"James" wrote
an automatic tuner and a long copper wire to the top of the mast
(probably 50 feet or so long).

My ground plane/counterpoise consists of tying the ground to a large
aluminium area in the stern of the boat with a copper foil.

My very first contacts were established with 2 land stations on 14300 at
100W that were about 1000 miles away. They both reported that my signal
was good and that it sounded like I was "sitting right next to them". I
have no idea if this was a good distance, great, or mediocre.

I realize that propogation variables prevent anyone from giving a really
clear answer to this question, but in general, what sort of distance
should I expect to achieve? I'm trying to decide whether I need to
improve my antenna ground by adding a dynaplate (costly and requies the
boat to be taken from the water for installation) or whether the range I
am getting is decent.

James, considering you most likely have an ungrounded counterpoise instead
of a good ground commonly employed, I think that's outstanding distance from
a sailboat. In many cases during daytime operation, I have heard the Mobile
Maritime Nets have to shift around to various operators before they could
have copy as good as you describe, and from a lot less distance. If all you
intend to use the radio for is hobby work on the 40 meter band, why mess
with success? However your 50' of wire should typically also tune up on 2182
khz sufficiently for the distance commonly covered by USCG Groups and
Caribbean RCC's (about 200 miles). Canadian Coast Guard Radio stations will
often answer vessels as far as 500 miles away. Higher bands of maritime
mobile channels would be better of course. I'm sure you're aware those
require a separate station license on your vessel. Good job on installing
your station. If you come up on maritime mobile maybe we'll get to talk
someday.

Jack Painter
Oceana Radio
Virginia Beach VA