Lightning Dissipators

bradf

Active member
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
34
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3130C121
Vessel Name
Ramblin’ Rose
Has anyone installed a lightning dissipator on their RT? Do they work or do they just provide a false sense of security?

We live in SW Florida, the so-called "lightning capital of the world". :roll:
 
Unfortunately this Practical Sailor article is mostly academic, and offers little in the way of "practical" information.

I saw a lightning dissipator on a traffic light camera here in Sarasota and thought maybe the FL DOT knows something I don't. But not sure that a lightning dissipator on a boat has much value, as this article seems to indicate.

Best I can discern from this is that lightning is going to do what it's going to do and there isn't a whole lot you can do to stop it other than pray!
 
Another observation. I only know of two Ranger Tugs struck by lightning in eleven years and they were at the dock and it was actually related to a surge that hit the marina system. I would opt to not get a lightning dissipater.
 
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