our sailboat got hit by LIGHTNING and this is what we learned

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  • Опубліковано 6 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 94

  • @annhooper726
    @annhooper726 Місяць тому +2

    Thank you for a well documented and down to earth commentary. All the best guys..❤😊🎉

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Our pleasure - hope it's useful info for someone out there. Cheers!

  • @michaelpettett3087
    @michaelpettett3087 Місяць тому

    A big thankyou for telling about the lightning.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Hope it helps someone out there!

  • @msf60khz
    @msf60khz Місяць тому

    Thank you for the useful video. You did well to connect a chain to the back stay. I have found from radio experiments that a bare cable dangling in the sea makes an excellent ground connection. Our own little boat has a deck-stepped mast, which makes grounding difficult, but I am coming to the conclusion that cables or chain dangling from the stays is the way to go. Once the lightning finds the best path to ground, there will be high voltages on everything else, but just a thousand or so and not the full capability of the strike. I will also disconnect my radio antenna and have made a connection point to do this, but need to connect the cable outer to the shroud down which the cable runs so any current can pass safely. Thanks again.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      It did work out okay for us, so there's that, but we are concerned about the chain-at-end-of-stay method because the stay might be compromised by a large lightning strike.

    • @msf60khz
      @msf60khz Місяць тому

      @@sailorama Yes agree.

  • @markbailey6051
    @markbailey6051 Місяць тому +9

    I leaned that the water between the ground plate and the hull turns to steem, blowing the plate off or the hull in. Chains in the water is my go to

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      We're worried that relying on the backstay as the only way to dissipate a lightning strike might harm the backstay - but it did not let us down!

    • @daveamies5031
      @daveamies5031 Місяць тому

      I just hope you didn't learn that a hard costly way 🤞

    • @captaindrew3061
      @captaindrew3061 Місяць тому +1

      have to heavy cables port and star from stays into water

    • @jackdbur
      @jackdbur Місяць тому

      A reasonable sized set of old jumper cables cut in half with a metal plate on the cut ends & the joins well waterproofed would work fine clamp on to your stay toss plate into water & easily removed before sailing😊

  • @tonybodlovic5825
    @tonybodlovic5825 Місяць тому

    There's two schools of thought that I've always heard.
    1. Lightning is looking to ground. If you provide a path, you invite it to ground through your yacht. So, don't give it an invitation.
    2. Provide a path to easily pass quickly around the vessel in case you're struck.
    I lean towards the latter. I like the chain from the backstay to the water during storms.
    I can't say that I really believe the idea that providing a path equates to an invitation. However, we do know that stepped leaders do in fact precede lightning and when one finds a path, the full bolt travels down it. So, there is definitely some merit to the idea that providing a path can invite the full bolt.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Yes, an interesting discussion. I don’t believe that grounding ‘invites’ a strike, simply because we know of boats and objects that were not grounded that have gotten hit. The lightning will ‘find’ a path no matter what material and no matter what circumstance. Many vessels with lightning dispersal brushes that have still gotten hit. We simply need to adapt and provide the safest path for crew and vessel if lightning does inevitably strike.

    • @tonybodlovic5825
      @tonybodlovic5825 Місяць тому

      I tend to agree. If lightning does hit, provide a path of least resistance around the yacht so that it doesn't create its own path.

  • @Porpus987
    @Porpus987 Місяць тому

    Awesome video! Glad you guys are ok.

  • @maryjnorwood3962
    @maryjnorwood3962 Місяць тому +2

    Sorry you were hit, but your quick actions saved your computer and phone…and your sweet family was not injured. Happy haul out! 😎🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you for the encouragement for the haul out! We need it 🤪

    • @maryjnorwood3962
      @maryjnorwood3962 Місяць тому

      @@sailorama 😎❤️

  • @Stuwy2
    @Stuwy2 Місяць тому

    Most relatable and grounded sailing channel still about. Thank you guys

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for enjoying! Cheers!

  • @johnfrawley677
    @johnfrawley677 Місяць тому +2

    Thanks

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +3

      Thank you so much! Your help goes a long way with us, and we hope that we helped some other sailors out with this information as well!

  • @njbaskipper
    @njbaskipper Місяць тому +1

    Very good, congratulations, I SEE YOU ARRIVED AND ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. 🇬🇹 Guatemala Ram Marina. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      We're happy we had a good, affordable yard to haul out nearby, and quickly. Cheers!

  • @saylaveenadmearedead
    @saylaveenadmearedead Місяць тому +1

    Note to self.... sticky notes everywhere to prep for lightening list!!! Love the chain ground idea... simply wonderful use for old chain, lightening rod ideas? I'm thinking of old copper vhf antenna onto used coaxial... I ws a firelookout in my college days during summer fire season so have ideas for staying safe... avoiding touching metal is essential

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      The Nigel Calder book describes a certain gauge minimum for the copper antenna and copper connections - I cannot remember exactly, but of course the normal vhf antenna actually did get completely vaporized. So not large enough to survive more than one strike, but good enough to conduct the havoc that we did experience 😂

  • @rainfinger
    @rainfinger Місяць тому

    Great video!

  • @saylaveenadmearedead
    @saylaveenadmearedead Місяць тому

    Whoa, dozens of boats get struck, even on the hard????
    We're so glad you are OK and landed in a boatyard heaven. The transformation already looks AMAZING 🎉

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Yes, a fair amount of boat owners here claiming that their boats got hit even in the boatyard...there has been a LOT of lightning, I tell ya.

  • @fredicart6984
    @fredicart6984 Місяць тому

    Glad you guys are ok and afloat.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Thank you! We're also glad 😁

  • @DLBard-bv2nd
    @DLBard-bv2nd Місяць тому

    Glad to hear the boat did not sink. Sad that lighting hit and damaged electrics. Hope work on the hard goes well. Cheers,
    S/V Cork~Texas 🇺🇸🐬⛵🐕💖

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Thanks 👍 for the encouraging words!

  • @Subdrvr-r7c
    @Subdrvr-r7c Місяць тому +2

    The one downside to bronze through hulls is that lightening sometimes will blow a hull valves completely out of the boat.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Yes, indeed metal thruhulls can suffer that fate.

    • @jackdbur
      @jackdbur Місяць тому

      ​@@sailoramaTrudesign GRP through hulls for the win, also saves you having to run bonding wires to every through hull! 😊 The added advantage is that often that generic gold metal may not be a good alloy in some places !

  • @medickaisu
    @medickaisu Місяць тому

    Love seeing the work on your boat. Hopefully those house leaks will stop.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Hopefully! Still up in the air as to whether we can stop the leaks 😅

  • @johnbolongo9978
    @johnbolongo9978 Місяць тому +2

    I think ur chain from the backstay was the saving grace....close one.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Yep! We think so also - we got lucky.

    • @jackdbur
      @jackdbur Місяць тому

      Get some heavy dualwall heatshrink and insulate the backstay from your panels!

  • @pipercolearchitects
    @pipercolearchitects Місяць тому

    Sorry to learn that you were struck by lightning, great episode

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      Thanks for tuning in ✌️

  • @AM-ni3sz
    @AM-ni3sz Місяць тому

    That doggy of yours must be happy to be on dry land for a change 😊

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      He loves boatyards...so many interesting smells and usually cats!

  • @nealchristensen1793
    @nealchristensen1793 Місяць тому

    Never a dull moment on board ! Nothing but fun and adventure ! The square plate is a zink used for electroless saltwater with electronics on board ! Two good coats of really good quality anti fowling bottem paint should do the trick ! And then some good deck paint be sure to mix some real course sand to make you own non skid at least one heavy coat. Justine is a sanding machine wow goes through sander's like toilet paper she is amazing ! LIKE SUBSCRIBE COMMENT BRING THESE NUMBERS UP PLEASE !

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks! We have been provided with some excellent primers and paints for this haul out - looking forward to sharing that in the upcoming videos soon!

    • @tonybodlovic5825
      @tonybodlovic5825 Місяць тому

      Not sand. Sugar or salt. Then wash the deck down after it has cured to dissolve the grit. I've tried sand, it eventually just wears off from use. As long as the deck paint is a quality paint, the imprint from sugar or salt will leave a sturdy, resilient non-skid.

  • @svZia-Switch51
    @svZia-Switch51 Місяць тому +1

    During the 4 months we were there purchasing/refitting our boat, 7 or 8 boats were struck, mostly anchored around Nanajuana.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      That's the spot! Right out in front of the boatyard, but also apparently IN the marina and boatyard.

  • @fredflintstoner596
    @fredflintstoner596 Місяць тому +2

    Mrs Richards: "I paid for a room with a view !"
    Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam ."
    Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!"
    Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window ? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the plains?..."
    Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!"
    Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky."
    Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction."
    Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?"

    • @Angie-in8wc
      @Angie-in8wc Місяць тому

      @@fredflintstoner596 Brilliant, not seeing how it’s connected to the video but I live Faulty Towers.

    • @fredflintstoner596
      @fredflintstoner596 Місяць тому +1

      @@Angie-in8wc SO YOU LIVE IN FAWLTY TOWERS WHERE DO YOU KEEP THE BOAT ?

    • @Angie-in8wc
      @Angie-in8wc Місяць тому +2

      @@fredflintstoner596 damn auto correct!

  • @Jmmondeau
    @Jmmondeau Місяць тому +2

    I personally got struck by lightning when I was 18 ish. I almost died. But I made it. Got PTSD from that and forever after fear lighting storms. It was not pleasant. 😢

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому

      It was a new fear, unlocked, for sure! Just thankful our boat protected our bodies from being hit.

  • @roadboat9216
    @roadboat9216 Місяць тому +1

    I hate lightning. Boo Hisssss. This is why I love the E Caribbean. Almost no lightning. Just during tropical systems. Off and on for a couple of months. Very little otherwise. You get rain squalls with wind and rain, lots………….but NO lightning. Love it. I avoid FL, Bahamas and western Caribbean because of this. I have never been hit. Amazing as I have lived aboard and cruised areas that have lots of Eg S FL and Bahamas. Lots! I hang chain when in lightens present off of Bow (if not anchored), backstay and upper shrouds. 4 chains. Best and simplest that I can think of.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +2

      We love being in Guatemala/Belize/Caribbean, but also not going to miss the feeling of lightning storms scaring us every day. Cheers!

    • @roadboat9216
      @roadboat9216 Місяць тому

      @@sailorama Believe me, I know what you mean. Did it for decades. Don’t miss it at all.

  • @sailingmare6563
    @sailingmare6563 Місяць тому +1

    Very informative video, thanks for sharing. I wonder if a lightning rod at the top of the mast that is tied into the stays somehow with chains at the base leading into the water is preferable than a grounding plate - which is bolted through the hull. Wouldn't it also be nice to have an antenna disconnect of some sort at the top of the mast to disconnect the antenna cable there, so the lightning can't get into the boat via that path. Not sure if something like that is feasible.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Good questions/ideas - yes, lightning travels easily down the stays with an aluminium mast, however two things that we've considered - first, making our stays the 'main' path of the lightning may not be good for the stays, and second, when the energy arrives at the chainplates, we will always have to make sure that chain is fully immersed in water or else the energy might explosively jump through the fiberglass instead. That can be difficult to guarantee if we are healing over, or just wish to not have chain flopping around. This is why stays as the 'main' path is not our preference. Having a quick disconnect switch for our vhf radio antenna would have also been nice 👍🏼

    • @Cptnbond
      @Cptnbond Місяць тому

      @@sailorama I would definitely use all of my stays grounded to the water. The main lesson is to have as many paths as possible for the current to find its way to the water. That would effectively limit the damage compared to one path. I would never use a path that goes into the boat for the risk of sinking it-just my 2c. Cheers.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Ah yes, I forgot to mention - stays should indeed be grounded as alternate paths. Nigel Calder book describes in detail attaching stays/chainplates to the 'main' path from top of mast to the keel/grounding plate using large gauge metal, which is what we hope to do.

  • @ian-c.01
    @ian-c.01 Місяць тому

    I don't envy you !
    Hopefully you can sort out all those issues quickly and without excessive expense but I feel that may be a case of wishful thinking !
    🤞

  • @clivestainlesssteelwomble7665
    @clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 Місяць тому

    Fox a length of chain to your mast base at deck level ... Throw it's loose end over the side ... Highest risk point direct to external earth ... The earth plate is usually zink or Alloy and is more for earthing a current for stray internal energy discharges.
    Earthe the solar panel frame to the arch and arch
    To the chain into the water or a copper lightning conductor strip . Glad you have that book the guys a genius .
    Glad you are all ok.👍🏻🧙🏻‍♂️
    If you ever get the chance and want to make you boat cooler and nicer to walk on
    Use deck cork on the deck.. it lasts longer than teak and it's quieter and things don't break if you drop them .. if it gets gouged you can cut out a patch and glue in a replacement ..if it fades to silver grey you can sand back lightly to its original colour...
    It's great underfoot inside as well though might benefit from sealing especially in the galley area or head area.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Cork is great - I imagine it's a little pricey these days though. We were sent some specialised paint for the deck job. Can't wait to share how it goes! Cheers.

    • @jackdbur
      @jackdbur Місяць тому

      Have some thoughts about your first idea a piece of heavy steel in dubious contact with aluminium then stretched ontop of fibreglass! #1 the galvanised chain will cause galvanic corrosion of the base of the mast #2 if you get hit there will be a huge arc flash right at the base of your aluminium mast! #3 that arc flash will follow the chain along the top of your fibreglass roof! 😮 Such a brainless idea Unless you are trying fir an insurance claim (which on investigation would be denied) 😂

    • @jackdbur
      @jackdbur Місяць тому +1

      ​​​@@sailorama Cork is not that expensive because most wine makers have moved to screw caps & cork growers need new markets. Cork has serious advantages over plastic foam matting or spray foam. $50 will get you the hopper sprayer to do it & probably $400 to $1200+ for the material dependent on the thickness you add & the area you apply it to!

    • @clivestainlesssteelwomble7665
      @clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 Місяць тому

      @@jackdbur
      👍🏻 In the tropics they would have to use the sheet/roll form stabilised for decking .. but there are companies out there mostly in Europe that are cheaper..

  • @jobertvangool9961
    @jobertvangool9961 Місяць тому

    I wouldn’t want the energy to run through the inside of your boat, if the conductivity is just a bit too low, and you can very much count on that, the copper explodes inside the boat. The most safe way is, like you did, a chain into the water outside, additionally I would, after a strike, take a real good look at the stays affected, hence the properties of the metal and ultimately the complete stay could very well have changed in a negative way.

  • @dennisdickinson8337
    @dennisdickinson8337 Місяць тому

    Denntco make the device that pretty much protects you from lightning little spendy but it works

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Just looked it up - interesting. Much like the 'cleaning-brush' style dissipators, I imagine there is some solid scientific theory behind the design, however only time and data will determine if they work or not.

  • @campbellmckellar-basset4721
    @campbellmckellar-basset4721 Місяць тому

    .... and there's the propane line.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      ‼️uckin almost got us.

  • @pmnfernando
    @pmnfernando Місяць тому

    dont get me wrong, everyone is exposed to lightning strikes, it can happen to anyone, there even ppl who got strucked twice walking down a street, are still living and some even gained some abilities from it. what i dont understand is staying in high risk areas for long. plucky got hit, parlay got hit, you also, and these are the ones i remember/know of the top of my head. all in high risk areas. im sure you can live in on a budget just outside of really tough areas.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +2

      The wet weather of the season and being in the tropics definitely heightens chance of lightning strikes, but it is always in our mind that we are also hiding from extreme weather (hurricanes) in this particular location. For now, living further north is impossible with our budget.

    • @pmnfernando
      @pmnfernando Місяць тому

      @@sailorama i understand the budget issue i just think you maybe not looking at it from the right angle: if you get a really bad hit, it will cost you more to come back on the saddle. this compounds with an initial lower budget. sometimes its better to get ashore, make a few dollars and get back on the sea. you have 10k subscribers, its a small channel, im sure you r getting some revenue plus patreon. so you only need to keep it rolling as is, its not like you have a massive channel and any "missed" episode will make you coming down like crazy

    • @pmnfernando
      @pmnfernando Місяць тому +2

      @@saylaveenadmearedead
      Thats a good question.
      This body is called Pedro, the rest im seeking

  • @daveamies5031
    @daveamies5031 Місяць тому

    Your boat doesn't have an Aluminium & foam core in between the fibreglass layers, different boat construction, different issues when lightening hits.
    On the bright side you didn't have millions dollar systems to loose so your replacement costs won't be so high, sometimes there's pro's to doing everything on a tight budget 👍

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      It's totally true that another vessel would have had much more costs involved - we're really lucky to have only lost a couple hundred (maybe 1000 usd total) of equipment.

    • @Angie-in8wc
      @Angie-in8wc Місяць тому +1

      the new Amel 60 video says it can be single handed because of all the electronic systems. All I saw was all the things that could break in the salt air and was without adding the risk of a lightning strike.

    • @daveamies5031
      @daveamies5031 Місяць тому

      @@Angie-in8wc So basically they're admitting it can't be single handed if you loose the electrics, does that mean they include in the sale price a full set spares for all essential equipment and an EMP proof case for said spares? I'd be surprised if the answer is yes, but then the amount that an Amel costs maybe they do, Like Justine and Robbie, and Amel is not in my budget even an old one....

    • @Angie-in8wc
      @Angie-in8wc Місяць тому +1

      @@daveamies5031 The sails have manual as well as electronic options, but I can’t imagine trying to put a reef in the sail of a 60 ft yacht solo.
      So I’m in agreement with you, all that fancy stuff is great … until the boat gets hit by lightning.
      I think it was the OKellys who noticed that a lot of the old sea dogs who had circumnavigated and sailed for years often ended up on smaller, 35-40 ft boats, with really simple systems. It wasn’t about money, it was about ease of repair, being able to do it themselves and not having to wait for weeks to get parts.
      My favourite quotes about sailing are “fixing things in exotic places” and “everything is broken, you just don’t know it yet”
      And that’s half the fun.

  • @stanleybest8833
    @stanleybest8833 Місяць тому +1

    Long term ? Blisters mean bad chemistry to me. I'd start looking for a similar hull that can use all your hardware like motor, prop, steering. What boat and year is this? With a metal keel, much better grounding can be rigged. I have a Shakespeare 5104 deck level antenna. It won't attract lightning like a stainless wire and you can take the whole antenna and cable below deck during storms and tie it to the inside roof.

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      Our bottom is not too bad compared to what we've seen in boatyards and considering our old girl is over 40 years old (she is a 1980s Vennekens Koral 40). We are indeed thinking of installing our next vhf antenna at bimini level.

    • @stanleybest8833
      @stanleybest8833 Місяць тому +1

      @@sailorama Good, but if things go south, boats live again by donating parts efficiently. There are lots of orphans that should get rescued and loved again.

    • @jackdbur
      @jackdbur Місяць тому +2

      All polyester hulls will have this problem the real fix is to sandblast or gelcoat peeler the top .5 or 1 mm off and apply a new layer of fibreglass using epoxy that does not get blisters.

  • @TheBigChill1
    @TheBigChill1 Місяць тому

    On the solar panel you only have to substitute both diodes on the back of each panel (respect the polarities from the existing ones when installing the new ones...), and unless you have a shorted or open cell the panels will work again... About the solar charger install a new one, preferably a better one than the cheap Chinese models... You probably have your VHF radio fried as well since it got the main hit from the lightening through the antenna... But install a good earth (ground) plate on the bottom of your boat and a good cable connecting it to the mast and all the general earth connections for all appliances for a safer ground connection...

    • @sailorama
      @sailorama  Місяць тому +1

      You pretty much described all the projects that we've been undertaking since the lightning strike 👍🏼