Lightning Strike

[spfortjohn]

We were running back to the dock to get out of some weather and just as I was backing into the slip. POW a bolt of lightning struck a sailboat about 3 slips down. The motor quit and we both felt a tingle in our hands and feet. I was able to get the motor started but now it seems the backlighting on the dash does not work and when I was running yesterday the trim gage started jumping around like crazy. I cannot find a fuse for the backlighting. All the other lights and stuff seems to work fine. I am just scared that I am going to find all kinds of hidden gremlins in the boat now.

 

[Dave S]

I would report the lightning strike to your insurance company and let them take care of any issues that pop up with the boat.

 

[CV-23]

That had to hurt.....eye's and ears! Wow....glad you're ok! Scary stuff, Mike.

 

[bahamabreisus]

Had the same thing happen 2 yrs ago. Boat next to us hit. I never called the insurance agent, to let him know. We wound up having both the 12volt and 24 volt chargers fried. Over the next few months we lost all 3 AC units one by one, and a TV. Please call you agent now, just to let them know, incase you run into problems down the road

 

[spfortjohn]

I contacted the Ins co. going to use the boat this weekend and test all components .

 

[JV II]

Thank God for sail boats.

 

[ttmott]

The system that really takes the hit is your boat's grounding and bonding. I'm not really sure what the configuration is for a 260 but each bonding termination needs to be checked to include all on the engine and out drive(s). If you have a shore power feature the isolator(s) probably took some damage if you were tied in. Lastly, the GFI outlets are not very tolerant to lightning surges. Get someone that really knows these systems to wring them out.