The 5 Best Shakespeare XM antennae (2023 reviews)

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. It does have the plastic tip to keep it from whipping your boat in the down position.

This antenna is so well packed in a strong tube inside the box. The cable is plenty long to go from your hardtop through the cable pipe down behind the console. It only connects to the VHF radio on your boat. This is a great antenna that is working well.

Why We Like This:

Standard size cable and connectors for a vhf radio
Soldered connections a must to ensure proper connections
Adjustable side to side and forward and aft

Best masthead VHF Antenna: Shakespeare bent Antenna

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These are pretty established VHF antenna's. It provides excellent signal. The base has a screw connector for the end of the antenna wire. This is the perfect antenna to mount on top of a sailboat mast. It has an easy 20 plus mile range. The antenna has to mount is threaded stock with a nut. It comes with a mounting bracket if you need it. This is a good midgrade marine antenna.

Why We Like This:

Standard vhf masthead antenna for sailboats
Works great on transmission and receive
Good investment for long term

Best moderatly price Marine Antenna: Shakespeare XM Antenna

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Shakespeare is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist antenna for people on the go. It is used for a 25 watt marine vhff. It is made from plastic on the 5206 on the 5101 and it is stainless steel. It comes with it's own coax cable. The antenna will read " open circuit " when checked with an ohm meter or continuity tester.

The cable end kit does come with the antenna. It is easy to replace, obviously the nylon bottom is not as strong as a stainless, but should last. This is easy to hook up, and works really well in this area. It’s the usual Shakespeare quality.

Why We Like This:

Solid craftsmanship, great looks and very easy to install
Improved radio communications with other boats on the rivers & lakes
Nylon ferrule with standard 1"-14 thread

Best For All appropriate uses: Shakespeare Great Antenna

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Compared with other products by Shakespeare, the shakespeare great antenna has a convenient design. The antenna MAST does unscrew from the antenna BASE but you'll need to wrap the antenna to protect it when you unscrew it. This allows you to route in through a small hole in the bulkhead without having to cut off the end or drill an oversize hole. The part that screws into the mount and has the coax coming out the bottom. This will twist the cable and break it off inside the base.

The cable is held into the base by friction, no glue, no solder, and no normal cable connector. It comes with it's own connector, but it actually has to be soldered in place. The coax enters the bottom of the antenna BASE.

Why We Like This:

Well built and has excellent range
Nice low profile antenna for mid-sized boat
One of the new comers and featured product

Best range: Shakespeare Good range

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This antenna is solidly built with impressive quality. It allows choosing a high end coax that is designed for outdoor exposure and very low loss. The coax connector on this antenna is fantastic for many reasons and the antenna construction and performance are great. It looks very nice also with its nice glassy outside finish.

This is a 160MHz VHF antenna for use with standard FM VHF Marine radios for short distance communication. It is easy to install, can be used with a pl259 connector on a ratchet mount. The antenna is mounted on a base and can very easily remove and reinstalled.

Why We Like This:

Silver-plated outer conductor, copper inner conductor
239 connector inside mounting sleeve for easy mounting and dismounting for stowage
Good brand reputation