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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Wow - just got off the phone with the marina - + $500.00 just for the parts to repair the ignition on my 1989 Johnson 150. It evidently got hit by lightning sitting right next to the house. It was running great when I loaded on the trailer from my last trip to Petenwell in October. I had to go out of town for business the following week- wife said we had severe lightning that week. with a couple of bolts that shook the whole house. Tried to start her up ~ 2 weeks later before leaving the house to fish- no ignition. Guess, I'll find out how good my boaters insurance is.
Have any of you experienced similar damage?
Does anyone know of a good lightning protector for boats- 12VDC system?
How about for 24V trolling motor (although that's fine-different batteries and electrical system)?
Thanks
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 4/28/2005 2:11 PM
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Posts: 720
| Hi Al
Yes, in 90 my Johnson 55 (I think it was) was hit by lightning at my dock and it completely ruined the stater and all my electronics trolling motor as well. I scrapped the boat and bought a new one.
Thanks
Dave |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Al,
Check your sonar's and any other electronic device that is on the boat.
In an unrelated type event. My parents house was hit by lightning back in 89 or 90. Not only ruined their t.v. and microwave but they had to have the sheetrock taken off of two of the walls in the house and have the wiring replaced.
I suggest you call your insurance carrier and start a claim and have your mechanic check all of the wiring from bow to stern. |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Thanks Mark- Have'nt went that far yet. The bill is up to +$750, i.e., labor + parts.
Al |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The only way to protect the boat from a strike is to be certain everything is disconnected from the battery banks. Easiest way to do that is to put in a Master Power circuit that is positively disconnected when off, including the Outboard. My Tuffy was hit a few years back in a parking lot in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lost all the sonars, my electric motor, and a power pack on the outboard. |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Thanks Steve- good idea. Now I'm ~$915.00 poorer and I'm ready to fish tommorrow. I did find a 12VDC lightning suppressor. May put one of those bad boy's in for added insurance. The sales slip say's "may have been damaged by lightning- guess I'll see how good that boaters insurance is, got nothing to lose.
Have fun!
Al |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | #$@&*(@# Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!- Just put the ears on and fired up ESOX Maniac- Sounds real purtty but the *(&^^F&** tach isn't working , neither is the alternator rectifier (The rectifier provides the tach signal). This will be at least another +$300 repair bill-the rectifier pack is tucked under the flywheel. I would have thought the mechanic at the marina would have checked it! He replaced everything else!
This was one freaking expensive lightning hit. I hope the sonar is OK. The marine radio is also DOA. The stereo is OK. Trolling Motor is OK. Bilge pump is OK- live well aireator's both work. Horn works (1969 Caddy). I'm fishing tommorrow hell or high water! ("have jumper cables-will fish"). 
Have fun!
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 5/14/2005 8:47 AM
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Steve, Disconnecting the battery, may help. However, the cabling can still pick up lightning induced transients. I was thinking about building my own surge /lightning suppressor from off the shelf electronic components (MOV"s, chokes, capacitors). However, I found this 12VDC surge/lightning suppressor - looks like they have unit's to protect 24V systems too.
http://www.polyphaser.com/kommerce_productdetail.aspx?item=IS-12VDC...
I'm going to give it a shot and install it in the motor ignition/charger power circuit, I will post later, i.e., cost & photo's of installation.
Have fun.
Al
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