Shakespeare Galaxy 5018 15-Foot VHF Antenna - 9dB Gain

The Shakespeare Galaxy 5018 15-Foot VHF Antenna delivers a genuine 9dB of gain, built specifically for long-distance communication on boats that regularly run offshore or need real reach back to shore stations and other vessels. Despite the height, it's engineered to stay surprisingly light, and the construction is rated for the punishment of continuous saltwater exposure and the flexing that comes with running in high seas.

The core of the design is a phased array of half-wave elements arranged collinearly, paired with a choking sleeve that suppresses radiation traveling back down the feed cable, a detail that matters because cable radiation can distort the antenna's actual pattern and rob usable range. Brass and copper elements throughout the antenna keep conductivity, and therefore range and transmission efficiency, maximized rather than relying on cheaper, lower-conductivity metals that quietly cut into performance over time.

Mounting hardware is built to Shakespeare's own standard: a stainless steel ferrule threaded 1"-14, compatible with the brand's Style 409-R or 410-R mounting kits (sold separately). The antenna ships in two sections with 20 feet of low-loss RG-8/X cable already terminated in a PL-259 connector, so there's no separate cable purchase or connector crimping required for a standard install.

Includes 20 feet of RG-8/X cable with PL-259 connector. Not DC grounded. Backed by Shakespeare's 5-year limited warranty. Compatible mounts: Shakespeare Style 409-R or 410-R (sold separately).

Compare with our other marine antennas.

• 9DB gain, VHF marine band, vertical polarization
• 3 MHz bandwidth within 2.0:1 VSWR, 1.5:1 SWR at 156.8 MHz
• 150W maximum input
• Phased half-wave collinear array with radiation-suppressing choking sleeve
• Brass and copper elements for maximum conductivity
• Two-section construction, 15'2" overall height