Mobile reception offshore?

[ango]

Hi All. I am setting my boat up to go offshore, ATM I have a 27 MHz radio and was wondering if it really was necessary to upgrade to VHS. I am thinking that if I break down I can call the coast guard on the mobile phone, and if I am sinking, then it's time to activate the EPIRB and the radio is of no use. Does anyone know how far you can travel offshore before mobile reception fades out? I am thinking of only going out 10 -15 Km and Telstra's coverage map seems to indicate their reception goes out beyond that.
Cheers
Ango.

[4liters]

I've been 13km offshore in a kayak and had reception. I'm with Telstra if that helps.

[Kimtown]

Always been plenty of reception everywhere I’ve been offshore

I reckon you should be able to get some signal at least 15km from shore? Worst case you’ll be able to ring 000 and give them coordinates to contact the coast guard for you?

[Nude up]

I have found it varies with provider. I have been out with mates I had reception (vodaphone) where Telstra and Optus did not but 5klm down the track they had reception and I didn’t you can not rely on phone coverage. Vhf radios are normally around 5 watt output giving 15 to 20 k range. Sometimes more.

[FishnMiss]

I guess it all depends on how much you value your life.
VHF on a boat with good antenna usually gives good range, but if you're heading of Lakes or somewhere chasing Swordfish far out you'll most likely only have EPIRB or passing ship's.
The other option is Satellite phone.
It really depends on how far out you're going.

[Tackleberry]

I have found it varies with provider. I have been out with mates I had reception (vodaphone) where Telstra and Optus did not but 5klm down the track they had reception and I didn’t you can not rely on phone coverage. Vhf radios are normally around 5 watt output giving 15 to 20 k range. Sometimes more.

Wrong VHF transceivers are normally 25w on high and 1w on low .

[4liters]

Actually further to my previous post, guys kayaking across Bass Strait are usually able to get reception all the way across. I think Hogan Island is the trickiest spot but they can stand on the highest part of the island and have line of sight to the tower on Wilson's Prom

[Nude up]

I have found it varies with provider. I have been out with mates I had reception (vodaphone) where Telstra and Optus did not but 5klm down the track they had reception and I didn’t you can not rely on phone coverage. Vhf radios are normally around 5 watt output giving 15 to 20 k range. Sometimes more.

Wrong VHF transceivers are normally 25w on high and 1w on low .

Whoops missed the 2 out

[barra mick]

When I'm along way off shore I have a sat phone and epirb.

Can't rely on the vhf.

Touch wood I've never needed to use eithier off them.

[Kimtown]

Actually further to my previous post, guys kayaking across Bass Strait are usually able to get reception all the way across. I think Hogan Island is the trickiest spot but they can stand on the highest part of the island and have line of sight to the tower on Wilson's Prom

People Kayak to Hogan Island?!?

How fkn long would that take?