What marine antenna do I need?

Marine VHF Antenna Height and Strength Catoe says the vast majority of powerboats in the 24- to 32-foot range do well using 8-foot antennas with 6-decibel (dB) gain. A 3- to 4-foot antenna that’s 3 dB is generally recommended for boats under 24 feet. Larger vessels can opt for 12- to 18-foot, 7 to 8 dB antennas.

Where are Shakespeare antennas made?

Columbia, SC
The company quickly expanded to manufacture fishing line, fiberglass fishing rods, and antennas, opening a factory in Columbia, SC in 1946. Today, Shakespeare is regarded as a leading global antenna brand serving both military and civilian maritime customers.

Will a CB antenna work on marine radio?

Using a CB antenna will not give you proper performance and will probably damage the transmitter when you broadcast at 25 watts. Since VHF is line of site, the top of the mast is best, buy one designed for this location, as it will be the proper gain.

Are VHF antennas interchangeable?

Customers have asked us if it’s necessary to match the antenna gain in dB to the loss (in dB) caused by the coaxial cable inside the antenna. While the concepts are related, you can’t trade one for the other.

How long can a VHF antenna cable be?

Power loss in the antenna cable may not be of great concern on a small powerboat, where the length of cable from the radio to the antenna is often only 10-20 feet. Conversely, a sailboat’s antenna, mounted on the top of the main mast may require a cable length in excess of 100 feet, making cable loss a major concern.

Can I cut VHF antenna cable?

Can I cut the cable on my VHF antenna? Yes, if you need to. However, you should leave at least three feet of coax cable, measured from where the cable exits the antenna.

Are marine radios UHF or VHF?

The two main frequencies used for marine radios are VHF and 27Mhz. Both have their own advantages over the other depending on where you’re located and the size of your vessel. VHF is the preferred radio for short range marine communications.

What CB channel do boaters use?

Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. All non-emergency traffic should be communicated on another channel (not channels 9 or 16).

Is longer antenna better?

It all depends on what your transmitting and receiving frequencies are. Theoretically, a longer antenna will have a greater range, but it is far more important for optimal radio performance that the length of the antenna matches the frequency.

Why do some boats have two VHF antennas?

The advantages of the dual antenna Not only does the installation of a second antenna give better readability to the AIS signal, but it can also serve as an emergency antenna for VHF. Just allow enough length behind the unit to disconnect the antenna from the AIS and connect it to the VHF.

Why choose Shakespeare® marine antennas?

Shakespeare® marine antennas are the only choice when dependable communication and connectivity matter. Keep the fun streaming with our antennas and boosters designed for entertainment and connectivity. Be prepared and connected with our very high frequency (VHF) antennas designed to provide critical communication for boats of all sizes.

What kind of VHF antenna is the Shakespeare classic flexible?

Shakespeare Classic Flexible 7″ VHF Antenna The Shakespeare Classic Flexible 7″ VHF Antenna is compact and lightweight with quick and easy setup. The small, space-saving build attaches and detaches…

How do I choose the best Shakespeare Citizen Band antenna?

Choose a reliable Shakespeare citizen band (CB) antenna for proven performance and time-tested technical compliance with virtually all equipment manufacturers. Complete your installation with the right mount and hardware. Choose from a variety of styles and designs to fit your specific application.

What kind of speaker is Shakespeare external VHF speaker?

Shakespeare External VHF Speaker The Shakespeare External VHF Speaker is a 2.25″ speaker with Mylar cone in a compact white housing to withstand the rigors of the marine environment. This speaker is… Shakespeare Gold-Plated 90 Degree Connector Marine-grade connector for Shakespeare antenna installations.