I've been working on an Island Packet this summer and had completed electronics upgrades and finishing up some interior finish work. I noticed that 3 USB chargers had failed and didn't think much about it - got them all replaced. Then a week or so later I noticed that the battery charger was dead, curious but still no alarms went off. Replaced it and everything was fine. Next, noticed that the wind indicator was no longer on the mast but I've been busy so still no alarms. Then the owner was onboard over night and indicated that the reefer was tripping the breaker - took a look the next day and alarm sounded. Compressor was dead which was strange as we had used the unit when we moved the boat from Dry Storage to the Marina in July.
Thorough check of all system and wiring indicated a mess - nearly everything electronic/electrical on the boat was dead.
I went up the mast the other day to reinstall a new wind instrument and remove what was left of the VHF antenna and masthead tricolor and the damage was obvious.
Autopilot, plotter, instruments, radar, antenna switchers, engine electronics, alternator regulator, all toast!
Hope your day is better!
It's amazing what a lightning strike will do. I've always wondered about IPs bonding strategy and wondering why it wouldn't be safer to try to direct the lightening outside the boat to the water
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