Shakespeare
5225-XT Galaxy VHF Antenna - 8 ft, White
Best high-performance antenna for boaters needing reliable long-range marine communication.
Enhance your marine communication with the Shakespeare 5225-XT Galaxy VHF Antenna. This 8-foot, white antenna delivers exceptional range and clarity with its 6dB gain. Engineered for durability, its extra-tough radome withstands high winds and speeds, making it perfect for demanding installations like hard tops and radar arches. Featuring efficient brass and copper elements, it ensures reliable performance. The package includes 20 feet of low-loss RG-8/X cable with a PL-259 connector and FME cables for versatile setup.
$184.29
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1314
#28 in Antennas
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Antenna Type
VHF Galaxy Antenna
/ VHF Galaxy Antenna
Who it's for
- Offshore boaters prioritizing long-range communication and safety
- Marine owners needing equipment that withstands harsh saltwater environments
- DIY installers seeking compatibility with standard marine hardware
Who should skip it
- Boaters with limited vertical clearance or trailering requirements
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level antenna options
- High-speed vessel operators concerned about mounting stress and windage
Performance breakdown
Signal Range
The 6dB gain provides impressive reach for clear marine communication.
Structural Durability
Extra-tough radome construction handles high-speed winds and harsh marine environments.
Installation Versatility
Included FME cabling simplifies routing through tight spaces and hard tops.
Signal Efficiency
High-quality brass and copper elements ensure minimal signal loss during transmission.
Safety Standards
DC grounding provides essential protection against static and lightning strikes.
Build Integrity
The one-section design eliminates common failure points found in multi-piece antennas.
Key Specs
Antenna Type
VHF Galaxy Antenna
Length
8 feet
Gain
6 dB
Frequency Band
VHF Marine Band
Impedance
50 ohms
Maximum Input Power
100 watts
Cable
20' RG-8/X low-loss cable with PL-259 connector
VSWR
1.5
Features
- Maximizes range and signal quality
- Extra tough, sturdy, and stiff radome
- High resistance to wind and speed
- Brass and copper elements for efficiency
- One-section design for durability
- DC Grounded for safety
- Includes FME cables for flexibility
What customers say
The Shakespeare 5225-XT Galaxy VHF Antenna earns high praise for its exceptional reliability and superior build quality. Mariners consistently report significant improvements in signal clarity and range, noting the performance justifies its premium price. Users value the robust construction, featuring durable fiberglass and brass fittings designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, including strong winds and UV exposure. While installation is straightforward, the antenna's size presents minor handling challenges on smaller boats. Overall, this product is viewed as a crucial, high-performance safety investment that delivers dependable communication and peace of mind offshore.
Know before you buy
The 5225-XT features an extra-tough, stiff radome specifically engineered to withstand high wind speeds and the vibrations common on hard tops or radar arches. It uses high-quality brass and copper internal elements to ensure better signal efficiency compared to entry-level models.
Yes, it includes 20 feet of low-loss RG-8/X cable. It also features FME connectors, which allow you to route the cable through smaller holes before attaching the final PL-259 connector.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for center consoles, especially if you are mounting it to a T-top or hard top. Its rigid construction is designed to handle the increased wind resistance experienced at those higher mounting points.
A 6dB gain provides a balanced compromise between range and signal stability. It narrows the signal beam slightly to reach further than a standard 3dB antenna, while still maintaining a reliable connection even when your boat is rocking in rougher water.
Yes, this package includes the antenna and cable, but it does not include a mounting bracket. You will need to purchase a standard 1-inch-14 threaded marine antenna mount compatible with your specific installation surface.
Being DC grounded means the antenna's internal elements are connected to a DC path to ground. This helps bleed off static electricity, which can reduce noise in your radio and provide a measure of protection against nearby lightning strikes.
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$184