Shakespeare
Shakespeare 420 5Ft VHF Antenna
Best budget-friendly VHF antenna for casual coastal cruisers.
The Shakespeare 420 is an economical 5-foot VHF antenna designed for everyday cruising in calm to moderate seas. It features a center-fed 1/2-wave coaxial sleeve for reliable performance on the VHF Marine band. Constructed with durable brass and copper elements, this antenna ensures longevity. The package includes an integral polycarbonate Lift N Lay mount for easy deck installation, along with a leveling plate and necessary hardware. It comes pre-terminated with 15 feet of RG-58 cable and a PL-259 connector, offering a straightforward setup for boaters.
$154.16
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1314
#28 in Antennas
Price vs Category Average
-47%
Below average
Height
5
/ feet
Who it's for
- Captains needing stable signals in rough, pitching waters
- Small boat owners needing easy storage and bridge clearance
- Boaters navigating harsh marine environments and constant vibrations
Who should skip it
- Serious offshore mariners needing high-performance, long-range signal clarity
- Users requiring long-distance communication capabilities
- Installers preferring custom cable lengths and flexible connections
Performance breakdown
Signal Reliability
Center-fed design ensures consistent VHF communication for standard coastal cruising.
Installation Simplicity
Integrated mount and pre-terminated cable make setup a straightforward DIY task.
Build Durability
Brass and copper elements provide solid longevity for calm to moderate waters.
Mounting Versatility
The Lift N Lay mount is convenient but limited to deck-specific applications.
Signal Gain
Standard 3dB gain is perfectly adequate for typical line-of-sight marine range.
Hardware Completeness
Includes everything needed to get connected right out of the box.
Key Specs
Height
5 feet
Gain
3 dB
Max Input Power
50 Watts
Impedance
50 ohms
VSWR
1.5:1
Cable Length
15 feet
Cable Type
RG-58
Connector Type
UHF (PL-259)
Features
- Economical 3dB antenna for basic marine use
- Designed for calm to moderate sea conditions
- Integral polycarbonate Lift N Lay mount
- Includes leveling plate and hardware
- Center-fed 1/2-wave coaxial sleeve
- Comes with 15 feet of RG-58 cable
- Reliable VHF Marine band performance
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shakespeare 420 for its exceptional reliability, noting that despite its compact five foot size, it delivers strong, clear VHF reception. Reviewers frequently highlight the antenna's robust build quality, confirming it withstands harsh marine environments without degradation. This combination of dependable performance and reasonable pricing establishes the 420 as an outstanding value proposition for boaters needing a high quality, space efficient communication solution.
Know before you buy
The 420 is designed specifically for calm to moderate sea conditions. It is an ideal choice for everyday cruising in protected waters or coastal areas.
Yes, the package includes the antenna, an integral Lift N Lay mount, a leveling plate, and the necessary mounting hardware. It also comes pre-terminated with 15 feet of RG-58 cable and a PL-259 connector, so you are ready to install right out of the box.
With a 3dB gain, this antenna is intended for standard marine VHF communication rather than long-range performance. It provides reliable, clear signals for typical recreational boating distances.
The integral polycarbonate Lift N Lay mount allows you to easily fold the antenna down when not in use or when clearing low-hanging obstacles. It is designed for simple, deck-mounted installations.
The 15 feet of RG-58 cable is pre-terminated, which simplifies the setup process. If your specific boat layout requires a longer run, you would typically need to use a high-quality extension cable and appropriate connectors to avoid signal loss.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$154