Shakespeare Antennas Electronics

Shakespeare Marine: Over a Century of Antenna Innovation

Shakespeare Marine stands as one of the most storied names in marine electronics, with roots stretching back to 1897. Founded by William Shakespeare Jr. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as a fishing reel manufacturer, the company expanded its expertise over the decades to become a world leader in marine antenna technology. A major milestone came in the 1960s, when Shakespeare engineers pioneered low-angle radiation techniques in marine antenna design — an innovation that set the foundation for the brand's dominant position in the industry. Today, Shakespeare is recognized as a leading global antenna brand serving both civilian and military maritime customers worldwide.

What separates Shakespeare from the competition is a relentless focus on materials science, craftsmanship, and real-world durability. Every antenna in the lineup is engineered to withstand the punishing conditions of the open ocean — high speeds, salt spray, strong winds, and continuous UV exposure — while maintaining the signal clarity that boaters depend on for safety. This dedication to performance has made Shakespeare the go-to choice for recreational boaters, commercial vessel operators, and government fleets alike.

A Lineup Built for Every Vessel and Every Application

Shakespeare's product range spans the full spectrum of marine communication needs. The flagship VHF Commercial Duty Antennas are the heart of the lineup, offering tiered options from the value-oriented Classic Series — featuring brass and copper elements for dependable everyday performance — up through the Galaxy® series and the ultimate Phase III™ antennas. The Phase III™ line is engineered for maximum durability and performance in the most demanding offshore conditions, featuring an ethafoam spacer system and silver-plated elements for maximum transmission efficiency. An SO-239 Quick Connect allows antenna removal for storage or trailering without disturbing cable runs.

Beyond the antennas themselves, a quality installation depends on a secure, properly chosen mount. Shakespeare's range of Fixed Antenna Mounts includes ratchet mounts, rail mounts, flange mounts, mast mounts, and QuickConnect™ mounts — each designed to work seamlessly with Shakespeare antennas. Many mounts feature a special cable slot that eliminates the need to remove factory-installed connectors during installation, simplifying the process for boaters of every experience level.

Whether you are fitting out a tournament sportfisher, a coastal cruiser, or a working commercial vessel, Shakespeare provides the complete antenna system — from the radiating element down to the last fitting — to keep you connected and safe on the water.

Why Boaters Trust Shakespeare

• 125+ years of engineering heritage — one of the longest track records in marine electronics
• Military and commercial grade options — products trusted by government fleets and professional mariners
• Wide product range — VHF, AIS, SSB, AM/FM, CB, broadband antennas, and full accessories
• Innovative design milestones — fiberglass radomes, hand-soldered connections, brass and copper elements, metal ferrules
• Complete system solutions — antennas, mounts, cables, and accessories engineered to work together