It is difficult to provide an exact number for the range, because range will be affected by the following factors:

 

  • Transmit power: Higher transmit power gets better range. Transmit powers up to 25 watts are allowed with fixed-mount radios, however handheld radios in our lineup range from 0.5 Watts up to 6 Watts, depending on the radio and the chosen transmit power setting. All of our handheld radios come with Low, Medium, and High transmit power.
    • HH150 allows 0.5W, 1W and 3W
    • HH350, HH500, HH600 each allow 1W, 3W, and 6W
  • Reception: Reception depends on many factors from the output power of the sending radio, the distance between radios, atmospheric conditions, your antenna setup, your radio's condition, and other mitigating factors. For an approximation of range, see the Range Estimation section below.
  • Length of the antenna: Besides transmit power, this is typically the most important factor that affects range. The longer the antenna, the better the range.
    • HH150 has a fixed antenna that cannot be upgraded.
    • HH350, HH500, and HH600 have replaceable antennas, but we do not offer longer antennas.
  • Height of the antenna: The higher the antenna is mounted, the better the range. Clear, unobstructed views on all sides of the antenna will yield the best results.
  • Antenna tuning: Having a properly tuned antenna will maximize your range. Checking the SWR of the antenna will identify how well your antenna is tuned to the marine band.
    • Use only a VHF marine-tuned SWR meter to measure the antenna's Standing Wave Ratio. CB radio SWRs will not work with marine VHF.
  • Atmospheric conditions: Atmospheric conditions can affect radio propagation. If conditions are just right, there are times when you can transmit 100 miles or more. On other occasions you may be limited to only 10 miles. These extremes occur infrequently, but do illustrate the effects of atmospheric conditions. The majority of the time, your radio is line of sight. Please see below for estimated distances between various types of vessels, and shore stations.
  • Your location: Your location will also influence the range. For example, if you are located on an inland waterway where buildings and trees can block your signal, you will get less range than if you were in the middle of the ocean communicating ship to ship, or ship to shore. With a handheld radio your range will vary depending on whether you are inside the cabin (worst range) or standing on the highest portion of the deck (best range).
  • Battery condition (handheld models): Low batteries will cause your transmit power to drop, which will reduce your range. Please ensure that you always have your batteries charged, and that you conserve battery power by transmitting and receiving as little as possible.
    • It is never a bad idea to have backup power available.
    • HH150 uses replaceable batteries.
    • HH350, HH500, HH600 use battery packs, and have drop-in charging bases that can connect to 12VDC power via their CLA (cigarette lighter adapter) plugs.


The combination and severity of the above factors will determine your range. Several of these factors can change on a day-to-day basis.

Range Estimations

Fixed-Mount Radio (MRF45D, MRF77)

If we were to eliminate all the negative effects (bad weather, bad line of sight, low batteries), a properly setup fixed-mount radio transmitting 25 watts will communicate as follows:

  • A powerboat communicating to another powerboat: approximately 20 miles.
  • A powerboat communicating to a well-equipped shore station: approximately 50 miles.
  • On a sailboat with the antenna mounted at the top of the mast, communicating to another sailboat: approximately 40 miles.
  • On a sailboat with the antenna mounted at the top of the mast, communicating to a well- equipped shore station: approximately 80 miles.


Handheld Radio (HH150, HH350, HH500, HH600)

Handheld radios will communicate as follows:

  • A 5W handheld will communicate approximately 7 miles to another handheld, or approximately 20 miles to a well-equipped shore station.
  • A 2W handheld will communicate approximately 5 miles to another handheld, or approximately 15 miles to a well-equipped shore station.