Lightning strikes in coastal nj

[catsmeow]

Does anyone know if any boats hit by lighting in coastal nj in recent years. Launch out of rumson and fish sandy hook area. In summer always a threat of thunderstorms. Have been caught numerous times over the years. I cannot remember seeing where a small boat was hit. Have a 17' aluminum center console

Want to take out my daughter and grandson out fishing but hard to find a day without a threat of a storm. I of course would not go out when a major break in a heat wave is coming which could have severe storm. Looking for your thoughts on this matter. Thanks walt I

[Duffman]

I have not heard of or seen any boat struck by lightning in a long time. Ran back to the dock last week in some pretty nasty stuff. Just folded the VHF antenna and laid the rods on deck and we were all good.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Last strike I saw was 20 years ago. A boat in my marina with a tower and out riggers took a hit and fried a lot of the electronics on the boat. If you’re in a 17 foot center you are very low in the water and less of a target than a taller boat.
That said, with all the early warning weather and radar apps you should have plenty of warning to run back to cover. If you to get caught out, like Duff mentioned, best thing to do is drop your antenna and put your poles down on the deck so they don’t become lightening rods.

[catsmeow]

Thanks for confirming my thoughts. My worst experience was in the middle of raritan bay seen a storm pass over staten island. A little later next thing we had lightning and thunder almost together. We had my daughter and her boyfriend lay down on boat floor. That was scary. Sound of the thunder was crazy. Another time launched out of edison ramp on way in trying to beat the storm had a plastic poncho ripped right off me. Just thinking dont want to push my luck.

[Capt. Debbie]

About 10 years go, I was under tow going up the Arthur Kill and lightning struck the Outer Bridge itself and I was almost directly under it

The flash and deafening boom are simultaneous that close.

All was well except for a change of underwear was needed.

Take solace. If direct hit, you'll never know it

[catsmeow]

Yes the simultaneous lighting and thunder is something you will never forget. At 80 years old going in a big flash is ok for me. Its my passengers that concern me. My daughter and my grandson are my concern. I have been off the hook and my soninlaw is texting from flemington there are dark clouds. On one of those occasions flying up the shrewsbury and my grandson is tugging on my pants and says poppop the police are chasing us. Slowed down and pointed to the sky and then to my passengers. The officer nicely just gestured to me slow down. Have 90hp on 17' aluminum sea nymph cc. I have a few friends with their coast guard certificates usually run the boat in. If conditions permit i will say to them " Dont spare the horses". Have never been abke to go full out. Tight lines walt