Shakespeare
Shakespeare 4018-M VHF Antenna
Best long-range antenna for serious sport fishing and charter captains.
The Shakespeare 4018 is a high-performance 19-foot VHF antenna, favored by charter captains and serious sport fishing enthusiasts for its long-distance capabilities. It features a robust design with phased 1/2-wave elements arranged in a collinear array, complemented by a coaxial choking sleeve to effectively suppress cable radiation. Constructed with durable brass and copper elements and finished with chrome-plated brass ferrules, this antenna remains rigid in rough conditions while maintaining a lightweight profile. It comes equipped with 20 feet of RG-58 cable terminated with a PL-259 connector, making it a reliable choice for demanding marine environments.
$790.40
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1314
#28 in Antennas
Price vs Category Average
+170%
Above average
Height
19
/ feet
Who it's for
- Marine professionals seeking proven, industry-trusted performance
- Offshore boaters needing reliable long-range communication
- Saltwater sailors requiring rugged, weather-resistant equipment
Who should skip it
- DIY installers uncomfortable with manual cable termination
- Owners of smaller vessels with limited vertical clearance
- Budget-conscious boaters looking for entry-level pricing
Performance breakdown
Signal Range
High-gain design delivers exceptional reach for long-distance marine communication.
Structural Rigidity
Robust brass and copper construction holds steady in heavy sea states.
Signal Clarity
Integrated coaxial choking sleeve effectively suppresses interference for cleaner transmission.
Installation Ease
Two-section design simplifies handling despite the impressive nineteen-foot stature.
Build Durability
Chrome-plated brass ferrules provide excellent resistance against harsh saltwater environments.
Weight Efficiency
Remarkably lightweight profile minimizes stress on mounts and mounting surfaces.
Key Specs
Height
19 feet
Frequency Range
VHF Marine band
Impedance
50 ohms
Gain
9 dB
Maximum Input Power
25 Watts
SWR
1.5:1 at 156.8 MHz
Bandwidth
3 MHz (within 2.0:1 SWR)
Termination
20' RG-58 cable with PL-259 connector
Features
- Designed for long-distance VHF communication
- Rigid construction for rough seas
- Exceptionally lightweight for its size
- Phased 1/2-wave collinear elements
- Coaxial choking sleeve minimizes cable radiation
- Durable brass, copper, and chrome-plated brass components
- Two-section design for easier handling
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shakespeare 4018 M for its exceptional build quality and unwavering reliability in harsh marine environments. Reviewers frequently highlight the antenna's robust construction, noting it withstands heavy weather far better than cheaper alternatives. The primary sentiment revolves around trust; users feel confident knowing this antenna will deliver clear, consistent VHF communication when needed most. While it represents a higher initial investment, consumers overwhelmingly view it as a superior, long term solution that justifies the cost through dependable performance.
Know before you buy
The 19-foot length is designed to house a phased collinear array of elements, which provides a high 9 dB gain. This extra height and gain are essential for maximizing your transmission range, making it a top choice for offshore sport fishing and charter vessels.
While 19 feet is substantial, the antenna features a two-section design that makes handling and transport much easier than a single-piece mast. It is designed for standard pole mounting, though you should ensure your mounting hardware is rated to support the wind load of a antenna this size.
The choking sleeve is a critical component that helps suppress cable radiation. By preventing the cable from acting as part of the antenna, it ensures that your signal is radiated efficiently from the antenna elements themselves, resulting in clearer communication.
Yes, it includes 20 feet of RG-58 cable pre-terminated with a PL-259 connector. This allows for a straightforward connection to most standard marine VHF radios right out of the box.
It is built with durable brass and copper elements and chrome-plated brass ferrules, providing the rigidity needed to withstand the vibrations and stresses of rough offshore waters. Its lightweight construction also helps reduce the strain on your mounting hardware during heavy swells.
Yes, it is designed for the standard VHF marine band with a 50-ohm impedance, making it compatible with virtually all marine VHF radios. The included PL-259 connector is the industry standard for these types of radio installations.
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