Valid points. If you look for a consensus in say... the last 20 years of studies, from far different sources, there is no statistical evidence that "proper grounding" increases strikes. (I'm talking about unbiased studies by university grants and the like, Not studies by some company selling their giziwonkus.) Now, if it was so close it was going to hit the boat anyway, and you have a grounded lightning rod, it IS more likely to hit the rod than the cabin, and WAY less likely to drive the mast through the hull, or "hole it" looking for ground. This is the whole idea, and there is a LOT of research that backs that up as a way to at least improve your odds. One is only trying to improve their odds...
In my case my run to the ground plate is straight, and only 2' long of "00" wire, so I don't think that side flashes are that likely anyway?
A boat that was next to me, (an F-31 tri), and hit TWICE in one year, was not grounded, but was on a metal lift at the end of a dock. It blew numerous holes in the hull each time, and I was glad to get away from it! I think the lift was a magnet. The boat on the other side was grounded, and had no structural damage, but lost ALL electronics.
The lightning damage that I have inspected aloft, seemed to be intensely hot in only the 1' radius around where it struck, usually the paint just a ways down the mast looked fine. I would think that your leather work would do the trick. The rest of the mast is such a heat sink and all.
I wasn't considering this issue a deal breaker for synthetic rigging, just genuinely curious if any synthetically supported rigs had been hit... Anybody?
Mark
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