Viking's AME partners with Dinnteco International to offer lightning protection technology
by Viking Yachts 30 Mar 2022 09:29 UTC
The Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics (AME) has become the exclusive marine distributor in the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica of a comprehensive system that helps protect boats against the devastating effects of lightning strikes.
"As ship systems become more sophisticated and interconnected, lightning strikes are having a greater impact," said AME General Manager Todd Tally. "We believe we have found a system that will be a game-changer in our industry."
AME has partnered with Dinnteco International - a family business based in Spain with more than two decades of experience in lightning protection - to offer its DDCE (Electromagnetic Charge Compensation Device) lightning protection technology. AME made the announcement at the Palm Beach International Boat Show last week.
Dinnteco's DDCE innovative lightning suppressor protects structures from lightning strikes by slowly and continuously neutralizing electric charges.
"The device is constantly collecting the ions from the atmosphere and bringing them to ground while avoiding the creation of an 'upward leader,' which would result in a lightning strike," said Todd.
For sportfish yacht applications, the DDCE will be mounted on a custom carbon fiber pole on top of the tuna tower.
A second lightning suppressor called the DINEOL will be necessary on yachts with outriggers. Both the DDCE and the DINEOL guard against direct lightning strikes. A third element, a DINFIL, protects the boat against indirect strikes. "Most of your larger yachts will have two DINFILs, which will be connected to the grounding system of the boat," said Tally.
AME spent over a year researching the topic of lightning protection and has the utmost confidence in the Dinnteco technology. The next Viking demonstrator boat, an 80 Convertible, will be outfitted with the system. In addition, owners of a 68 and a 72 on the Viking production line have requested the DDCE package for their vessels due to lightning incidents with their previous boats.
AME will be installing the system on new Vikings in its role as master dealer, but "we're also interested in facilitating relationships with other companies so they can become dealers," said Todd. "For instance, we have already partnered with ComMar Sales, LLC marine manufacturers' representatives."
For more information, please contact AME at (609) 296-8826, or visit atlantic-me.com.