Lighting Struck My Boat. Exploded Fiberglass | Total Loss?

My boat was struck by lightning in my back yard. Is my C-Dory 22 fixable? My first look at surveying the damage and checking the engine/electronics. What will the insurance company decide? That's the big question.
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[@northwestmarineindustries]

Unreal. We’re so sorry, Trip! As heartbreaking as this is though, you still have the best possible attitude. Which is why everyone loves you. We’re so glad to hear no one was hurt. Please keep us posted and don’t hesitate to call.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

NOOOO..... NOT THE C-DORY!!!!! I litterally would have lost my mind! You are such a role model for me. I wouldn't have handled that news the way you did. God bless you Trip. Even in despair, you are an inspiration. 🙏

[@regnarecaps]

Feeling for you Trip! When that motor cranked, could see the wave of relief and appreciation. Been there also. Hope everything works out for you and the family’s favor. Best of luck dude!

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Mike! I appreciate the good wishes!

[@johnholdsworth2826]

waiting for the outcome. praying things work out for you.

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

Unrelated, but we had lightening strike our Formosa tree a couple of decades ago and split it right down the middle. We didn't have the nerve to cut it down because its so beautiful when it blooms. Over the years it has grown out and looks like Sianese trees now, but still blooms every year. Strange how lightening works. Maybe this boat strike is a sign telling you to get back to kayaking that we all enjoyed?!

[@TripSmith]

Interesting story. Lol signs can be interpreted however you perceive them. Maybe it's telling me I need a bigger boat for bigger adventures? Or maybe it's telling me I should buy an airplane for adventures? Or maybe???? lol

[@russellkasprzyk4934]

You are a maverick bro. Wish everyone had your attitude/ demeanor. Role model.

[@hawkie333]

It’s incredible how lighting can travel in so many paths. Insurance companies literally call this an Act of God. Kind of hard to argue with that!

[@cjleon1104]

That's crazy close to the house! Glad you and the fam is OK.

[@jacobcooley4965]

Trip, you need to get someone you trust that knows boats inside and out to look at your boat. Maybe get a local mechanic. Have them (your mechanic) inspect every inch. DO NOT TRUST YOUR INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO TALLY UP ALL DAMAGES. EVEN IF ITS A THIRD PARTY ADJUSTER. You need someone completely outside of your insurer/insured relationship. Even if you think the insurer is being honest and forthcoming, you have to do all the legwork yourself. Sorry for your loss buddy. Hopefully you can get it worked out.

[@j_rainsgoat3929]

Exactly id tell the insurance adjuster to go to the local shop to look at c dory. Id have the shop give me an estimate. Also he should check his homeowners policy it may pay out since boat was parked in the yard

[@williamthegriffin6185]

Holy Buckets! Crazy stuff. Hope all turns out well my friend. Prayers headed your way!

[@RandallW20]

I’m so sorry bud! That sucks. I don’t know how you were able to keep that much composure through seeing all that. Much love brother, much love! Crossing my fingers for a great outcome 🤞

[@intotheforrest]

I couldn’t imagine the insurance company calling it a total loss. Definitely repairable within a reasonable price, from what we’ve seen. But if for whatever reason they do total it, I bet you could buy it back and get it right for less than what they give you. Sorry that this happened! Never fun dealing with these things and having plans go awry, but glad all of y’all are okay!

[@briandavies9261]

Hi brother love your adventures. I've owen a collision shop in Charlotte for over 25 years I started bodyshop association about 8 years ago so I understand the laws in North Carolina and Florida. there's a lot of nuances with that insurance policy with what they're supposed to do as far as indemnifying you so if I could be of assistance and explain some things I know that Florida has to abide by I just want to make sure that you understand if it is total they give you enough money you can keep it there's a lot of options there and it varies by insurance company I would probably think it's either Progressive Geico or another off-brand that specializes in Boots but those two seem to be the main ones and I deal with them all the time so I can definitely coach you a little bit on what needs to happen to be sure that you get everything covered. I'm a boater and I'm planning on doing the loop in a few years. Thank for you content. Be mindful to let the adjust investigation before you start taking anything apart. Feel free to reach out to the shop. Body Works Plus Charlotte

[@chucksmith5002]

Glad you and your family wasn`t out on the Dory when this happened for the foremost it can be repaired. Glad you shared it with us.

[@scubaguy5455]

Man I hate that for you Trip! Hopefully insurance will make this better than it was. Your attitude during this is amazing. God bless.

[@charlesroberts6965]

Sorry just seeing your video..so sorry to see the damage to your boat but hopefully your insurance company will be fair and get you back on the water sooner than later. But you and your precious family are safe and sound and that's truly more important. But I feel ya about how you feel about your boat..feel the same but remind myself it's just stuff. And stuff can be replaced. Prayers for a good resolution and outcome.

[@jbporter1]

Sorry to hear about your boat. Lightning is a scary thing. Also, glad to hear everyone is ok and you were not on the water when the boat got hit. Looking on the bright side... Mother Nature just provided you with a whole host of KZbin videos on boat ownership, repairs, boat insurance, etc.... Just another type of adventure. Keep the videos coming. They are always awesome.

[@KatWoman_]

Oh, no. I am so sorry, Trip. A blessing the tanks didn’t explode. Praying that your path through this is swift and supported.

[@ReelinTension]

That sucks so bad. I wish I knew how you stay so calm.

[@williamloux]

Sorry to hear that man, hope everything works out okay.

[@TripSmith]

Me too bud!

[@Chase_01]

I can’t believe the c-dory got hit that boat was about to make this channel have some amazing content

[@TripSmith]

Crazy aint it? I don;t think it's as bad as i thought... I just sent out an update to my email list if your interested - www.subscribepage.com/tripsmithnewsletter

[@fnwfolta]

Tough day Trip, sorry to see all that damage. God speed my friend! She will ride again!!!

[@jasonsoutthere7733]

Trip buddy, you handled all of that a heck of a lot better than I would have LOL!!!!

[@TripSmith]

I tried... lol

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Trip, so sorry to see the damage that you sustained in the lightning strike. Good grief. Just what you needed. Hopefully the Insurance Company does not try to give you a hard time. If they do, you can always seek relief from the State Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Division, and/or a competent Law Firm, who can force them to live within the coverage that you've paid for. Please keep us posted and keep up the great job. We all love your videos. Gil from Largo, FL aka SemperFiGuy

[@TripSmith]

Yea man.... Turns out it's not as bad as I thought. I just sent out an update to my email list if your interested - www.subscribepage.com/tripsmithnewsletter

[@ralphie0224]

Dang man! I'm so sorry. I am sure it can all be replaced. Thank God you and your family are well.

[@cheeseblog]

Bummer for sure. Your positive inspiration shines through even in a situation like this one. Very admirable! So good to have found you and your channel. Thanks for sharing. Wish you the best!

[@TripSmith]

Thank you and I'm glad you found the channel as well.

[@AllThingsOutdoors]

I worked on aircraft for many years and whenever they were on the ground the aircraft had grounding straps attached to them to help any potential lightning strikes to go straight to ground and protect the aircraft systems. Maybe you could do the same with your boat.

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Hey Trip. I had lightning strike a small fishing boat I had many years ago. I did not even have insurance on the boat because it was so small (12 ft aluminum v-hull). I called my insurance and they said it didn't matter because it was parked at the house so my home owners insurance would cover it. I don't know if yours is similar but something to think about. Check with your homeowners policy holder as well because then you may only be responsible for your deductible. Especially since you also have the fence, and pieces of the fence ended up on your room. Also check where that battery charger plugged into your garage. There might be damage there. Good Luck!!!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

I know that pain. Yeah that sucks, judging by the damages seen here, please replace the wiring harness. Also, as it is integral part of your livelihood, that does have added import. Ensure the adjustor understands that. Godspeed, Trip, on the future with whichever boat company you use! I'm positive the adventures will be great. And definately looking forward to seeing them!

[@TripSmith]

I will be doing my best to convey the situation to the adjustor as soon as I can speak with them. Made several calls, one email and one message through their website to the adjustor yesterday. Still haven't gotten to speak with them.... Thanks Bob!

[@j-man2759]

After wacthing my dream car littery go up in flames. My heart goes out to you. It's not how a man handles the good times , It's how he handles the bad times. You took it better then most. Keep your head up , stay positive and good times will come again.

[@randyvining8101]

Man you handled this much better than I would have.

[@John_Smith__]

14:38 ..That is indeed the case and it sums the entire thing ... awsome video anyway and thanks for sharing.

[@TripSmith]

For sure! Thanks John!

[@jackson7421]

Trip man, I think I would have literally cried. I feel for ya man. If I had any skills that might be of use to you (diesel mechanic and boats don’t exactly correlate) I’d offer my help. Anyhow, glad you and the fam are safe though. I hope the insurance company does you right and you can get the boat all fixed up. Keep us is the loop on how it goes.

[@willheeke2760]

Bad news bud. Sorry to hear about this, I was really looking forward to more c-dory videos with the warmer weather! Hopefully the insurance takes care of you. Best of luck

[@TripSmith]

Me too Will!!!! I hope it's dealt with fairly.

[@deanglicos4465]

Let me start this post by saying we don't mean to make you feel any worse than you (and all of us) already do. However; a few months back my 9 year old son Camden said: "Hey Dad, why hasn't Trip renamed his boat? You said that an unnamed vessel is bad luck". I said he'll name it soon enough. We watched this video last night together and both felt really horrible for you and us when my son said: "Yep, no boat name was bad luck"........Dude....name her "Dip Trips" or something! We wish you all the best. Really. We love you man! - Dean and Camden

[@rudbeckia885]

Suggestion; having a boat surveyor inspection may catch everything. Als they are an independent party that may have more leverage w/ insurance company.

[@deananderson4286]

Wholllllllly !! Glad everyone is ok! That will be a total loss. I hope insurance gets you completely squared away and a new adventure boat. Hang in mate!

[@SeauT]

Sorry for your misfortune. I am grateful nobody was injured. Hopefully, the damage is not too extensive and it will all be covered.

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Dan! It's turning out not to be so bad. I just sent out an update to my email list if your interested - www.subscribepage.com/tripsmithnewsletter

[@robertparker3580]

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!.....I'm sorry for ya Trip,hopefully this will all get worked out,glad you and your family was,nt hurt!

[@rfamilyadventure5057]

Sorry to hear what happened.. I know how much you love that boat..its heart breaking.. Hopefully she can just get repaired boats are so costly right now

[@everymanadventures9285]

Holy moly!! I hope everything works out in your favor. I know how proud of that boat you are. Best wishes!

[@TripSmith]

I hope so to my friend. THanks!

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

What a lot of damage from a lightning strike. Absolutely incredible. I hope it works out well for you.

[@TripSmith]

Yes it sure was. Turned out not to be so bad though.... I just sent out an update to my email list if your interested - www.subscribepage.com/tripsmithnewsletter

[@gfrerking]

Wow... just wow. Sorry, bud. My eyes are watering along with you.

[@TripSmith]

Yea man, tough stuff. Hoping for the best.

[@mlaneprod]

So sorry Trip!!!! No words! You do not deserve this!!! Come to the Jersey Shore and go on some adventures with me on my C-dory 22!

[@franksonfly1838]

So sorry for the issues you are facing but I love your positive attitude and your understanding of giving thanks to the good Lord. The passion for the boat and your relationship with Jesus can be felt wholeheartedly in this video. A perfect example hopefully of Psalm 37:4 Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

[@rivertimeable]

tough loss, my friend i hope ins covers it...good thing you weren't out on it....

[@TripSmith]

Insurance helped me out, boat is good to go ;) Thanks!

[@whiteclouddakota1451]

Holy cow!!!!!!! So glad you guys are safe and ok!!!

[@mooseontheloose8956]

Wow man that’s terrible. I’m sorry. Hang in there. At least no one was hurt. 😩

[@adrieneforare5791]

Another super informative video that gave me a healthier respect for lightening.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Whoaaa! That's insane! Hope you're back up and on the water soon.

[@TripSmith]

Yea it sure is crazy. Me too bud!

[@icantfishforshit]

Dang man, I feel your pain dude. She will ride again!

[@TripSmith]

I sure hope she does bud!

[@tracymacdonald4598]

wow! sorry to hear about your boat. in July a tree fell on my Yukon in the insurance company totaled it. I ended up buying it back for 1/3 of what the insurance company was willing to pay me. I was able to repair the Yukon. those boats are hard to find so you may want to repair it even if it's not perfect

[@fatboyroy6081]

Good luck with the boat Trip hope you get it fixed asap!

[@TripSmith]

Thankya Roy! I hope so too

[@decapolis01]

Man I had my house hit a few years ago. It ran electrical to my kitchen and blue up a bunch of stuff. Busted water lines going the sink in the counter. I lost 80 percent of all electronics in the house including 3 computers. I had to have the wall opened to fix water lines and electrical. The water leaks required all the wood floors to be replaced. It was a mess. I understand your pain and I am sorry about the Cdory!

[@vettepicking]

you can always op to keep the damage item , minus the what the insurance thinks its worth at auction. ei - the claim is 20k - 5k auction value, so you would get the boat and 15k

[@theBidon]

Praying for a good outcome! 🙏

[@nolanmailhos1470]

I have been progressive on my boat for over 5 years. They have been relatively quick to right. Had a fire on the boat for the alcohol stove is up on me. Another time I was coming in through a lock. And the current was so strong it's for me around threw me into a cement wall. Almost shared off the bow of my boat. Each time I was taking care of within 2 weeks. I still have the boat. And I have to say it has paid for itself. With Screw upss and insurance money.

[@brianpeck697]

The way the fiberglass blew up by that trim tab is wild!

[@timhoover5507]

That sucks , hope the insurance comes through

[@TripSmith]

Same here Tim!

[@wildliferanch3665]

Holy cow dude! This is terrible, hope you get her all sorted out brother. 🙏

[@kn6123]

Sorry this happened to you, Trip. There's a guy on KZbin called sailing into freedom, his sailboat was struck by lightning twice a while back and he's still sailing and living on the boat and even though you can fix the holes in the fiberglass, he says his hull is delaminated (but he's still going lol) and his electrical system is sketchy and fridge doesn't work very well. I mean you might fare better than him with some work obviously. You could get through this with some elbow grease and keep your insurance check. Good luck. I'll be watching 🙂

[@TripSmith]

Yea, you never know KN! But I also have to think about resale value.... That's cool about Sailing Into Freedom!

[@alvintawney6742]

So sorry about your boat prayers are with you

[@wyattearp3848]

That’s really crazy! I’ve never seen anything like that before!

[@rarerepair]

God bless you buddy will pray this turns out to be a good thing somehow.

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Frits! I think it's not as bad as I thought... I just sent out an update to my email list if your interested - www.subscribepage.com/tripsmithnewsletter

[@flslingmaker8612]

Hope it all works out good for you, I've had friends that had Progressive insurance and they never complained when they had a claim, so hopefully you'll be treated right. As a retired electrician I've repaired lots of house wiring from lightening strikes. I've seen it vaporize every ground wire in a house, so check all your wiring real close. Good luck and please let us know how it turns out.

[@TripSmith]

I sure hope so as well. A fair resolution is all I ask for. Will be keeping everyone posted.

[@carlandpamelopez1034]

Man, SOOOO sorry for your loss 😢💔 I have really enjoyed all of your adventures. Just remember that this didn't catch God by surprise, so He obviously has a plan and a purpose for it all. Thankful that you and your family were not harmed, everything else is replaceable 🙏🙏🙏❤✝️

[@justinm3259]

aww man, really sorry that happened

[@TripSmith]

Yea me too Justin.

[@timgaughf1568]

Really sorry you are going through this. Hopefully it all works out to your satisfaction. Dealing with insurance 🤦‍♂️.

[@robertp.7090]

Best of luck!

[@BlastedKat]

Wow. I seen this a few times in a fiberglass shop. We have see fiberglass stringers separated from the hull, large soft spots in the hull something a blister from a lighting strike. We found foam filled stringers completely exploded due to the strike. Lighting can do some crazy things to a boat. Sorry about your situation. Be careful with the boat from here.

[@TripSmith]

Sure can do some crazy things! Lets hope she comes back from the shop looking good!

[@BlastedKat]

@@TripSmith Best of wishes. Fish on!

[@danielbranam8503]

Good luck with the adjuster.

[@cWatts-zv3oo]

It was built before....it can be built again. Buy it from the insurance folks if they scrap it out and have it rebuilt. My 22 is insured by the same folks.... let us know how it goes. Thanks trip

[@backwoodscountryboy1600]

Wow dude that just totally sucks I hope you and the insurance are able to negotiate something out and save her and if not I got a feeling that something better come along. Just hang in there man just in case the insurance gives you the long face of bad news.

[@TripSmith]

Yea, I hope so too. After doing lots of research, I'm mentally aware that she may be a total loss....

[@ncwarrior62]

Brother so sorry for the loss. I am retired master electrician of 40 years. I also used to do fire inspections for Insurance companies. If I was closer I would be over to help. If I can assist in any way please contact me. Best of Luck.

[@TripSmith]

Thanks NC, I appreciate your willingness to help!

[@antoniogarcia4000]

Hang in there man, it’ll be alright in the end 🙏🏽

[@robmitchell3633]

Dude ! That’s insane

[@TripSmith]

It sure is.....

[@alabamaadventurer]

Man, I am sorry to hear about the C-Dory. I hope it is not a total loss.

[@TripSmith]

Me too bud.

[@jimmyjones7942]

Sending Thoughts and Prayers to you that everything works out that you get the boat fixed as it needs to be. BTW I know a great fiberglass place in PCB if you need the info. 😀

[@blakehurst8695]

It will all work out bud, happy birthday to your boy

[@afocker007]

Loving this content!

[@brianking973]

That is crazy that it is fiberglass and rubber tires, and was damaged that bad. I'm sorry for this happening

[@TripSmith]

Yes it sure is Brian. Hopefully things will turn out OK.

[@JohnBraman413]

man that sucks, so many videos with you and that boat. hope the claim works out for you.

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

After all the work you put into it I'd hate to see em total it.

[@jonwoodhall5061]

I hope it gets sorted bro beautiful boat keep ya head up👍💪😓🤦‍♂️💪💪

[@rumblechick73]

Wow! That's just too freaky for words. Sorry Mother Nature decided to rock your world. Your attention was focused on the boat, but I'd be concerned about any other household systems that might have been involved too. If the policy for the boat is separate, you might be able to get your homeowner's policy to pay something towards the boat situation. Good luck with all of it, the mind boggles just thinking of all the details you'll be keeping track of for the next little while.😭

[@john081277]

Sorry that happened to your boat Trip

[@L2FlyMN]

I am much more afraid of lightning, than any other part of a storm, having had a partial bolt go through me as a kid!!! Not an experience I care to repeat!!!!😬 If you’ve ever grabbed a bad plug wire, while the engine was running? Yea! ⚡️😬😬😬😬😬😬😬

[@hawkie333]

Here’s a question….what if it weren’t covered by a tarp? Would the wet boat have taken more electricity to ground? Seems like the electrical system was the path of least resistance, even though 1 million volts from a lighting strike pretty much goes wherever it pleases.

[@kurtmonger5869]

It can definitely be fixed. I had a crack in my stern that penetrated the core. I had it fixed with an aluminum motor platform. Got to the C-Brats site and look at the last two pictures of Booty Bay

[@bogneyman3658]

Not the 22 , bummer,them on you .my next boat for life.

[@glenngray1201]

Man sorry Trip, hope they don’t total it on costs man , looks like it’s pretty bad though . Let us know what they say and good luck …

[@psfraser9471]

From what i've been told, when lightning hits a boat it instantly evaporates any water that is in the hull, I'm guessing this caused some of the damage, the older the hull the worse the damage, because over time condensation builds up inside the hull.

[@TripSmith]

I've been learning that same thing.... That's a scary thought....

[@lorneserpa5888]

Sad. Wish you the best.

[@TripSmith]

Thank you! Fortunately she is all better now ;)

[@slopoke750]

Time for a new boat . Electronics are fried.

[@CallSignWhiplash]

As an ET, IMO the motor, all electronics and cabling will need to be completely replaced. Even if you’re motor cabling and instrumentation tests ok today I promise you that lightning related damage issues will nag you until you either replace it all or sell it from frustration. Make them replace everything under the policy and if that exceeds the policy limits then you’ll have the option to buy it back under a salvage title.

[@jasonMMorris]

Trips boat is now the Ark !! The insurance better do a total replacement. Glad you are ok and the family. There may be structural cracks throughout the length of the boat that can't be seen and later down the line cause more problems. Sorry it's caused you a headache mate. Bless

[@TripSmith]

From my understanding they may do a total loss which would be the "Agreed Value" in the policy. Which is not near what the current market value for the boat is unfortunately.

[@jasonMMorris]

@@TripSmith yeah, they will catch you that way them insurance folk. If it was not stated in the insurance policy at the start of the year about the current value for replacing the exact boat at today's prices. But hey!! Your Trip Smith chosen by the lightning God and they better do as you ask...or else 😏

[@bradwilliams5242]

The gulf isn’t the only thing that is rough sometimes

[@HurtsEnd]

I’m not religious but when that motor turned on man I thought the same thing as you 🙏🏼

[@dougulrich5381]

It can all be fixed, glad you weren't on the water in the boat when it hit@@ that would get you some views though ;-) Be safe and God Bless@@

[@patriotmarineautodetailing422]

That’s crazy !

[@TripSmith]

Yes it is....