Some Thoughts on Vertical Ground Systems Over Saltwater

NOTE: I copied and pasted Rudy Severn’s article here so we have a local copy to reference in Chapter 3.

Some Thoughts on Vertical Ground Systems Over Saltwater

Rudy Severns N6LF

Over the years I've been asked for advice on verticals placed directly over seawater. Unfortunately the only case I've much experience with is a sailboat floating in the ocean but that's rarely what the questions I receive are about. Most of the time it's for a DXpedition with a waterfront QTH with or without a pier or dock and perhaps with a shallow reef which alternately floods and dries. I have to admit I haven't given a lot of thought to those situations so you should view my comments with caution.

At first blush, putting a vertical directly over seawater would seem to be ideal but there are practical details which sometimes spoil the fun. There are many issues but efficiency and far-field pattern are near the top. Besides conductor and loading coil losses, ground loss in the near-field is a major concern. Mo…