According to the Boat Owners’ Association of The United States (BoatUS), the chances of your boat being struck by lightning in any year are about one in 1,000.
Although these odds are less in the UK, it does still happen. Anyone whose boat has been hit by a direct lightning strike will tell you it’s the loudest bang they’ve ever heard. It can leave your ears ringing for half an hour and leave you confused and in shock. Because some important steps will need to be taken immediately to prevent further damage, it’s helpful to have a checklist ready.
The huge current surging through the boat can char things in its path but also generates currents in metal objects around it. The intense heat can cause air to expand and blow things apart, even things made of plastic or wood. The trail of damage can go anywhere through a boat and often has no logical path.
Storm approaching
Protecting electronics
■ Putting electronics in the oven is a good move. Most ovens aren’t a proper Faraday