Shakespeare Antennas VHF External Speakers & Hailer Horns
About Shakespeare Antennas
Shakespeare is one of the most trusted names in marine communications, with a heritage stretching back to 1897. Shakespeare Antennas traces its roots to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where William Shakespeare Jr. founded the company as a fishing reel manufacturer. The brand's expertise in fiberglass technology — developed through the production of fishing rods — naturally led it into the manufacture of antennas, with a dedicated factory opening in Columbia, South Carolina in 1946. Today, Shakespeare is regarded as a leading global antenna brand serving both recreational boaters and military and civilian maritime customers worldwide.
A Legacy of Innovation
Over more than a century, Shakespeare has consistently pioneered the technologies that the rest of the marine antenna industry eventually adopted as standard. In the 1960s, Shakespeare engineers developed low-angle radiation techniques for marine antennas — a breakthrough that dramatically improved range and signal quality on the water. The brand also introduced fiberglass radomes, hand-soldered connections, brass and copper elements, and metal ferrules for demanding marine conditions. These engineering milestones underscore why Shakespeare remains the benchmark for performance and reliability in the field.
From flagship product lines like the Phase III™ — built for high speeds and high winds — to the broadly capable Galaxy® and Classic Series, Shakespeare designs antennas to serve the full spectrum of vessels, from kayaks and jet-skis to offshore yachts and commercial ships. The brand's products are also trusted by the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and military services around the globe.
Shakespeare's Marine Antenna Lineup
Shakespeare's product catalog covers every major antenna category a mariner could need. Their VHF Fiberglass Whip Antennas are the cornerstone of the lineup, offering clear and reliable communication for boats of all sizes. For vessels equipped with collision-avoidance technology, AIS Antennas are engineered and tuned to work seamlessly with all AIS transceivers. Boaters who want to stay entertained underway rely on Shakespeare's AM/FM Stereo Antennas, which are purposefully designed for onboard entertainment systems. For professional and working vessels with higher demands, Shakespeare offers a dedicated range of VHF Commercial Duty Antennas that comply with GMDSS standards. Completing any installation, Shakespeare's Ratchet Antenna Mounts provide secure, flexible mounting solutions to complement their antenna systems.
Built for the Marine Environment
Every Shakespeare antenna is constructed with marine-grade materials and corrosion-resistant finishes, engineered to hold up against saltwater, UV radiation, and severe weather. All Shakespeare products are backed by an industry-leading warranty ranging from 2 to 5 years depending on the product, giving boaters added confidence in their investment. Whether you're outfitting a small recreational boat or a commercial working vessel, Shakespeare delivers the connectivity and durability the sea demands.