VHF Radio Question

[PEATMAN]

Can anyone tell me why I only hear half of ALL conversations taking place on my VHF radio when monitoring channel 68 out of Muskegon? I never hear both sides. My radio checks come back fine. I have messed with squelch. Could it be connection to antenna bad so I hear only right next to me (but handheld VHF radio does same thing)? Curious. Conversations over VHF seem far and few between. Thanks for any input. Matt

[Priority1]

If it happens all the time it is strange. Sometimes you will hear a conversation taken place from two vessels and only hear one side. One vessel may be 10 miles away with in range and the other may be 20+ miles away out of range. VHF reception is kind of a line of sight thing. I believe the earths curvature limits this to +- 12 miles depending on antenna height.

At times I have gotten an extreme skip and can communicate with vessels 50+ miles away. AuGres to Harbor Beach one example.