It would seem to me that there would be bigger boats with higher masts, flag poles, or even trees that would be more attractive "grounds" for lightening. But I'm not sure.



Look around the boat yard....LOTS of keel boat masts are "up" all the time. That said, if I didn't sail often I think I'd keep mine down if the parking space could accomodate it.



On the other hand THAT'S gonna be the first mast or rigging hardware stolen if anybody is so inclined. (But then when's the last time you saw somebody going down the road with a H17 mast on their roof without the boat?)



I saw Alan Alda's Science program on PBS visiting a world class lightening research center associated with the University there in Florida. Give em a call! LOL