Like any safety system on a boat, lightning protection equipment must be often examined and maintained. Corrosion, free connections, or broken grounding dishes may compromise the effectiveness of the system. It's advisable to test all terminals, bonding cords, and grounding components at least once a year—or more often in saltwater settings where corrosion is more aggressive. Ensuring all material pieces remain electrically bonded is important, as disconnected components could become harmful throughout a strike. boat lightning protection