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I run a battery cable from the T-top legs inside the console to the negative side of the battery. The negative side of your battery is connected to your outboard block. If you will check it, your lower unit is bolted to the engine block and the lower unit is in the salt water. This gives the lightning a straight shot to the water. I have never seen this as an option or seen it published anywhere and I sure as **ll am not making any guarantees. It just makes me feel better. But think about it--
I do that on all the boats I build. Also ground the steering wheel, throttle box and outriggers. I’ve been struck in boats a dozen times. So many that the Savannah charter boat captains used to call me Capt. Kilowatt:smiley: I’ve had CPR, gave CPR, had a sailboat blown out from under me and sunk 3’ from the dock, 20’ outriggers melted like a 3 amp fuse,… if you go out often enough it will happen. Give it a path to ground that does not include you.
If you are holding on to an ungrounded T-top with one hand and a grounded wheel with the other, when lightning strikes the top it’s going right through you to get to ground. Ground all tops, towers, outriggers and any significant metal. Tie it all together with heavy battery size cable. An outboard is a good ground but better is a ground plate such as a dynaplate.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose