8 best boat antennas

• Equipment for anglers of all ages and experience
• Made to be reliable and durable
• Tested to be easy to use and high quality
• Brass and copper elements
• Chrome-plated brass ferrule with standard 1 inch to 14 thread
• Includes 15' RG-58 cable and a PL-259 connector
• Suggested mount styles 4187, 4188-S, or 4190 ratchet mounts

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this directly replace my broken 5206 C
Answer:	This will work with almost any VHF Marine Radio. You will need to know how to follow directions when shortening cable, if necessary, or attaching the terminal fitting. Should be no problem instructions available.
Question:	Is the PL-259 connector attached, or separate (solder or crimp?) to allow for easy cable routing
Answer:	Separate. Why would you want the connector attached? That would require a huge hole to pass-through. The instructions are clear and installing the connector is easy.BTW, I have a 23' runabout and the 8 ft mast is overkill, the 4' would have been just fine.
Question:	Can I get a mount that doesn't have the swivel .i mean just fixed straight up ,on a flat surface
Answer:	Yes. The antenna doesn't come with the mount. It is a standard attachment, so it should attach to most antenna mounts. Here is one on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Style-Marine-Mount-Antenna-Radar/dp/B000S5VBG4/ref=sr_1_2?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1404392614&sr=1-2&keywords=marine+antenna+mount
Question:	Is this antenna telescoping? It looks like it is, but just cannot tell for sure
Answer:	No it is one piece. It is just a horrible picture that makes it look like it is telescoping. It is smooth and straight. I get great reception with it.

Product description

4' Centennial VHF Antenna, Shakespeare Model 5104, 3 dB gain, white hi-gloss fiberglass w/chrome 1"-14 ferrule, 15' RG-58, and PL-259.

• VHF Antenna
• 4' length
• 3dB gain
• 1"-14 threaded mount

User questions & answers

Question:	what is the length of the cable
Answer:	I just unpacked my Shakespeare 5104 (4 foot) antenna. The cable measured exactly 15 ft. 8 inches from the base of the antenna.
Question:	What is the range of the antenna
Answer:	The range of this antenna is the full vhf marine band...156-158 MHz. Plus marine wx. 162 MHz.
Question:	Please list the maximum receiving distance of this antenna
Answer:	Your transmit and receive ranges will vary according to the height above the water that you mount your antenna, and the height of the receiving antenna. VHF is line of sight transmit & receive, so for boat to boat probably about 3-5 miles unless one of the boats has a very tall antenna, then it would be further.
Question:	Can I mount this antenna to my mast
Answer:	Earl, I would buy the TRAM 1600-HC 35 antenna or similar model. The 5104 screws on to a base that may be difficult to mount on a mast.

Product features

Shakespeare 5104 4' Centennial VHF Antenna

Four-foot, 3dB antenna with a great selection of high-end features. Brass and copper elements for performance, plus a smooth, high-gloss, polyurethane finish that won’t turn yellow in the sun. Superb value, and excellent performance in a great looking antenna.

Product description

Covers all marine band frequencies 3 DBD gain heavy duty fiberglass construction complete with nylon ratchet mount for easy lay down stainless steel hardware 20ft rg-58 cable easy screw off pl-259 connector for small hole installation

• Covers All Marine Band Frequencies
• 3 DBD Gain
• Heavy Duty Fiberglass Construction
• Complete With Nylon Ratchet Mount For Easy Lay Down
• Stainless Steel Hardware

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work with a uniden um380bk
Answer:	Yes it will.
Question:	Does it work as FM antenna with the combination adapter
Answer:	Yes you can buy a splitter for your FM reception needs
Question:	why does this antenna require a battery
Answer:	It does not require a battery. The description is wrong.
Question:	Can this antenna be used on a gmrs radio
Answer:	I am amateur radio operator N8VJM. I use antennas like this one and its "Big Brother" the 8' (co-phase) version. They tune up well enough to be used on 2 m (144-148 MHz Amateur Radio Band) a-well-as on 70 cm (420–450 MHz Amateur Radio Band). I run up to 50 watts without damaging the finals in my transceivers and more power with external amplifiers. GMRS and FRS have many channels at power levels of 5 w and lower, but some are as high as 50 w. Don't be fooled by thinking that SWR readings are an accurate measure of how useful an antenna and transmission line system are. The gain you achieve with a 46" antenna (in this case) should far outweigh the losses of the mismatch (as shown by higher-than-normal SWR) versus a 6.3" plain whip intended for GMRS/FRS use. I don't gamble, but I would be willing to bet money that people in-the-know (experienced radio operators, techs, and engineers) are using similar antennas successfully. The seller cannot recommend that you try using this antenna OOB (out-of-band) because they would then be liable if it didn't work well for you or damaged your equipment. You might even try a split ferrite bead about 6 or 7 inches down the coax from the antenna. It should serve to lower your SWR to protect your finals and may even improve performance. Bottom line, this is a $40-something antenna. I think you can probably shell out that much for an experiment. Worse case scenario, sell it on eBay for just about what you paid for it (if it doesn't work well for you).

Product description

Features:

1) Strong signal for radio FM/AM: Signal range up to 10 miles for Marine Boat Car Home radio frequencies, enjoy the radio station bring you Leisure time.

2) Waterproof and Corrosion Resistant：Corrosion resistant for the marine environment, not worry about the water interfere.

3) Flexible mast：180-degrees Swivel base for maximum mobility, Easy to swing back and forth.

4) Portable installation：Angled mounting options allow you to install the antenna in the most convenient locations.

Stock:

Available in stock!

We also Provide one year manufacturer warranty!

• Excellent Perfomance：Strong signal for radio FM/AM, Signal range up to 10 miles for Marine Boat Car Home radio frequencies
• Waterproof and Corrosion Resistant：Corrosion resistant for the marine environment, not worry about the water interfere
• Flexible mast：180-degrees Swivel base for maximum mobility, Easy to swing back and forth
• Material ：Rubber dipole、Stainless steel nut、PPC Line
• Size：16.7 inch (450mm)mast, 54.5 inch (1385mm)cable

User questions & answers

Question:	I want to mount this on my garage roof for a car stereo in the garage, can i get extensions for the cable
Answer:	I'm doing the same thing, but building a box to house the old car stereo. The antenna mounts on top of the box. I hooked up everything to see if the antenna works before building the box. The antenna got all my stations while in my basement. You may not need to put it on the garage roof (unless it is an all metal building with metal roof). Just a thought.
Question:	Is the stainless steel 316 stainless steel
Answer:	Yes,The base was made from 316 stainless steel.
Question:	How long is the cable
Answer:	Dear Customer, The length of cable is 1.3 Meters. 51 inch. For your reference.
Question:	Will this work on my bmw z
Answer:	Sure,This kind of antenna could be installed on most kinds of cars.

Product features

Excellent Performance

Strong signal for radio FM/AM, Signal range up to 10 miles for Marine Boat Car Home radio frequencies

Waterproof and Corrosion Resistant

Corrosion resistant for the marine environment, not worry about the water interfere

Flexible mast

180-degrees Swivel base for maximum mobility, Easy to swing back and forth

Product description

Covers ALL MARINE-BAND FREQUENCIES BASE-LOADING COIL 38" STAINLESS STEEL WHIP GAIN: 6 DB STAINLESS-STEEL L-BRACKET FOR SIDE- OR MAST-MOUNTING 15-FT RG58 A/U COAXIAL CABLE WITH PL-259

• Covers all marine band frequencies
• Base-loading Coil
• 35" Stainless steel whip
• Stainless steel l-bracket for side or mast mounting
• Covers All Marine-Band Frequencies
• Base-Loading Coil
• 38" Stainless Steel Whip

User questions & answers

Question:	I plan to use this antenna with a rtl-sdr for ais tracking; has anybody done that
Answer:	It should work. Not for RTL-SDR but people have used this with dAISy AIS receiver. See: https://irondaleirregulars.com/2016/08/05/constructing-an-ais-receiver-with-a-raspberry-pi-3/
Question:	How do i get the PL259 into the mast on my sailboat without leaving a .75" hole allowing water to run inside the mast and the hole cutting the cable
Answer:	You can use a split-gland liquid-tight cordgrip for the antenna cable to seal the hole in the mast, or you can put a connector on after running the cable. In the second case, you'll still need to seal around the cable or use a rubber grommet to protect the cable and seal the opening.
Question:	Does this antenna come with the co-ax cable
Answer:	As I remember...Yes...works great too...
Question:	How long is the cable? Can it be trimmed to length
Answer:	15ft RG58A/U coaxial cable with PL-259 / no

Product description

3' VHF Marine Band 3dB Gain 1 Piece Squatty Body Antenna, Shakespeare Model 5215, White, includes 1 piece stainless antenna, L bracket w/retaining nut & SO-239 connector (coax sold separately).

• VHF Antenna
• 3' length
• 3dB gain
• Mast mount
• SHAKESPEARE VHF 3FT 5215 3DB
• A stainless steel “L” bracket (supplied) is recommended for mounting
• 5215 has an SO-239 connector on the bottom
• Shakespeare limited warranty: 2 years

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this antenna be mounted to the Firestick molded fender mount
Answer:	It does contain Stevia and has a slight Stevia taste. I wouldn’t say it is a strong taste, and I’m very sensitive to the taste of sweeteners.
Question:	Does the antenna unscrew from base? Be nice if it was removable with out having to remove bracket for boat storage with top down
Answer:	Yes, this is a very relaxing brew. Enjoy.
Question:	Does this item come with any length of cable for attaching to the radio
Answer:	I received 1 box, which had 16 tea box. They shipped Detox, supports liver and kidney per description, not Skin Detox in image.
Question:	what connector do you need to connect this to coaxial cable
Answer:	It means there are 3 boxes of 16 tea bags; therefore, there’s a total of 48 tea bags.
Question:	can i use it for both my vhf and am/fm radio can i split it or do i need separate antennas and will this one work on am/fm
Answer:	Dear Customer,We sell products on amazon site as single quantity and not in bulk. The price is for one box of 16 tea bags. thank you for bringing this to our attention and we have forwarded this to our IT Personnel for corrective action. Thank you and have a great day.DrVita Customer Service
Question:	Is the PL-259 already connected or do I have to splice it onto the cable
Answer:	No sugar at all.!
Question:	What is the range on this antenna
Answer:	Yes, caffeine free
Question:	Does this antenna have the comnector on the bottom. Becuase my mount has the wire intergrated in it. Thanks
Answer:	It takes one HDMI input, and turns it in to four identical HDMI outputs. It is a rock-solid unit that works flawlessly. If your laptop has an HDMI output for connecting an external screen this should work perfectly. You can have up to four HDMI monitors or TV's all showing exactly what you see on the laptop screen (once you enable the external screen using e.g. Windows display management or the appropriate function key). Or if you "extend" your display, telling the laptop you want to spread your windows across two screens, then what the laptop thinks should be on the second screen will be duplicated on your (up to) four monitors ... the four will all be identical.

• ✔ Size: Base measures 3 9/16" x 2 1/2" , 0.87" - 10 thread male, 3/8" hole for cable pass through, Hole diameter 5/16"
• ✔ 316 Stainless steel: Marine grade 316 stainless steel, rust-proof, Excellent seawater corrosion-resistant and durable. Highly polished to a beautiful mirror-like finish
• ✔ Packaging: There are two kinds of screw fittings for your choice, one is the bolt, the other is the screw (All accessories are made of 316 stainless steel)
• ✔ Anti-Corrosion Materials: Marine Antenna Mount made of precision cast 316 marine grade stainless steel
• ✔ Exquisite design：The antenna pedestal has two adjustable ratchets. The upper ratchet has an adjustable angle of 270 degrees and the lower ratchet has an adjustable angle of 180 degrees

User questions & answers

Question:	How do you keep the bolt from loosening after putting the antenna up and down a few times
Answer:	My boat is in Fl., so I don't know. What I do know is that a Shakesphere antenna will not fit that hole pattern.
Question:	How far are the bolt holes apart center to center? Trying to avoid drilling new holes in my t-top. Thank you
Answer:	Not sure. My boat is in Florida and I’m not. Sorry
Question:	How far apart are the bolt holes? I am trying to replace an existing g mount without drilling new holes in my t-top. Thank you
Answer:	Wish I could help you out but I’m in Maryland and my boat is in Florida.
Question:	is the antenna mount standard 1 " 14 thread
Answer:	The cable is s in the antenna. It is for mounting and positioning it.

Product features

ZOMCHAIN Marine VHF Antenna Mounts

• This Marine VHF Antenna mount is made of 316 high strength stainless steel.
• It is sturdy, durable, waterproof, and forever, long-lasting without fading rusting.

Screws : Length 1.96in / 50mm

Bolts: Length 1.2in / 30mm

Nuts : Diameter 0.38in /9.8mm

Product description

Tram-browning Offers quality workmanship and materials. Their products provide exceptional performance and function thanks to expert engineering. They are proud to offer the vhf marine antenna.

• Country Of Origin : United States
• The Package Height Of The Product Is 3.5 Inches
• The Package Length Of The Product Is 37 Inches
• The Package Width Of The Product Is 5.5 Inches

User questions & answers

Question:	does this antenna come with coxial cable
Answer:	Yes. The antenna comes with 15' of white RG58 coax cable.
Question:	What type of mount comes with it, i have a pontoon and I'm looking to mount it on a side rail or bimini top rail
Answer:	It is rail mount capable
Question:	Does this work for am/fm boat stereo receiver
Answer:	No, this antenna is designed to work in 156.650-157.425MHz range.
Question:	What's the length of this antenna? I read 36 inches on product details
Answer:	It can't be 6dB gain, that's not possible in 36 inch height, sorry :(. The reason is that at 36 inches it's just at 1/2 wavelength, and that makes it equal to a dipole, which is 2.14dB gain (over full spherical isotropic). But, at 36 inches tall it's a nice size to be able to put in locations that 8ft antennas won't fit, like maybe higher up thus getting it's 2.14dB gain up higher above the water. Actually, this antenna placed about 6ft above the water will work better than an 8ft antenna with a base closer to the water. Hope this helps.