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Shakespeare Antennas 396-1 5' VHF Marine Antenna 3dB Center-Fed

Manufacturer

Shakespeare Antennas

<h3>Shakespeare Antennas: A Legacy of Marine Communication</h3><p><strong>Shakespeare</strong> has been a name synonymous with reliability on the water for well over a century. <a href="/7559-shakespeare-antennas">Founded in 1897 by William Shakespeare Jr. in Kalamazoo, Michigan</a>, the company began as a fishing reel manufacturer before expanding into fiberglass fishing rods and, eventually, marine antennas — a category in which it would become a global leader. Today, Shakespeare is trusted by recreational boaters, commercial mariners, and military operators alike for delivering antennas that perform when and where it matters most.</p><h3>Built on Innovation, Proven by the Sea</h3><p>Shakespeare's engineering heritage runs deep. In the 1960s, the brand's engineers pioneered low-angle radiation techniques for marine antennas — a breakthrough that helped establish the company's industry leadership position. Since then, the brand has continued to introduce landmark advances, including fiberglass radomes, hand-soldered connections, brass and copper elements, silver plating, and metal ferrules, all designed to stand up to the punishing demands of the marine environment.</p><p>Every Shakespeare antenna reflects a philosophy of precision craftsmanship. Fiberglass whip antennas, for instance, feature hand-soldered connections and brass elements encased in exclusive fiberglass radomes, providing structural integrity and signal clarity even in rough, open-water conditions. This meticulous approach to manufacturing is part of what makes Shakespeare the gold standard in the marine antenna industry.</p><h3>A Complete Marine Antenna Lineup</h3><p>Shakespeare's product catalog spans the full spectrum of onboard communication and entertainment needs. The brand's <a href="/7559-shakespeare-antennas-vhf-fiberglass-whip-antennas-201141">VHF Fiberglass Whip Antennas</a> are the flagship of the lineup, engineered to maximize range and signal quality across a variety of vessel types and sizes — from bass boats to offshore cruisers. For vessels requiring cutting-edge vessel tracking and collision avoidance, Shakespeare also produces dedicated <a href="/7559-shakespeare-antennas-ais-antennas-200082">AIS Antennas</a>, purpose-built to work seamlessly with modern AIS transceivers.</p><p>Onboard entertainment doesn't get left behind either. Shakespeare's <a href="/7559-shakespeare-antennas-amfm-stereo-antennas-200088">AM/FM Stereo Antennas</a> are designed specifically for the marine environment, delivering clear reception without the corrosion and signal degradation that can plague standard terrestrial antennas at sea. For professional and heavy-use applications, the brand's <a href="/7559-shakespeare-antennas-vhf-commercial-duty-antennas-201138">VHF Commercial Duty Antennas</a> offer elevated construction standards and durability suited to working vessels and demanding commercial service cycles.</p><p>Completing a proper installation requires more than just the antenna itself. Shakespeare's <a href="/7559-shakespeare-antennas-ratchet-antenna-mounts-200847">Ratchet Antenna Mounts</a> provide the flexible, secure foundation needed to position an antenna optimally — and to protect it when navigating under low bridges or in tight quarters. Available in configurations for deck, side, and rail mounting, these mounts are engineered to pair directly with Shakespeare's antenna lineup for a fully integrated solution.</p><h3>Who Shakespeare Antennas Are For</h3><p>Whether you're a weekend sailor, a commercial charter operator, or a dedicated offshore angler, Shakespeare's broad range of marine communication products is designed to meet your needs. The Classic Series addresses core communication requirements at an accessible price point, while the Galaxy and Phase III lines offer premium performance for those demanding greater range and reliability. With over 113 products in its catalog, Shakespeare provides options for virtually every vessel type, mounting scenario, and communication requirement imaginable.</p>

Part Number

396-1
09/12/2036 7:56 AM
Sale Price

$153.84

In Stock (10+)

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Usually delivered within 2 days

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Product Details

The Shakespeare 396-1 is a 5-foot basic VHF marine antenna featuring a 3dB center-fed 1/2 wave coaxial sleeve design. This antenna is specifically engineered to reduce signal fading in rough seas, making it an excellent choice for demanding marine environments.

Key Features:

  • 3dB gain center-fed 1/2 wave coaxial sleeve design for reliable performance
  • Brass and copper elements for superior conductivity and corrosion resistance
  • Chrome-plated brass ferrule with standard 1"-14 thread mount
  • Includes 15 feet of coaxial cable for flexible installation
  • 5-foot length provides optimal balance of range and maneuverability
  • Trusted design widely used on Coast Guard vessels

This antenna's proven design has made it one of the most popular VHF antennas in maritime service, offering dependable communication when you need it most. The center-fed configuration helps maintain consistent signal strength even in challenging sea conditions.

Products specifications

Ferrule Material

Chrome-plated brass

Length

5'

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