For that hull number. That was a manufacture grounding system. Any grounding wires must go out to the water. We used thru Hull bronze drain plugs or a grounding plate but we went from the mast step to the drain plug. To the mast doesn’t do anything. Pearson used the bronze head thru hulls. Everyone that races removes those compromising the grounding system.
The idea is to ground the charge so it goes somewhere else. If you do get struck it’s a good chance it might blow out the thru Hull so make sure you put it in a location you can get to.
I’ve seen lightning strikes from discoloration or burnt electrical systems to melted fiberglass causing major damage or sinkings.
Zeke.
I recently acquired #1331 and am applying a lot of TLC to get the boat back in good shape. While cleaning/painting the cuddy cabin, I noticed two wires protruding from the port seat area, just cut off. I can also see what appears to be grounding wires attached to the chainplates for the two upper stays and the backstay. Should these wires be grounded to the mast step? Are they a factory item or were they installed by some earlier owner? I ask because some decades ago, while standing under a covered deck with an adult beverage, I watched a lightning storm pass through our anchorage and saw a direct strike on another great Alberg design, the Sea Sprite. Nothing happened for a moment except smoke, but then the boat sank in about five minutes. Any thoughts?