VHF Range Question

pjard · 06-06-2015, 08:03 AM

I read everywhere that VHF radio is "line of sight". However, I have a scanner at my house and I know that I've heard boats on parts of the lake that I am 100% certain are NOT line of sight. Also, same thing on the boat. I was once in Smith Cove and on a handheld VHF and heard a fishing guide who was in Meredith Bay....no way was that line of sight. I also read that antenna height is a very important factor. However, outside of a sailboat mast, how high can you really install an antenna. Maybe 20' on a BIG boat. Would 20' vs. 4' really make much of a difference on Winnipesaukee? There has to be some signal bend or something else at play. Any thoughts/comments?

06-06-2015, 08:03 AM	#1
pjard Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 649 Thanks: 528 Thanked 196 Times in 103 Posts	VHF Range Question I read everywhere that VHF radio is "line of sight". However, I have a scanner at my house and I know that I've heard boats on parts of the lake that I am 100% certain are NOT line of sight. Also, same thing on the boat. I was once in Smith Cove and on a handheld VHF and heard a fishing guide who was in Meredith Bay....no way was that line of sight. I also read that antenna height is a very important factor. However, outside of a sailboat mast, how high can you really install an antenna. Maybe 20' on a BIG boat. Would 20' vs. 4' really make much of a difference on Winnipesaukee? There has to be some signal bend or something else at play. Any thoughts/comments?