Since the E27 keel is encapsulated. Where would one install the ground plate, for lightning protection? Thanks
I've gotten the impression that the ground plate is best located close to the base of the mast, providing a nice short path from the mast and rigging, down to the ground. One common mistake is depending on those sintered bronze ground plates for a lightening ground. My understanding is that they are not nearly large enough, and will likely explode (because of the water trapped in those pores) if energized at such high voltage. What you need is edge-area, not surface area. So rather than a big square ground block, you want a long skinny ground strip - like the one on that website. Another thing I've heard about lightening grounding is "do it completely, or don't do it at all." One theory is that a grounded boat may be more likely to attract a strike, so you better make sure things are sized properly, every element is grounded (chainplates, stanchions, mast, radar poles/arches, etc) and connected with conductors of sufficient size, and nice straight runs without sharp bends.
Otherwise you'll just be grabbing a tiger by the tail, and letting it loose in a partially grounded boat. :eek: