Lightning Strike

[KenKrawford]

I knew it wasn't going to be a good afternoon when I climbed aboard and noticed the VHF antenna laying in the cockpit. To make a long story short, I've documented the following item damaged:
Alternator
Depth Sounder
Knot Meter
Fuel Gauge
All running and deck/steaming lights
Tank Monitor
Inverter
Reverse Polarity Test Switch
Light in head
VHF antenna and splitter (no VHF radio connected to antenna)

Questionable items:
TV
Battery Charger

I've not determined where the strike exited the boat. The bilge is mostly dry.

I'd love to hear any words of wisdom from anyone who has been through this problem before. My insurance (Nationwide/Allied) has a "Stated Value" clause. I know this determines how much the insurance company will pay in the event of a total loss however I don't know how this affects a partial loss. I'm specifically interested in whether it will pay for replacement costs of damaged items or their depreciated value.

[saileagleswings]

In 2008, my insurance obtained through the Power Sq paid replacement cost including installation. Following inspection by a surveyor, I started to replace some items myself before getting an electronics guy. Mistake. He would have provided an estimate including labor for everything then used specialists for the few things he didn't handle. Because he had a excellent reputation, the surveyor trusted him so no problem with the claim. Be sure to run down the batteries and then turn the battery charger on; under a full load it might pop. Also check the A/C system and if possible the wiring and the coax cable in the mast. Lighting can blow pin holes in the coax cable. Also have the boat hauled to inspect the bottom. My insurance company required and paid for a haul out. Get a good electronics guy to help and remember that stuff might seem OK now may fail soon after you start to use it.

In 2008, I lost only lost the VHF, antenna, all electronics including autopilot, the tank monitor, stereo, all transducers, oil pressure switch, A/C controller and battery charger - $12000. Good luck.

[nybor]

wow. such bad bad luck. I was at my boat yesterday and my slip mate told me that another vessel had been struck. I didn't see it, but the fire department came. He said the inside was quite black from burn marks.

You might want to contact Harbortown Marina in Merritt Island and ask them who the person was who was struck. Feel free to mention my name - it may (or may not) help with the info. If not, I will get you the info next weekend.

sorry

dave

[yodagwb]

Evidently had a near strike which took out the wind guage display, auto pilot, cockpit LEDs, tank monitor, red & green running lights and the mast wind direction is reading 25 degrees off. Happened probably in August in Florida and I am still trying to get things fixed. The phrase "blinding speed" doesn't seem to apply down here. Needed to replace the auto pilot ST60 with a EV-200 as Raymarine doesn't make or service the ST60 any more and we couldn't not find a fully operating ST60.