Understanding VHF Marine Radio Range for Safe Boating on Lake St. Clair Knowing how far your VHF marine radio can transmit is essential for boating and sailing safety on Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes. VHF radio range is primarily determined by line of sight, which depends largely on the height of the antennas on both the transmitting and receiving boats or shore stations. In typical conditions, a fixed-mount VHF marine radio has an effective range of 15–25 nautical miles, while a handheld VHF radio has a much shorter range. Key Factors That Affect VHF Marine Radio Range Antenna Height VHF radio signals travel in straight lines, so their range is limited…