See Shore

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Angler2058
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2015/03/23 11:58:56 (permalink)

See Shore

How far out can you be in a boat on a good day and still see the shoreline.
#1

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    Angler2058
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/24 07:57:29 (permalink)
    I should have stated from  Lake Erie at Erie pa from Presque Isle.
    #2
    Pie
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/24 09:44:44 (permalink)
    I would have to say anywhere in between 0 feet and 6 miles.
    #3
    eyedreamn
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/24 10:02:23 (permalink)
    12 miles easy on a clear day
    post edited by eyedreamn - 2015/03/24 10:03:26
    #4
    FishinGuy
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/24 11:10:47 (permalink)
    I don't ever remember seeing shore 12mi out as a kid. Doesn't mean you cant. I was gonna say 8-10 MI with good visibility.
    #5
    Angler2058
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/24 13:12:50 (permalink)
    So from the mountain or trench I should be able to see the shoreline on a good day. Is that correct.
    #6
    SaltWaterRocks
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/24 13:39:25 (permalink)
    I believe I read somewhere that a 6 ft tall person standing at the edge of the ocea(or big lake in this case) can see 2 miles to the horizon, of course, elevated in a boat or looking back to a raised shoreline would have some affect.

    I accidently hit send before I verified:

    For an observer on the ground with eye level at h = 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m), the horizon is at a distance of 2.9 miles (4.7 km). For an observer standing on a hill or tower 100 feet (30 m) in height, the horizon is at a distance of 12.2 miles (19.6 km).
    post edited by SaltWaterRocks - 2015/03/24 13:43:57
    #7
    zippyduck
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/25 01:05:11 (permalink)
    I have been out on a clear day and have seen the shore from 12 miles out. Most days 5-6 is about it.
    #8
    Angler2058
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/25 08:27:30 (permalink)
    Thanks for the info. Just what I was looking for.
    #9
    dustydoo
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/25 18:12:18 (permalink)
    remember the farther out you go the higher you get until you start to get closer to the other side
    #10
    cbeagler
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/25 18:54:16 (permalink)
    On a clear day--remember that statement. We have a lot of gloom even on sunny days. Remember we are in the land of filtered light.

     

    #11
    eyedreamn
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/25 19:02:57 (permalink)
    Not sure why you are asking but....
    If your asking for navigation reasons, make sure you have a gps and a compass on board. If a storm or heavy fog rolls in your gonna need it. Forget about being able to see anything. A compass alone is not a good navigation tool. A gps is a must. There is alot of water out there.
    post edited by eyedreamn - 2015/03/25 19:56:39
    #12
    Chris Johnson
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/26 08:02:28 (permalink)
    There are a few factors to consider but Salt Water Rocks nailed it.

    The formula for calculating how far you can see across the ocean is s^2 = (r + h)^2 - r^2 where s is how far you can see, r is the radius of earth, and h is how high your eyes are.

    H is a combination of eye height and the height of the land (above water level) that you are viewing. The farther out you travel, the greater the "hump" or curve of the earth and the more your vision is obscured.

    So a combination of eye + land height of 100 ft, will allow you to see about 12 miles.

    Eye height of 5' will allow you to see the beach at about 2.5 miles.
    post edited by Chris Johnson - 2015/03/26 08:07:11
    #13
    Lucky13
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/31 07:00:44 (permalink)
    I knew people who maintained they could see the Toronto shore area from the south shore of Lake Ontario "on a clear day".  The 2.9 mile to the horizon figure is correct from a theoretical standpoint.  What people who see shore from further out are seeing is atmospheric refraction, which sets up when atmospheric conditions are right.  Light bends enough that you can see a further distance than the 2.9 miles quoted from theoretical math.
    #14
    JEB
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/31 13:55:25 (permalink)
    Depends which shore you are looking to see ? LOL..  Canada is a long way off.... 
    But from my days of being on the water on the western end of the lake, i'd say at least 6-7 miles on a clear day.
    #15
    Wally Cat
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    Re: See Shore 2015/03/31 16:59:37 (permalink)
    As eyedreamn said you should never go out on the main lake without a compass and gps. Weather can change quickly and wind, rain and fog can really play with your mind. Not to mention your life. Be safe!

    Enjoy Life, Be Happy, Go Fish - Often!

    "God has blessed America - may He continue to do so, even though we are not worthy of it".
    Author..... Wally Cat
    #16
    Angler2058
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    Re: See Shore 2015/04/01 07:33:14 (permalink)
    eyedreamn, I was just wondering how far I might be able to see at times if I were to go out on Erie in the future. I am very aware of the situations one can encounter out on the water. I would use compass and GPS and have all safety items. was just curious of what might be seen at times. I just wanted opinions of someone like yourself that have been out there. Thanks for the help of all. Ive been planning on a trip to Erie for years and have not went. My son has been out of town living for years and has now moved back home so I am hoping to make it to Erie with him soon. Just trying to gather any info I can to make it a good and safe trip.
    #17
    no-time
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    Re: See Shore 2015/04/01 13:40:15 (permalink)
    on clear day from ripley n.y.cliff over looking lake
    you can see the fish factory in canada , there is also
     an area close to ripley that you can see canada from
    i don't know how far that is across but i have seen it
    myself
    #18
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