On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:29:19 -0500, Jean Dufour
wrote:

VHF waves work "line of sight". They may be slightly curved around the horizon but
they won't be much. So, whatever the power of the transmiter is, they won't reach
more than 25 miles before getting lost in space.

Well, not really. It all depends on antenna height. From the Jersey
shore, not only can I talk to the Cape May CG station, but also to
Baltimore and Chincoteague, Virginia. I have fairly reliable
communications with CG stations up to over 100 miles. Of course, I have
my VHF antenna at the top of my mast so a powerboat probably wouldn't
get as far.

Steve