What can be done to improve VHF radio range?

Improving VHF radio range can significantly enhance communication capabilities at sea. Ensuring the antenna is at a sufficient height is crucial because radio waves travel in straight lines and can be blocked by obstacles such as land or other structures. By raising the antenna, you increase the horizon distance from which you can communicate, reducing the chance of obstacles interfering with the radio signal.

A higher antenna allows the radio signal to propagate further over the water's surface, which is particularly important in maritime operations where distance between vessels can be substantial. The increased height can help overcome obstacles and enhance coverage, thus leading to clearer and more reliable communication, especially in emergency situations or when navigating busy waterways.

Other options may provide benefits in specific scenarios or context, but they do not fundamentally enhance the range the way raising the antenna does. For instance, while using the radio during clear weather can lead to clearer transmission, it is not a method to improve the inherent range of the VHF system itself. Similarly, keeping the radio turned off when not in use does not affect its range when it is actively in use, nor does using a shorter cable necessarily improve performance. In fact, using the wrong type of cable or an excessively short cable may impact antenna efficiency.