Canceled my trip across Lake Michigan

I crossed the lake in a 16' aluminum starcraft three years ago. It was stupid, but I guess it went fine. Last year I crossed in a 22' four winns bowrider. It was not as stupid, but when we were in milwaukee the waves got tall and it was miserable on the way home. We had one or two waves crash the bow, but the bow cover was on and we didn't take on any water. The trip back in the four winns was one of the scariest moments I have had in a boat though, those tall waves that you think are fine get a lot scarier when you cant see land!

I guess my point is that you can do it, but you might as well cross with somone else to take some of the danger out of it. the whole reason to cross is for fun, and it isn't fun when you are worried the whole time. Maybe I will cross with you! A couple buddies and I are planning on heading to milwaukee again this year. We will be taking my 27.
 
If you believe Wikipedia, on a tall mount (whatever that is) the range on hi power is 68nm. On a lower mount, such as on a small cruiser, it's about 5nm. I was in contact with a friend 15 stat miles away (as the crow flies) and contact was lost shortly thereafter (I was softly grounded and he was moving away). My antenna is fairly high, mounted about 13' above the water, the tip being close to 20' above sea level.

Point is that VHF is basically line of sight. Over open water with no obstructions, the horizon starts to come into play.

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/vhf.htm

I don't know much about the Great Lakes but I've heard the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Respect for nature is tantamount (and don't make the trip in November!)
 
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