Originally Posted by kvogt (Post 4648587)

If you are crossing by yourself get a sea anchor and a PLB. It is also not a bad idea to have some big float toys on board. Remember cell phones are useless around 10 miles out and your VHF probably doesn't have a tall enough antenna to reach much farther.
July is usually the best month to cross the lake

Originally Posted by drumerjb (Post 4648598)

I was reading my ship-to-shore manual and it says with that proper antenna on high output the range is generally up to 25 miles. Have not tested that but sure m curious. if that is the case that will just about give you 50 miles of coverage. may have a 10 mile window with no coverage.

Originally Posted by Interceptor (Post 4648604)

or you could do this and avoid the fresh water whales that are known to ram boats just south of Beaver Island.
https://www.ssbadger.com/

Originally Posted by kvogt (Post 4648611)

Maybe from a fly bridge. An antenna mounted on a go fast usually doesn't have that much range. A hand held only reaches about 5 miles.

Originally Posted by kvogt (Post 4648587)

If you are crossing by yourself get a sea anchor and a PLB. It is also not a bad idea to have some big float toys on board. Remember cell phones are useless around 10 miles out and your VHF probably doesn't have a tall enough antenna to reach much farther.
July is usually the best month to cross the lake

Originally Posted by bohmi (Post 4648784)

The weather is looking good for this weekend - go for it. Tell some friends you're going, an idea of your planned route and times of departure/arrival, call when you get there/back,etc... an informal float plan of sorts. You'll have a blast, do it.

Originally Posted by SS496 (Post 4648793)

I agree...unfortunately I have prior obligations this weekend......isnt that how it always works? Great boat weather for when one is busy.