📡 Enhance Your VHF Communication with the Shakespeare 4' Centennial Antenna Review

I pointed it 19 feet west using a Cobra radio. This antenna does the job and delivers clear sound. The cable comes out the side, and on the other antenna I have a cable coming out through the base. I would buy this again.

It may be a good antenna but you have to finish the connector before using it and the instructions suck. You didn't bring a plug for the radio and the package was opened by Amazon. amazon bad move.

I bought this soldering iron at the last minute before a long boat trip not knowing that it needs to be assembled before you can use it. The instructions call for careful soldering of the end plug to the coax cable. I don't have a good enough soldering iron and I don't have time to do the work before the trip. What a waste.

It does what it promises. Range decreases slightly due to altitude, and range decreases due to gain. I use this for my "local" antenna when trying to hit something within a mile or so. This also applies to my AIS receiver, since in my case I am only interested in what is on my horizon.

The Shakespeare 5104 4' Centennial VHF antenna is stylish and practical. The cable is hardwired to the antenna, but some work (soldering) is required to connect the PL-259 connector (included) to the cable. I bought a PL-259-CP-G connector to avoid soldering. My mechanic preferred soldering because the connection is cleaner and works like a charm. Good value for money, just need to solve the PL connector problem.

The antenna offers excellent value for money and is easy to install with the right bracket. The antenna comes with enough wire, the instructions say to wrap the excess with 8" loops. The antenna connector will fit most FM radio sockets, however the instructions for the adapter do NOT match the connector supplied. By trial and error, the assembly order is obvious, but not entirely obvious at first glance. If the adapter doesn't fit well, it's not your fault.