David,

Last winter I installed a ground plate as well. Here is a picture of of
my design. The copper plate was ordered from Southern Copper & Supply
Company, Inc. 800-289-2728, Attn: Mike Holland. It measures 33"long X 6"
X 1/4" thick. I tried to stay close to the NFPA and ABYC specifications
for lightening ground aboard vessels in salt water. On the inside of the
boat I have two #1 cables from the bronze carriage bolts to the base of
the mast. Also, there is a 3" wide heavy copper strap from one bolt to
the ship bonding system which is connected to the hull zincs and all
underwater metal thru-hulls.

I spoke to the local BoatUS tow operator and he told me of a sailboat
with just such a ground plate that took a direct hit resulting in a good
size hole in the hull and sinking the boat. The boat was located in the
middle of a mooring field,(I don't think there is any figuring that one
out). The same BoatUS guy is also the local bottom cleaner for boats in
Oyster Bay and told me about a boat with self installed ground plate
that was not properly zinced and grounded resulting in the bolts
disintegrating in one season. I think I did the wiring correctly on this
installation but will check the plate a few times during the season.
There are a few things I would do different next time.

1. I would use 3/16" thick plate instead of 1'4" as it would be easier
to bend it to conform with the slight curve of the hull in this location.
2. I would not use so much 3M 5200 under the plate as this will make it
more difficult to replace when that time comes, (and it will).

I thought about cutting the edges to make the edge surface longer and
more effective in protecting the boat but opted for the easier more
hydrodynamic straight edge this time around.

In any case, I don't think I will sleep any easier when the big Long
Island Sound squalls roll through with big bolts of lightening hitting
the water. Hopefully the boat is safer than before.

Rich Cassano
S/V Gray Eagle, Tashiba 40
Oyster Bay, NY USA

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