For me the advantage of steel boats goes into the margin of when the pooh hits the fan. I've had lightning strikes without electronis or other problems. My SSB antenna is aluminum and connected to the radio with a blade switch (ceramic isolators and a connecting lever), When engaged its an antenna, when redirected its a ground to my hull, a lightning umbrella being the tallest lightning attractive object at 25 feet above waterline. JOLIE awaiting pleasent Bahamas weather in April, currently at the Jones Fruit Dock Vero Beach, Dick just turned 88 and remains a unique Old Flordia experience, do visit MIle 945. --------------------------------- Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit.