See Shore

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

I would have to say anywhere in between 0 feet and 6 miles.

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.

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).

Thanks for the info. Just what I was looking for.

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.

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.

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.

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.