Let’s say I was considering putting a VHF antenna on top of my house with the hopes of catching some marine chatter during the day and potentially even communicating with vessels offshore. House would be in West Ashley, but the roof would be 50 feet above sea level.
Is that feasible, or do you really need some sort of tower? Does anyone know what kind of setup Sea Tow and Towboat US have to be able to talk to boats that are 50 miles offshore?
Be careful in your usage. Folks have gotten in trouble using VHF for things other than marine traffic. Handheld VHF’s were popular with folks running dogs for a while, may still be, I don’t know. I’m sure it will be fine if you’re not communicating or doing so sparingly.
21’ Maverick Master Angler
“There’s a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning” -J. Buffett
When I was running offshore charters I had one at the house to talk to my wife. We lived on a coastal island (Wilmington)), put an 8’ antenna on top of a 20’ pole at the house and I could call home from 60 miles out.
Pretty sure there are some legalities involved in a shore based station, check into those if you are so inclined. I’m not.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
The use of VHF radios using marine frequencies on land requires an FCC license. Listening is ok, transmitting is not. Hefty fines can be and are often levied against violators.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
SJ, it reads like you have gotten good advice on the possible legalities and range. But, if putting on my house, that could be a BIG AZZ lightning rod!
Proper grounding of that would be a real big deal to me…you DON"T want it coming inside.
Surge protector is a great asset as well, but if you have ever wondered why some are more expensive than others, it’s probably the quality (Joule Rating) Those cheap strips that most people have, are probably not doing anything other than giving them extra outlets to the entertainment center. Higher Joule rating=bigger shock absorber.
Don’t let someone say, just drive an 8’ ground rod and you’re good, in sandy conditions, you may need to get deeper, and they can be screwed together until you get to the right depth. Sand acts more like an insulator than a conductor, and you want a conductor, to get that to ground.
Burning up equipment is one thing, a house fire with people in the house is another!
By the way, I’m not a Ga Tech, Clemson, SC, Auburn ect grad but I am surrounded by them every day at work…[:0]!
Hope this helps!
NN
07, 23 Key West, Twin 115 Yammys
“Coastal Bound”
quote:
By the way, I'm not a Ga Tech, Clemson, SC, Auburn ect grad but I am surrounded by them every day at work
GA Tech grad in electronics, back when transistors were just being invented and integrated circuit chips were unheard of 
Mine was well grounded with a grid of 3 - 8’ rods.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
