When to put the chart plotter inside the microwave oven

P

pcg

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2018
Messages
425
Reaction score
5
C Dory Year
1999
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
DOR22866J999
Did the title of this post get your attention?
Well there actually are occasions when you might want to do that. While researching what can be done to protect a C-Dory from lightning strikes I came across this great video so I thought I'd share it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PurMG7KHdW4
 
That would be a convenient solution but too much power and too heavy for my small boat. I do carry a small metal box to use as a Faraday case that will hold my chartplotter and VHF but hope to never need them. Been on the boat during a few storms and twice when tornadoes touched down close by but never far from home and no harm done.

Regards,

Rob
 
I have used a 50 or 30 cal ammo box, with foil tape sealing it as a Faraday cage. For long distance cruising boats, lightning protection is essential. Despite a lightning protection system, better than described in this video, the boat was hit with very significant strikes 3 times after I sold it. I don't know if the owner had altered the protection system however. The one strike which hit the boat when it was still at our dock, was lobe which came thru the water, took out diodes on the engine alternator's and then the 50 amp battery charger dumped 12 volt DC into the ground system, eating up all of the metal under the waterline--Thru hulls, rudder shaft, engine shaft, cutlass bearing etc. We were away bringing our trawler home, or I would have spotted the issue sooner. I had asked the new owner to put his hand on the alternator and see if it was warm..He said no...when I checked it--it was.

The microwave may or may not work, depending on the strike.. Certainly taking all of cables off any of the electronics is the first step, including all grounds.

Now for EMP from Chinese Weather balloons, that is a different story!!
 
I wonder how insurance would come in to play?
 
colbysmith":1of6efhn said:
I wonder how insurance would come in to play?
Click to expand...

You will save the electronics, but the wiring and other parts of the boat may be toast...literally, Any damage should be covered by insurance. All wiring is suspect after a lightning strike. Same for ECU of the engine, all other electric appliances etc. May not fail right away, but will shortly, or not function properly.
 
Back
Top