This is  NK8X-8  She is a 1989 Catalina 27' sloop named Sabbatical.

We keep her in South Haven Michigan from May - October.

The APRS equipment is a TH-D7A, dedicated GPS, 30W RF amplifier, and 5dbi mobile antenna mounted on the rear handrail. When the 2 meter band is dead, the packets get digipeated through W8MAI-15, or N8IYX-10. As an inversion layer settles in over the lake, the NS9RC digi near Chicago takes over. In late 2005, the BRRC installed an APRS digipeater near Bangor, Michigan (K8BRC). It should provide reasonable coverage of the nearshore areas from St. Joseph to Holland.

I have experimented with HF radio on board. It is much easier to use when in the marina than when sailing.

  Lori usually takes the helm, allowing me to concentrate on the sails and other boat issues. There is a Kenwood TK-705D on board. It can be used for either 2 meters, or as an emergency marine radio. My primary marine radio is an Icom with DSC, and an antenna on top of the mast. The USCG high sites near Milwaukee and Grand Haven are full-quieting  when  on the lake near South Haven. The mast-top antenna works poorly below 146.5MHz.

Other sailor-hams in the area include W8DO, N8JH ,and WB8TNN.

73,

Art