Will I Be OK if Lightning Strikes My Narrowboat?
We have all asked ourselves at some point what would happen if lightning hit my narrowboat while I was in it? Would I be safe?
If lightning strikes a steel narrowboat, there are certain advantages and risks associated with the boat’s conductive nature.
To summarise before we begin. It is extremely unlikely your narrowboat will be hit by lightning.
Let’s take a look:
Advantages of a Steel Hull:
- Faraday Cage Effect: A steel hull of a narrowboat can act as a Faraday cage, which means that if lightning strikes, the electric current will typically travel around the exterior of the boat rather than through it. This can protect the occupants inside from direct exposure to the electric current. Essentially, the electric charge will be distributed over the surface of the steel, and if there’s a path to ground (like the water), it’ll preferentially take that path.
Risks and Considerations:
- Electrical Systems and Appliances: As with any boat, one of the immediate concerns with a lightning strike is potential damage to the boat’s electrical systems and any electronic devices on board. A lightning strike can cause a significant surge of electricity that can damage circuits, and appliances, and potentially lead to electrical fires.
- Physical Damage: Even with the Faraday cage effect, lightning can cause physical damage where it strikes, such as punctures or burns. Additionally, the point of strike and exit (if it exits into the water) might suffer damage.
- Electrified Water: The water around the boat can become electrified momentarily from a strike, which poses a danger to anyone in or near it.
- Secondary Effects: Even if the lightning current travels around the narrowboat’s exterior, the intense heat, light, and sound of a nearby lightning strike can be alarming and could cause secondary hazards, like temporary blindness or hearing loss.
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms on Narrowboats:
- Stay Inside: During a storm, stay inside the boat, away from windows, doors, and metal objects. Even though the steel hull provides some protection, it’s still best to avoid touching metal parts during a storm to minimize any risks.
- Avoid Electrical Appliances: Refrain from using or touching electrical appliances or switches during the storm. Turn everything off but essential equipment if possible.
- Stay Low: While the boat itself might attract a strike, staying low within the boat is a good general practice during thunderstorms.
- Communication: Keep a charged mobile phone in a safe place, ideally in a protective bag or plastic container, to call for help if necessary.
- After the Storm: If you suspect your boat was hit, inspect it for any damages, especially to the electrical systems and hull. It’s wise to have a professional marine surveyor to evaluate the boat after a suspected strike.
While a steel narrowboat offers some protective features against lightning due to the Faraday cage effect, it’s essential always to prioritize safety.
It is extremely rare for a narrowboat to be struck by lightning but as with all things in boat life, nothing is impossible.
If you’re aware of an impending thunderstorm, moor in a safe location and wait it out.
Click Here to Learn About How to Prepare for a Storm on a Narrowboat
No lightning strikes in this video below. Just a relaxing storm.
Has Lightning Ever Hit Your Narrowboat?
We hope it hasn’t but let us know in the comments below.