Knowing what to do in a storm and having the best lightning-protection system installed on the boat is by no means a guarantee that lightning won’t strike. Boating Magazine What to Do When Your Boat is Struck by Lightning A little early warning could give you just the time you need to make it back to shore and seek shelter. Do an Internet search for “lightning app NOAA” - there are a number of iPhone and Android apps available. Some apps will even notify you if there is a strike near any of your designated areas. There’s a Zap For That A smartphone coupled with real-time National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lightning tracking information can make a powerful tool for avoiding storms. Side flashes can jump from metal objects to other objects - even bodies - as they seek a path to water. If the boat has an enclosed cabin, people should be directed to go inside and stay well away from metal objects, electrical outlets and appliances (it’s a good idea to don life jackets too). If possible, find a protected area out of the wind and drop anchor.
We also learned that lightning seeks the highest point, and on the water that’s the top of the boat - typically a mast, antenna, Bimini top, fishing rod in a vertical rod holder or even the tallest person in an open boat. We all learn in grade school that it is not safe to be outside during a lightning storm. Without a system in place, electronics are more susceptible to lighting. With open boats it’s typically up to the owner to carry a portable pole with attached wire and ground plate that can be deployed in a storm. Larger enclosed boats, trawlers and sailboats will sometimes come with a conventional protection system installed.
How to Stay Safest in a Thunderstorm Research shows boats without a protection system do suffer more damage.