Earthing a wooden boat

[Wavewacker]

Thanks for the posts. So, if one were to build a small wooden boat, my definition of small is 10' to 30', would you incorporate a steel strip along the keel bringing it above to the deck, to serve two purposes, one as the common ground and to protect the keel?

[Ike]

I would ask, how complex an electrical system? If it's just running the engine and Nav lights, no. If you start adding things like interior lighting, refrigerator, radios, GPS, and on and on then yes. If you bring Alternating Current aboard then definitely yes. Also you said keel? Is this a sailboat with lead or iron? then it is a yes . If it is a powerboat with a wood or fiberglass keel, no metal then no. (may seem obvious but I've seen some strange things.)

A 10 to 20 foot boat. I can't imagine why. A 20 foot to 30 maybe. As I said, it depends on the complexity of the electrical system.

[CDK]

Originally Posted by Wavewacker

Thanks for the posts. So, if one were to build a small wooden boat, my definition of small is 10' to 30', would you incorporate a steel strip along the keel bringing it above to the deck, to serve two purposes, one as the common ground and to protect the keel?

I would use stainless instead of steel because it'll live longer and connect it to the negative pole of the DC wiring. In case there is any AC wiring, I would also use it as protective ground. The AC neutral must stay isolated.