What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

[rs2k]

I know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but what's the safest thing to do when you get stuck in a thunderstorm. I know you want to point the bow into heavy waves, but I'm more worried about the lightning than I am the waves. My Kansas instincts would tell me to go inside and lay down on a bed, but then who steers the boat?

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

drop anchor with plenty of scope, at least 7:1 and ride it out. bring down any tall antanae, have all passengers stay in the cabin if you have one,or stay low in the boat. and of course, pfd's on everyone.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

In deep, open water, a sea anchor works well too. When you don't have enough anchor line, it serves to keep the bow into the wind.

 

[capt sam]

Re: What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

I usually out run them since you can see them coming or look for cover under bridges if I'm close enough, the main thing is to be lower than the highest point in the boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

but I'm more worried about the lightning than I am the waves.

Ayuh,.... Having a Metal framed roof, with the Metal frame bonded to the drive will save your bacon because of the Faraday Cage Effect....
That's the same reason you're Safe in a metal roofed Car....

 

[dingbat]

Re: What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

Inland your stuck, but out in the ocean you have a lot of room to manuever. Unless you're not paying attention to the weather, the approach of an oncoming TS is noticeble from a considerable distance.

XM weather service and radar are your first line of defense. Pick them up on the approach and navigate around them.

 

[rs2k]

Re: What's the safest bet when stuck in a thunderstorm out on the ocean?

My boat has twin 350s and I do intend to get a GPS with XM Nexrad, but it is still possible to get caught in a storm.