Topband: Salt-Water QTH

[Ray Higgins (W2RE)]

Update:

Thanks to all the input and suggestions regarding my Salt-Water QTH post on April 1. Your input was very valuable in making the final decision. We had several options to choose from, since land is readily available in Maine. After some debate with my partners on the venture, we decided to pull the trigger on the 60+ Acre parcel with a small home,  3000’ x 1000’  lot, located on the Ocean near the most northeast corner of the state of Maine and Ideally nearby a small airport which will be the method of traveling via a single engine aircraft. The deal went into contract today and we hope to start breaking ground sometime in June/July. 

Thanks,

Ray 
W2RE.com


To:	topband at contesting.com
Subject:	Topband: Salt-Water Qth!
From:	HVT <w2re at hudsonvalleytowers.com>
Date:	Wed, 1 Apr 2015 07:47:23 -0400
List-post:	<topband at contesting.com">mailto:topband at contesting.com>
This is my first post to the Top-Band Reflector, so please excuse my ignorance 
if this topic has been discussed in the past. 

Is there any scientific data in print to prove the theory that ocean front 
property is better than a location inland about a mile or so on a ridge 
overlooking salt water for HF. I had this heated debate over the weekend with 
two ham friends of mine while we traveled to Maine looking at real-estate along 
the coast. I understand the theory that verticals literally in or on the water 
have a huge advantage. The debate was about how far away from the water does it 
become a diminishing effect. I made the claim that the Ocean-Front property 
would be a better location than anything inland including a location on a ridge 
within a mile. This heated debate went on for about 500 miles while we were 
driving back to NY. It was a very interesting conversation and made the long 
drive back much quicker! :)

Additional information about the debate:

In the State of Maine there is a setback regulation on shoreline property 
regarding structures including radio towers. To play it safe with the shoreline 
protective rules, the proposed array system would be setback minimum 500’ from 
the water or as far back as 2000'. At these distances on 80/160 meter will a 
vertical antenna system see any positive effects with additional gain from the 
salt water? 

What about horizontal antennas? Do they see any effects from Salt-Water?

I'm sure I can use HFTA to model the terrain, which I have done in the past 
with great accuracy. However, I'm not sure if it calculates Salt-Water. Maybe 
it does. 

We are anxious to start building in Maine ASAP. Any input would be appreciated. 

Thanks,

Ray W2RE
W2RE.com