning is hitting the ground and where it is doing so, you have to be able to detect it. Luckily, cloud-to-ground lightning is fairly easy to detect—in fact, you may have done it.

When lightning flashes, it acts as a giant radio antenna that sends electromagnetic waves—radio waves—at the speed of light. If you have an AM radio station on during a thunderstorm, you may hear a lot of static.

The National Lightning Detection Network uses strategically placed antennae to listen for these radio waves produced by lightning. It’s now able to locate about 97 percent of the cloud-to-ground lightning that occurs across the U.S.

The number of lightning strikes varies year to year depending on the prevailing weather patterns during the spring and summer months, when lightning is most common. There aren’t enough accurate U.S. data yet to say whether there is a trend toward more or less lightning. However, changes in lightning frequency and location can be an indicator of climate change affecting storms and precipitation, which is why the World Meteorological Organization designated lightning as an “ essential climate variable .”

Meteorologists and emergency-management teams can use these new data and our analysis to better understand how lightning typically affects their regions. That can help them better forecast risks and prepare the public for thunderstorm hazards. Engineers could also use these results to create better lightning-protection standards to keep people and property safe.

Lightning strikes are still unpredictable. So, to stay safe, remember: When thunder roars, go indoors.

IMAGES

  1. Sailing Ship Struggling In A Heavy Storm With Lightning Stock Photo

    sailboat during lightning storm

  2. Sailing Ship During A Severe Lightning Storm Stock Photo

    sailboat during lightning storm

  3. Yacht lightning strikes: Why they cause so much damage and how to

    sailboat during lightning storm

  4. Sailing Ship In A Lightning Storm Stock Photo

    sailboat during lightning storm

  5. 5 Best Practices avoid thunderstrucks

    sailboat during lightning storm

  6. http://captainkimo.com/sailboat-with-bolts-of-lightning-burst-through

    sailboat during lightning storm

VIDEO

  1. Thunder and lightning storm viewed from inside a narrowboat

  2. Sailboat Hit by Lightning

  3. SHOCKING: Thunder and Lightning Captured in Slowmo

  4. Fireworks during Lightning storm

  5. ⚡️Lightning Storm at Sea

COMMENTS

  1. Sailing in lightning: how to keep your yacht safe

    In salt water this needs a minimum area of 0.1m². In fresh water, European standards call for the grounding terminal to be up to 0.25m². A grounding terminal must be submerged under all operating conditions. An external lead or iron keel on monohull sailing boats can serve as a grounding terminal.

  2. Expert sailing advice: How to handle a lightning strike on board

    Take a fix and plot it on a paper chart. Update your log using dead reckoning. Avoid touching metal around the boat, such as shrouds and guardrails. A nearby strike will be blindingly bright. Sit ...

  3. What to Do in a Lightning Storm on a Boat

    Engines can malfunction; big lightning storms can leave no room to escape; sunny mornings can turn into dark, threatening afternoons. If yours is the only boat in the area during a lightning storm, the odds of being struck go way up, leaving you and your crew vulnerable to millions of volts raining down from the skies. Lightning and boats do ...

  4. Lightning Strikes And Boats: How To Stay Protected

    The likelihood of your boat being struck by lightning depends on a number of factors. Not surprisingly, sailboats are more likely to get hit by lightning than power boats. According to data, sailboats generally have a 155% greater chance of being strike by lightning than powerboats (40 out of 10,000 for sailboats, as opposed to 5 out of 10,000 ...

  5. How to Survive Lightning Storms While Boating

    An open boat like a runabout is the most dangerous to human life during lightning storms, since you are the highest point and most likely to get hit if the boat is struck. If shore is out of reach, the advice is to drop anchor, remove all metal jewelry, put on life jackets and get low in the center of the boat.

  6. Is it safe to be in a sailboat during a lightning storm?

    Sailing during a lightning storm can be dangerous, and it's always better to avoid it if possible. However, if you're caught in a storm, take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk of getting struck by lightning. Stay calm, stay low in the boat, avoid metal objects and electronics, and make sure to monitor the weather conditions at ...

  7. How Likely Is Your Boat To Be Struck By Lightning

    Thirty-three percent of all lightning claims are from the Sunshine State, and the strike rate there is 3.3 boats per 1,000. Not surprisingly, the majority of strikes are on sailboats (four per 1,000), but powerboats get struck also (five per 10,000). Trawlers have the highest rate for powerboats (two per 1,000), and lightning has struck ...

  8. Thunder Struck: Protecting your Boat from Lightning Strikes

    While protecting your boat against lightning strikes is advisable to cruisers, especially those that sail in areas that are prone to lightning strikes, the best way to avoid damage from lightning is to avoid lightning altogether. One tool that can help coastal sailors combat a run-in with lightning is Sirius XM Satellite Weather ( siriusxm.com ...

  9. Boating Safety: What To Do When Lightning Strikes

    Stay out of the water. A storm generally will dissipate in 20 to 30 minutes, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Rule of thumb is to wait 30 minutes after the last round of thunder before resuming boating activities. To summarize, when it comes to lightning, it is always best to be safe instead of sorry.

  10. How Often Do Sailboats Get Struck By Lightning?

    Sailboats are hit with lightning strikes at a rate of four per 1,000 on average. Various boats in Florida on average have a rate of 3.3 out of 1,000, so location matters. The chance of any boat being struck by lightning in a given year is one in 1,000. According to insurance claims for places like Florida that get hit with lightning strikes ...

  11. Lightning Safety

    Water and lightning are a natural combination. Water conducts electricity very well, and when you add in the high profile of a boat surrounded by open water, there is an increased danger of getting electrocuted during a storm. Take steps to stay safe. Here are tips from Maryland Sea Grant and University of Maryland Extension.

  12. How to Prepare for Lightning Strikes

    To conduct a strike safely to "ground" (on a boat this means to the water), create a low-resistance path from the highest point on your boat to a metal grounding plate in contact with the water. Start with a solid half-inch-diameter steel or bronze rod elevated six to 12 inches above every other object on the boat.

  13. Safe Boating and Thunderstorms

    The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms can be a mariner's worst nightmare. They can develop quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions. Thunderstorms can bring shifting and gusty winds, lightning, waterspouts, and torrential downpours which can ...

  14. Is It Safe To Be On A Sailboat During A Lightning Storm?

    While storms are not entirely safe, it safer to be in the boat in this case a sailboat especially one with lightning protection on its mast when any type of lightning strikes. Additionally, it is safer not to be or jump inside the water during a lightning storm as you can get electrocuted and you may not survive it.

  15. Boat Caught in a Lightning Storm? Read This

    Secure the Boat. Land is safer than water during a storm, but only make a b-line for shore if you can count to 30 between seeing lightning and hearing thunder; otherwise, you won't be able to outrun it. The best you can do is drop anchor and stow fishing poles and other tall items that are not associated with a lightning protection system.

  16. Boating Safety During a Thunderstorm

    If you encounter choppy water or rough seas, decrease the boat's speed and aim the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to keep an eye out for floating debris or other vessels in the area. Finally, make sure that you unplug any electrical appliances or devices. Lightning can cause severe damage to your boat.

  17. Is It Safe to Sail in a Thunderstorm?

    During most thunderstorms, sailors are already below decks, seeking shelter from the rain. Lightning is still a concern for ten minutes or more after the rain stops and even when the sun comes out. As the storm approaches, lightning can also pose a risk. Note that the storm could be a long way away and the sky could be clear.

  18. Lightning Protection

    Act as if your boat is about to be hit by lightning, as described below. Lightning The only type of lightning that need concern sailors is the ground flash, since lightning that does not reach the ground does not damage boats. Ground flashes can be expected to hit from 4-20% of moored sailboats per year in Florida.

  19. Severe Lightning Storm

    KINDNESS experiences some scary moments during a severe lightning storm at anchor. Even our salty pup Zoey can't stop shaking. View More. ... Lightning can also cause immense damage to electronics, even if the lightning doesn't directly strike the boat. The heat and electricity generated by the lightning can damage and disable electrical ...

  20. Is It Safe To Boat In A Lightning Storm?

    No, it is not! The combination of water, which conducts electricity, lightning storms, and metal, is not a safe one, especially when there are people involved in that too, and no boat is immune, no matter how small. Having said this, lightning will affect different types of boats in different ways. Small boats with less conducting materials on ...

  21. How to Stay Safe on a Boat During a Lightning Storm

    We all know that during a lightning storm it is suggested to stay inside, so this is your best option when on a boat during a storm. Also, try to lower any antennas, fishing rods, or towers as well. You can enjoy boating in Ontario all summer by being prepared. Although getting caught on a boat in a lightning storm can feel scary, it is best to ...

  22. How To Handle A Lightning Storm In A Pontoon Boat

    No one likes operating a boat in a storm because they can be so dangerous. So the first rule of surviving a lightning storm is to not be in one. Delay the launch a few hours, head home a bit early, or reschedule the buddy's trip for another day. You got the boat to have fun, and trust me, no one will have fun with a lightning strike.

  23. Are Aluminum Boats Safe In Lightning?

    Now, we are coming to the point of this article. The aluminum alloys boats are very much safer in the case of lightning as compared to other boats. This is because once the lightning finds your boat, the metal boat provides a very good conductor's role so as to turn the lightning strike to go to the ground thereby reducing the risk of a ...

  24. A Persistent Lightning Mystery Has Finally Been Solved

    Lightning is a large electrical discharge trying to dissipate the electricity in a cloud, so if there is a lot of electricity built up, there can be a lot of lightning to get rid of it all.

  25. FIRST ALERT: How to stay safe when a storm produces lightning

    WHAT NOT TO DO DURING A THUNDERSTORM. According to NOAA, since 2014, 221 people have died from lightning. The top two lighting deaths have come from fishing and at the beach and living here in the ...

  26. Lightning Characteristics Associated With Storm Modes Observed During

    Global satellite studies show a maximum in deep convection and lightning downstream of the Andes in subtropical South America. The Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign was designed to investigate the physical processes that contribute to the rapid development of deep convection and ...

  27. Northeast braces for cold snap, dangerous winds and snow squalls

    Cold, harsh winds, snow squalls and possible power outages to sweep across northeastern United States from Sunday to Monday.

  28. Latest Utah snow totals after statewide storm

    A winter storm brought heavy snow to much of Utah on Saturday and into Sunday morning, and more snow is on the way, according to the forecast. High wind gusts also knocked out power to about 8,000 ...