Atlantic Marine Electronics named master marine dealer for Dinnteco International’s game-changing DDCE lightning suppression products.
(PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – March 24, 2022) –The Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics (AME) announced today at the Palm Beach International Boat Show that it 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.
“We’ve seen an increase in both the occurrence of lightning strikes and the severity of damage that’s being done in the marine environment,” said AME General Manager Todd Tally. “As ship systems become more sophisticated and interconnected, lightning strikes are having a greater impact.”
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. “We’re extremely excited about this product and believe it will be a true game-changer in our industry,” said Tally.
“Dinnteco has been searching for two years for the best partner to represent its product in the marine industry,” said Pedro Homes of Dinnteco America. “Combined with AME’s vast experience and extensive service network, we are certain that your vessels will have the best installation and service to protect them from lightning.”
How It Works
By slowly and continuously neutralizing electric charges, Dinnteco’s DDCE innovative lightning suppressor protects structures from lightning strikes. “Ultimately, the DDCE is a balancing device and a compensator of variable electric fields,” said Tally. “It’s 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.”
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. The 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 a DDCE package for their vessels due to lightning strikes on their previous boats.
Win-win
“Boat owners are aware that lightning is an issue, but many do not realize the seriousness of the situation,” said Eric McDowell, President of Christi Insurance / Risk Management. “Repair costs are significant and typical repair times are from six to eight months. Owners are without their boats for extended periods but continue to pay crew, dockage, insurance and other ongoing expenses.”
The uptick in lightning strike claims in the marine environment has prompted insurance companies to include higher deductibles in their policies, according to McDowell. “I’ve had numerous conversations with management of several insurance companies regarding the Dinnteco system, and all have been extremely receptive,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation. A product that can help reduce the frequency of strikes is highly desired by both yacht owners and companies insuring 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 Tally. “For instance, we have already partnered with ComMar Sales, LLC marine manufacturers’ representatives.”
The pricing structure is still being ironed out, but the average price of the three-pronged system will be about $55,000. “This upfront cost is well worth it considering the repair bills that can be exorbitant,” said Tally. “The marine industry is ready for this. It needs this type of product.”
About AME: Atlantic Marine Electronics has been the leader in the design and installation of state-of-the-art navigation, communication and entertainment for yachts and boats since 2003. AME is dedicated to the creation of yacht electronic systems that are unrivaled in performance, accuracy and simple, intuitive operation. As a subsidiary of Viking Yachts, AME has developed sophisticated electronic systems for our parent company, which is one of the leading yacht manufacturers in the industry. The team also brings that same level of quality and customer care to a wider variety of vessels from other manufacturers in the leisure marine market. For more information, please contact AME at (609) 296-8826, or visit atlantic-me.com.
View The AME Lightning Brochure Here »