Sealevel is not a word. If you mean sea level, that does not equate to
"water lapping at our feet". If you are claiming a 16 mile range, direct,
when you are both at 6.5 feet above sea level, I say your full of crap. If
this is a riddle, then I say your both at a seperate body of water with a
valley between, or your communicating via a repeater.

Eric

"Me" wrote in message
...
In article ,
James Hebert wrote:

If two vessels are ten miles apart, they will each
need antennas 12.4 feet high in order for their
radio horizons to be in view (line-of-sight) of
each other.

The case presented shows how much margin there
is in a typical circuit. There are many poor
radio installations aboard recreational vessels
which can barely talk to the marina office
from its dock own gas dock, but this does
not constitute a negation of laws of physics.

this is where the Practical and empirical evidence shows that
the math isn't showing what really is hapopeneing.

I have two 1 watt Vhf handhelds, with rubber antennas.
I can talk 16 miles over water with these two radios.
Both myself and my wife are less than 6.5 ft tall.
We are both standing at sealevel. (water lapping at our feet)
Now how does you MATH explain this empirical DATA?

Do my handhelds have receive sensitivity lower than atmospheric
noise? Maybe the Laws of Physics cease to apply north of 58 degrees?
Since this is a perfectly viable Path 24/7 and we have used it
daily for the last 15 years, what is your explanation?

Me who actually does know the answer.........