What radio power can this antenna handle?

It is rated for a maximum input of 50 watts, so it suits standard marine VHF radios but not higher-power sets.

What mount does it need?

It uses a standard 1"-14 threaded ferrule. Shakespeare suggests the Style 4187 ratchet mount, or a 410-R kit with a 4008 extension mast.

What connector is on the cable?

The included 15-foot RG-58 cable ends in a PL-259 connector.

Is 8 feet enough for offshore use?

It works well for coastal range. For longer range, a taller antenna with more gain is the better choice.

Does it need a ground plane?

It is DC grounded, but the antenna reads as an open circuit on an ohmmeter, which is normal for this design.

Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable

Best price now

$95.99at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable

Best price now

$95.99at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $95.99 at Walmart on Nov 10.

Our take on the Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable

The Shakespeare 5101 is an 8-foot end-fed VHF marine antenna with brass and copper elements, 6 dB gain and a 15-foot RG-58 cable ending in a PL-259 connector. It is the reduced-length version of Shakespeare's classic 5101 line, aimed at boats where a full 16-foot system won't fit. The chrome-plated brass ferrule uses the standard 1"-14 thread, so it mounts to common Shakespeare ratchet mounts and extension masts. It is a solid, economical choice for casual VHF radio use, though its 5 MHz bandwidth and 50-watt input limit put it below premium long-range antennas.

Best forSmall and mid-size powerboats and sailboatsVHF radio range within a few miles of shoreSkippers wanting a simple screw-on mount setupBudget-minded boaters who still want brass elements

Pros

Brass and copper elements with a polyurethane finish that resists yellowing
6 dB gain with omni-directional coverage
Standard 1"-14 ferrule fits common Shakespeare mounts
Comes with 15 feet of RG-58 cable and a PL-259 connector
Two-year Shakespeare limited warranty

Cons

Only 5 MHz bandwidth within 2.0:1 SWR
50-watt maximum input limits higher-power radios
8-foot length gives less range than taller antennas
Cable is fixed at 15 feet, which may be short on larger boats

Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by KART ITReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$95.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
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What reviewers say

4.3 / 519 ratings

Owners rate it well overall, treating it as a dependable, good-value VHF antenna for everyday marine use. Complaints center on its modest range and the fixed cable length rather than on build quality.

What people mention

RangeMixedOwners find it adequate for close-to-shore use but shorter range than taller antennas.
BuildPraisedBuyers describe the brass elements and finish as solid and durable in the sun.
MountingPraisedThe standard 1"-14 ferrule makes it easy to fit common Shakespeare mounts.
Cable lengthCriticisedSome owners say the 15-foot RG-58 cable is short for larger boats.
ValuePraisedReviewers see it as a good economical antenna for basic VHF needs.

About the Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable

The Shakespeare 5101 is an 8-foot, reduced-length VHF marine antenna. It is end-fed with a matching stub and has a 6 dB gain. It comes with 15 feet of RG-58 cable and a PL-259 connector.

The antenna has brass and copper elements. A smooth, high-gloss polyurethane finish resists yellowing in the sun. A chrome-plated brass ferrule with a standard 1"-14 thread attaches it to a mount. The antenna is a single section.

The suggested mount is the Shakespeare Style 4187 Ratchet Mount. It can also be used with a Shakespeare Style 410-R Mounting Kit plus a Style 4008 Extension Mast to form a 16-foot antenna system.

Color: White
Band: VHF marine
Height: 8 ft
Gain: 6 dB
Cable: 15 ft RG-58
Connector: PL-259
Elements: Brass and copper
Finish: High-gloss polyurethane
Ferrule: Chrome-plated brass, standard 1"-14 thread
Bandwidth: 5 MHz (within 2.01 SWR)
SWR: 1.5:1 at 156.8 MHz
Impedance: 50 ohms
Max input: 50 watts
DC ground: Yes; the antenna reads "open circuit" when tested with an ohmmeter

Specifications

color: WhiteSource
size: antenna band = vhf | cable length (feet) = 15'Source

Questions and answers

What radio power can this antenna handle?: It is rated for a maximum input of 50 watts, so it suits standard marine VHF radios but not higher-power sets.
What mount does it need?: It uses a standard 1"-14 threaded ferrule. Shakespeare suggests the Style 4187 ratchet mount, or a 410-R kit with a 4008 extension mast.
What connector is on the cable?: The included 15-foot RG-58 cable ends in a PL-259 connector.
Is 8 feet enough for offshore use?: It works well for coastal range. For longer range, a taller antenna with more gain is the better choice.
Does it need a ground plane?: It is DC grounded, but the antenna reads as an open circuit on an ohmmeter, which is normal for this design.
Where is the Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable cheapest?: At Walmart, for $95.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Shakespeare 5101 8' 6dB Classic VHF Antenna W/ 15' RG-58 Cable?: Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 19 ratings.