The 7 Best rail Mount VHF antennae (2023 reviews)
We consider a rail mount vhf antenna to be a worthy investment in the long run.
We are here to help you choose the right one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Shakespeare rail Mount VHF Antenna READ REVIEWBest For backup: Buy: Tram Great Antenna READ REVIEWBest With most fixed Base radios: Buy: Tram-Browning rail Mount VHF Antenna READ REVIEWBest small flexible Antenna: Buy: Antennamastsrus rail Mount VHF Antenna READ REVIEWBest For many outdoor applications: Buy: HYS rail Mount VHF Antenna READ REVIEWBest combination Antenna: Buy: Tram rail Mount VHF Antenna READ REVIEWBest For installation: Buy: TWAYRDIO rail Mount VHF Antenna READ REVIEWBest Overall: Shakespeare rail Mount VHF Antenna
Buy on Amazon The Shakespeare 5104 4' Centennial VHF Antenna is elegant and practical. It is basically the same as the Shakespeare 8' antenna just shorter. This antenna is a uhf antenna, it is set to receive ultra high frequency signals that are only used in marine radios. It's removable to an extent, folds down when the mount is loosened, but the antenna is hard wired to the cable which goes into the boat and connects to the VHF radio. This antenna does the job and comes in clear. It is very stiff and well constructed. The cable is plenty long to go from your hardtop through the cable pipe down behind the console. The antenna is like any other radio receiver device, as long as you have a good line of sight it will work.Why We Like This:
- Soldered connections a must to ensure proper connections
- Adjustable side to side and forward and aft
- Delivers what they promise
Best For backup: Tram Great Antenna
Buy on Amazon The tram great antenna is capable of outshining several other antenna featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The Tram 1603 VHF antenna is compact but has good gain for its size. It works well for both voice coms, wx, and ais. This antenna placed about 6 ft above the water will work better than an 8 ft antenna with a base closer to the water. It comes with a good cable, too. This is a standard fitting for a fixed mount Marine VHF radio only. It is rail mount capable. It is really well designed and constructed. It is a great antenna for a smaller boat on an inland lake.Why We Like This:
- Lower profile that a large fiberglass antenna
- Great marine vhf performance and value
- Low swr and very close to 50 ohms through entire band
Best With most fixed Base radios: Tram-Browning rail Mount VHF Antenna
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase antenna for their regular usage, but the tram-browning rail mount vhf antenna would be an anomoly. It really puts out a strong signal. The 58 A/U CB antenna coaxial cable offers 100% shield coverage with 95% bare Copper braid plus a full Aluminum foil shield. It comes with install hardware like clamps. It is perfect fit in the plastic of the coil housing. It can be mounted almost anywhere on a marine craft. This antenna works as well as the 8 fiberglass model. It will work with a VHF radio as long as your operating frequency is within. It comes with an l-shaped mounting bracket. It is easy to get the signal.Why We Like This:
- Excellent antenna for marine, weather or scanner applications
- Works well for the shorter distance
- , 100% compatible with uniden vhf radios
- Great space saver for small boat
Best small flexible Antenna: Antennamastsrus rail Mount VHF Antenna
Buy on Amazon The antennamastsrus rail mount vhf antenna's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. It is a "brand new" very high end 15" marine white rubber am/fm antenna. It pulls in stations from surrounding towns in Northern WI. It has a high end black mount that is adjustable to set at any angle, and comes with its own wrench to adjust it. It has a threaded base to go thru and allow the nut to attach. It is made out of rubber so it is flexible yet it is stiff enough so it will not wobble around in rough seas. This one is short enough and flexible enough to not be damaged by the boat cover and not be in the way when using the boat. It works very well as an antenna on AM, FM and some short wave.Why We Like This:
- Easy to install picks up radio stations pretty good
- Delivers what they promise
Best For many outdoor applications: HYS rail Mount VHF Antenna
Buy on Amazon The hys rail mount vhf antenna is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular usage. The 163 Mhz VHF Marine Antenna is ideal for many outdoor applications, including atv, boat, camper, go kart, motorhome, pontoon, rv, sailboat, tractor, trailer, utv, yacht etc. It comes with a mast pole mount. It comes with mount and screws, easy to carry and install, the body of the vhf marine antenna makes it highly resilient to your boat, yacht etc. The Hys VHF marine antenna made of high quality rubber with cable and clip, it will help you get longer communication range. It comes with two u-bolt which can be used with the attached plate for pole mounting.Why We Like This:
- 163 mhz vhf antenna, 2 dbi signal with up to 50w of power
- One of the new comers and featured product
Best combination Antenna: Tram rail Mount VHF Antenna
Buy on Amazon There is no GPS receiver capabilities in this antenna. It uses a standard marine antenna base either plastic or stainless. The VHF signal is about 1/2 the db strength of an 8' antennna. It’s an adjustable angle mount. This is easy to install and run the wiring for your AIS transceiver. The single antenna design is much nicer than installing the two antennae required.Why We Like This:
- Works really well and you will love the low profile
- Good for local waterways and short range communication
- Delivers what they promise
Best For installation: TWAYRDIO rail Mount VHF Antenna
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another antenna that manages to win our hearts. It's the twayrdio rail mount vhf antenna and it's widely considered as antenna that has the most suitable features. It covers all VHF marine band frequencies. It is complete with 180 degree adjustable nylon ratchet mount for easy lay down, which allows you to install the antenna in the most convenient locations. It is suitable for installation on boat, pontoon, sailboat or yacht.Why We Like This:
- Waterproof & corrosion resistant for the marine environment
- Excellent for working with uniden, standard horizon, cobra and other vhf marine radios
- Excellent for working with marine radios on boat, pontoon, sailboat or yacht